Match Report vs Aylesford Bulls

After an opening scrum where the OD's were unceremoniously pushed off the ball by the large forward pack of Aylesford Bulls(AB), they soon took masterful control of the game and applied a lot of sustained pressure. This produced the first OD try by Andy Booth who scrambled over from loose play in the corner, from which Mike Ubee stroked over the conversion from wide out. 7-0.

AB just could not get into the game and continued relentless pressure from all the OD’s produced another try in the corner this time from Jack Nagel, again effortlessly converted by fly half by Mike Ubee. There was then an exchange of penalties before Josh Ajiboye was driven over to score another OD try. Score at HT 22-3, OD’s having played up the hill. Would the OD's be able to keep up the pressure in the second half ?

The answer was a quick yes as the always dangerous Jamal Gobir ran in a bonus point try in the corner and AB, only relegated last season from the league above, were just left in the shadows of the unrelenting OD onslaught. OD’s handling in these difficult wet conditions was outstanding throughout the game.Another penalty by Mike Ubee and a converted try by AB brought the score to 32-10 , before Fran Pennacchia ran in yet another OD try, after relentless OD pressure from 1-15 to make it 37-10. The game was in the bag now but suddenly a lot of AB pressure in our 22 produced a spectacular interception try by Diarmuid Raleigh who outstripped the AB defence as he ran the length of the pitch to score under the posts - final score an amazing 44-17 in dreadful conditions but was a sheer delight to watch. We never let Aylesford into the game and the amazing defence of the ODs, evident throughout the whole game, was only matched by the ferocious contesting of ruck and mauls that produced 8-9 turnovers that just stopped the bewildered AB's in their tracks.

There were many contenders for man of the match but the award deservedly went to a newcomer to the team this season - Ollie Godley - well done Ollie ! One of the finest, most skilful games I have ever watched and played in such difficult conditions. Sam and the boys rightly celebrated in the bar afterwards - please please boys - everyone down to training this week and let's see a repeat next week - more champagne rugby please!!

John Broadfoot
President of Old Dunstonian RFC