Post by Communications Team on Apr 14, 2013 5:52:49 GMT
Moseley Oak back in victory mode
Moseley Oak 19-8 Aston Old Eds
Moseley Oak dug out a 19-8 win at Billesley Common against Aston Old Edwardians in filthy weather to keep their promotion hopes alive in Midlands 2 West (North).
But a vital bonus point eluded the home side and, given the way other results went, it is looking increasingly likely they will have to settle at best for a second place play-off.
No longer is it in Moseley Oak’s hands to gain the automatic top spot.
Silhillians are on 73 points – effectively 74 given their massive points differential – Wolverhampton, who have played a game more than both their rivals, are on 68 points, and Moseley Oak have notched 67.
Moseley Oak and Wolverhampton have each to go to Bridgnorth, with the former first up next Saturday.
Silhillians have a home fixture against Stafford which they would be favourites to win.
And then comes the finale – Moseley Oak v Silhillians on April 27 at Billesley Common.
There are a number of permutations but it is beginning to look like Moseley Oak could go into the final fixture six points behind with Silhillians already up. And needing one or two points, depending again on differential, to overhaul Wolverhampton.
Moseley Oak must hope fifth position Stafford do them a favour … and, even though well adrift of the leading three, stranger things have happened.
Overcoming a stuffy Aston Old Edwardians was hard work; nevertheless, a win is a win especially considering the previous week’s disappointing reverse at Leek. But it was never that convincing perhaps in part down to the conditions and some strange positional changes.
Despite playing up slope and against the wind and rain Moseley dominated territory in the first half.
However it was Aston Old Edwardians first into the lead through a Tom McNamee penalty. But as half time neared Moseley Oak took advantage of an opposition yellow card to press the line and smuggle Rob Holden over.
A scrappy first period … though featuring an entertaining disagreement between the packs which saw both captains warned to control their players. It seemed likely that Moseley Oak would dominate after the break but they struggled to break the away side’s determined resistance.
A pushover try got Andrew Ford over and Dan Pons did the honours to make it 12-3.
But Aston Old Edwardians fought back and got Conah Davies across the line to bring the difference back to four points. However Jon Perks danced his way through the mud for an excellent score to put the game safe, with Pons again adding the extras. Moseley Oak though couldn’t get a fourth.
A good performance at Bridgnorth is now absolutely essential.
Results Saturday, 13 April
Moseley Oak 19 - 8 Aston Old Edwardians
Spartans (Midlands) 14 - 23 Leek
Stafford 23 - 21 Bridgnorth
Veseyans 15 - 5 Tamworth
Wolverhampton 19 - 13 Silhillians
Table – 14th April
Silhillians P18 W15 73pts
Wolverhampton 19 -13- 68
Moseley Oak 18 -15 67
3 clubs vying for promotion spot (1st) and promotion play off spot (2nd) v 2nd in Midlands 2 West South
Remaining fixtures
Saturday, 20 April 2013
Bridgnorth Vs. Moseley Oak
Silhillians Vs. Stafford
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Bridgnorth Vs. Wolverhampton
Moseley Oak Vs. Silhillians