Tough tackling, strong support running and some excellent decision making set the platform to give OAs what turned out to be a comfortable win against a good Hertford side.

Tom Baker set the tone, breaking up the Hertford play and pushing Hertford back with some powerful drives from midfield. The pressure eventually told and Toby intercepted to run in the first OA try.

Hertford immediately responded, managing to eventually break through the OAs defence to even the score.
This fired the OAs backs into gear and a great dummy from Fred created space for Toby on the overlap and, drawing the full-back, unselfishly popped the pass back inside for Ethan to run over.

OAs continued to work hard and were winning the ball at the beak-down. After further good work by the forwards, the ball was put wide again for William to break a tackle and tun in OAs third.

More immense driving from Tom and with Tariq, a terroir in the tackle, OAs kept the pressure on Hertford. Toby was again sharp to intercept and run in his second and then William followed that up with another driving run and score to end the half 5-2 for OAs.

Hertford started the second half in determined mood and were camped in OAs territory. OAs matched their efforts defensively and with some great last gasp tackling were determined to keep Hertford out. However, the pressure eventually paid and Hertford deservedly pulled one back.

The next try would be decisive, and it went to OAs. George picked up and powered forward. OAs moved it wide again and Daniel chose the right line to collect the pass and run through.

James Wells then came on for a cameo and, hitting the Hertford backs at speed, broke through to score two fine individual tries in quick succession and flatter the scoreline. OAs winning by 8 tries to 3, just before the heavens opened.

Stephanie Wells,

Under 13s