Two OA hookers showcased intriguing and complementary skills in this eleven try thriller. Mike Bond, despite his sterling work at scrum and lineout time, found sufficient energy to career around the field notching up a tackle count which would put most self respecting back rowers to shame. What was John Kenward to do to ensure he wasn’t upstaged in this keen but amicable contest? Why, take a page out of Marcus Smith’s instruction book and, standing at fly half for some reason, deliver an inch perfect kick to flyer Wilson Ijeh who jogged over untroubled by the flailing defence for the bonus points try.

As if this wasn’t enough he had the temerity to claim the sixth Albanian try himself. He and Bondy will no doubt discuss relative performances for several weeks but the thought of either man exceeding these achievements would sell tickets all on its own!

A’s found the winning formula once more at the expense of a hard working Barnes outfit. The home forwards probably shaded the battle up front (three of their five tries came from Lineout catch and drives) but outside Albanians took the honours. The OA pack worked hard all afternoon and won sufficient possession for the backs to do their collective thing.

A’s took the lead eight minutes in with the first of Tom Stileman’s brace but were put into second place by the second quarter when lively tighthead Alex March scored the second of his driving triple. Stileman worked his magic again just after the half hour but Albanians were overtaken by loose head George Dean who took the winger’s berth momentarily before the break.

Elliott McPhun found acres of space just after the restart but the narrowed gap was widened again by March’s third effort.

Then came the crucial period of the match and Albanians took much of the fight out of their opponents with three tries in eighteen minutes starting with Kenward’s mastery of the kicking art. Ijeh was followed to the line by Nathan Michelow and Kenward himself who ignored the adulation of his teammates!

Jordan Souter’s admirable dash just on no side gave Barnes the second bonus point.

A wonderful match played in excellent spirit by two very talented sides was made all the more remarkable since both clubs had suffered so much from unavailability. This was supposed to be a rest day and several players had other commitments.

It was a pleasure to be here.

Brian Quinn,

Roving Reporter