Midlands 2: Ludlow 19 - 22 Moseley Oak

[observer]

Congrats to Oak with a victory in a potentially tricky opening fixture at Ludlow

Saturday, 14 September 2013
Aston Old Edwardians 6 - 12 Willenhall
Bridgnorth 14 - 7 Wolverhampton
Camp Hill 22 - 27 Tamworth
Crewe and Nantwich 29 - 21 Stafford
Leek 17 - 13 Old Saltleians
Ludlow 19 - 22 Moseley Oak

[Communications Team]

Moseley Oak new season thriller
Ludlow 19 - 22 Moseley Oak


Moseley Oak beat Ludlow away 22-19 in a topsy-turvy first outing of the season, picking up a vital four points.

It wasn’t always pretty but Ludlow is a difficult place to go and win, something few visitors are likely to achieve.

It was great credit to Moseley Oak – a much changed team from last year but with the determination to fight back twice from losing positions.

There were plenty of mistakes but Moseley Oak dogged it out admirably especially given spells in the match when Ludlow looked the more likely victors.

An end to end contest which the home side will count themselves unfortunate to lose.

Moseley Oak dominated the first half but ultimately only had a clever Adam Billig score to show for their efforts as he took advantage of a ‘free ball’ near the Ludlow line and danced over.

Chris Carlin converted.

Then the miss of the match as a walk in try was forsaken when the final easy pass was spilled following a strong break by Carlin.

Ludlow got into the match and frustrated Moseley Oak for long periods so much so that the latter only had a seven point lead as the sides turned round at half time.

Cheered on by a raucous if modest crowd – the fixture clashed with Ludlow Food Festival – the hosts came out of the blocks fast with Will Green scampering over for an unconverted score.

Mark Williams was next to show and in no time Moseley Oak found themselves 12-7 down.

Back they came with Duncan White barrelling over after a series of fine thrusts by the forwards.

Then a slick counter-attack from a Moseley Oak clearance kick allowed Will Sparrow to open his wings and land behind the line.

A Carlin penalty reduced the arrears to 19-15 before late in the second half a Ludlow forward was yellow carded for persistent infringing, an opportunity Moseley Oak took full advantage of as scrum half Jack Fairhurst scorched under the posts, with Carlin adding the extra points.

It was the turning point.

And, from there Moseley Oak easily saw out the remaining minutes.

For Moseley Oak the back row of Ben Gerry, Duncan White and Charley Thomas were immense.

An excellent platform as the team look for a second away win against Willenhall this coming Saturday.

[observer]

..and judging by the Oak website the 2nds also won.
Oak 2nd XV 24-21 Sutton Coldfield 3rd XV .........in the Midlands West Reserves League..........

[observer]

Ludlow Rugby Club coach Dave Irish remains confident of top-two spot in Midlands Two (West),
Ludlow Advertiser, Friday 20th Sept

Ludlow 19 pts Moseley Oak 22pts

COACH Dave Irish says Ludlow Rugby Club should remain confident of pushing for a top-two spot in Midlands Two (West).

The Linneymen were edged out by Moseley Oak in their opening league match last weekend after switching off at a vital moment.................


www.ludlowadvertiser.co.uk/sport/10682200.Ludlow_Rugby_Club_coach_Dave_Irish_remains_confident_of__top_two_spot_in_Midlands_Two__West_/