Post by Communications Team on Feb 26, 2012 7:04:47 GMT
Moseley Oak Salt Away Another Victory
Moseley Oak beat Old Salts 24-12 in a bruising game at Billesley Common.
That saw them go third in Midlands Two West North behind Old Salts in second place, but with a significant gap to make up to sneak an unlikely promotion spot.
It was a defeat which shocked the visitors but provided a big boost for the home team’s ambitions.
Moseley Oak were fast out of the blocks and after just seven minutes went ahead with a slick score by captain Jack Richards converted by Dan Pons.
From then on it was stalemate as both sides battled to open up the other.
But on the 30 minute mark Moseley Oak went further ahead with a Pons penalty.
And just five minutes later prop forward Jim Goulding broke clear to the line for Moseley Oak’s second try.
Pons again did the honours.
Finally Old Salts woke up and retaliated with an unconverted try of their own. And immediately after ran in a second with an extra two points into the bargain.
That left it 17-12 at half time and all to play for.
The second period began with a yellow card for one of the Old Salts second rows as tempers frayed.
But Moseley Oak refused to be bullied out of it and extended their lead as James Baty put wing forward Luke Hickey in wide out.
Pons converted.
A fourth try and a bonus point was not to be.
Instead Moseley Oak found themselves defending furiously through to the end of the match to keep Old Salts out and deny them a bonus point.
The victory came at a cost with back rower Greg Cox headed for hospital with a leg injury and French full back Pierre Meunier pulling a hamstring.
An important result and an excellent team effort which sets up Moseley Oak for the final run-in and also avenged a 33-15 reverse in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season
Thanks very much for that report. Because the Colts were playing on the main pitch at the same time (and I coud sit down!) I only saw the second half of the Oak's game - so much appreciated.
Pity two such excellent games had to be played at the same tme. Would have been good to turn out on Sunday to watch one of them.
"Reality Bites" Despite an horrendous start to the season for newly promoted Moseley Oak, as a squad they have gelled in recent months and with 8 wins in a row and fourth place in the league, Old Saltleians should have approached this fixture with more care.
