Star Man – Dan Lilley – OA

Attendance 237

The last game of the season, with little resting on the result, could have led to a lack lustre affair but credit must go to both teams who provided an entertaining game.

OA started strongly and despite playing into a strong wind spent the first 10 minutes camped in the Guernsey 22. However, it was Guernsey who got the first score from a lineout through hooker Daniel Morgan following a breakout and a 50-22 kick. Owen Thomas converted. OA hit straight back with a try for Michael Bond, Greg Lound converted, 7 all. OA early dominance had returned and they scored three tries, the first for scrum half Elliott McPhun from a quick tap penalty, The next OA try came from man of match centre Dan Lilley when he found a gap in the Guernsey back line and scored under the posts. Wing Kaz Henderson sored the bonus point try in the left corner and OA went into half time 24-7 to the good. OA started the second half with a another try for Henderson following a long clearance kick using the wind, Lound again converted. It felt like OA might run away with the game but Guernsey dug in and were rewarded with the next two tries. The first an interception for centre Ciaran McGann. The next after multiple phases and a quick tap penalty for wing Oscar Bailey to score in the left corner, 36-21. However, OA finished the stronger first with another try for McPhun under the post, Lound again converted. Fittingly the season was rounded off with a well-deserved try for hard working OA skipper, second row Ash Illston, following a line out and a couple of inter passes. OA finish the season seventh, Guernsey nineth.

Scorers;
OA – Tries; Bond 16 mins. McPhun 25, 68 mins. Elliott 32 mins. Lilley 37 mins. Lound 41 mins. Kingswell-Watts 59 mins. Illston 77 mins.

Conversions; Lound; 17, 33, 42, 69 mins.

Guernsey – Tries; Morgan 12 mins, McGann 43 mins, Bailey 51mins.

Conversions; Thomas; 13, 44, 52 mins

Richard Homer,

Reporter