Match Report - 1st XV v Heathfield & Waldron

...The start from Heathfield and Waldron showed how they intended to play; wide, fast paced and outside their young fly half. Having coughed up possession a number of times, ODs found themselves under significant early pressure and conceded an early penalty, 0-3. A quick turnover and even quicker thinking from Tibs moved the ball to Malachi on the wing who left the defence floundering to score in the corner, 5-3. Unfortunately ODs lost their scrum half, Scotty, who dislocated his shoulder, we wish him well with his recovery.

Without really getting into their offensive pattern, ODs conceded two further penalties to finish the half 5-9. A decent half time score considering the balance of play was with the away side.

At the turn, ODs started to get into their stride, stringing a few phases together and using their big runners, in particular Luka, Pughy and Davies made significant inroads into the H&W defence. The two teams exchanged tries… JP scored in the corner after ODs were able to keep the space out wide well. H&W scored in the corner after a turnover and a few slack tackles, but Chad saw ODs move into the lead from a great driven line out, Tibs duly converted, 17-14 with 10 minutes to play.

A very tense last few moments saw an new exchange, this time one of errors and turnovers. A distinct lack of pattern and phase play from both teams saw a large number of scrums which took their toll on the ODs pack and eventually led to some tired defence and a sloppy try by H&W, also converted, 17-21.

Pressure was heavily laid on by ODs for the final few plays, but their last ditch efforts fell short and unfortunately ended rather fittingly with a knock on? Final score 17-21.

Heathfield & Waldron finished last season in 3rd position and payed some great rugby. On this performance they look good for this season as well. We look forward to the return fixture later in the season. In two weeks’ time we travel to Bromley and welcome any travelling support for this grudge match.