A very competitive game between two of the best teams in National 2 South ended with victory for Barnes by one score.

Barnes started the stronger and put pressure on the OA lineout something that was to last throughout the game. The strong start led to the first try through hooker Alexander March. The game settled into a pattern of both teams being strong carrying the ball but being met with strong defence. OA started to dominate the territory and the field position led to a try in the corner for wing Wilson Ijeh following a strong run as he crashed through Barnes last ditch tackle. Fly half Harrison Legg converted from the touch line. Barnes replied through a try from first phase off the back of a strong scrum with centre Jorden Souter touching downing. Simon Keller missed the conversion but soon made amends with a penalty. On half time OA hit back with a second try for Ijeh which Legg converted. OA went into half time14-13 to the good. Barnes can out strongly in the second half and with the penalty count rising against them Barnes were able to score two tries through Alexandra Mclean-Nelson and wing Paul O’Dell after some missed tackles from OA. Keller converted the second, Barnes ahead 25-14. OA forwards were looking good in the loose and replacement hooker John Kenwood scored from a rolling maul. At 21-25 OA looked like they would take the game, but the referee continue to penalise them which led to a final penalty for Keller on the final whistle.

OA – Tries; Ijeh 25, 42 mins, Kenward 60 mins.

Conversions; Legg; 26mins, 43 mins.

Barnes – Tries; March 11mins, Souter 32 mins, Mclean-Nelson 51mins, O’Dell 55 mins.

Conversions, Keller 55 mins

Penalty; Keller 37, 82 mins.

Richard Homer,

Reporter