OUARFC 3-4 def by West London Wildcats shitloads-1
While the UK has been facing its mildest winter in memory, the Horspath Sports Fields microclimate continues to present gale-force winds and arctic cold. The fresh-off-the-boat Aussies in the Wildcats team seemed a little shell shocked by the weather, but the now-experienced OUARFC boys turned up having cleaned out Elmer Cotton of their entire thermal stock in the morning.
The first quarter started with some positional changes and a mini club reunion in the midfield, with ex-captains Grey Johnson and Dave Llewellyn joined by Pres Fist Duff. They were receiving from Ruck Sam Merson, who despite his size seems to relish the low-level game and showed impressive endurance, winning Best on Ground from the Wildcats. Blue Turner, suffering a broken rib, started himself in the back pocket. This was a move which lasted all of five minutes before he threw himself back into the thick of things. The Wildcats broke away early, running in waves, and kicking five goals straight with impressive accuracy in the strong wind. Nevertheless, OUARFC stuck at it, and had plenty of forward entries themselves, with Kirby providing a constant target, albeit rarely hit.
At quarter time, the pattern of the game was set, but OUARFC showed no inclination for capitulation against the more experienced outfit. Each quarter became closer as OUARFC players began to adapt to the more fluid play. Alex Coccia’s increasing confidence was on display as he ventured into the midfield. Tayo Sanders took strong marks and heavy tackles, wondering all the while why he hadn’t chosen Croquet as his weird Oxford sporting adventure. The wind was a big challenge, kick-outs particularly so, as it blew around not just the ball, but players, as they attempted to burst after Grey Johnson from the comfort of the huddle. Backmen Ollie, Fist and Nath at one point shared 10 consecutive kickouts in a couple of minutes before the ball thankfully made it past the 50m arc (sadly, in the hands of the umpire). Shortly before half time, Dan Tracey scored the first of two entirely unearned, opportunistic goals (his words), bolstering the commitment of all. While Wildcats went inside for a half time sports massage, recovering from their encounters with Jesus, OUARFC ran drills and chatted about fluid mechanics until play was resumed.
Hugh Bartlett put on a strong show in the second half, showing his usual grit around the midfield, raring to take on his natural tagging role. Tommy Griffin and Pigeon Hunn were similarly tough on the inside, while the ever reliable Ewan Selkirk, Shrike, and Geoff Pascoe provided strong leadership. Phil Jakemen was also strong, until dazed by an excessive tackle from the opposition, who appeared to have gotten dressed in the dark.
Perennial goal sneak Ross Gales scored another goal, which he relived continuously on his two-hour trip home walking a broken bike. One player improving in leaps and bounds (literally) is Ben Young, who has signed to Wimbledon Hawks for the summer, along with birthday boy Ell Neame, who’s work on the wing continues to improve. Rob Cornish, Pat Thewlis and Oliver Van Hacke were other new-comers who relished the contest and all demonstrated increasing confidence and skill. As the quarter drew on, an unsuspecting Kyle turner found a gift from God (actually Tayo) literally falling into his lap as he sauntered around the forward line. Such is our captain’s humility, that he intentionally kicked it for a point claiming he did not need supernatural assistance.
By the final quarter, the heavy ground had taken its toll on players. Dave Llewellyn and Fist Duff had both unwisely decided to take the fast-day of their 5/2 diet, and were reduced to hopping after the ball on cramping legs. Flounder Wylie, also recovering from a broken rib, had gone flat out all day, but was cruelly not rewarded with a goal.
In all, it was a tough, but extremely positive day at the office for OUARFC. After two matches in drastic conditions, the team’s determination has been forged hard, and is looking good to smash the Tabs in a few days times.
Thanks to injured Jack Valmadre and Matt McGilvray, who provided support despite illness and injuries, and Rach and all the others supporting and shivering on the sidelines.
While the UK has been facing its mildest winter in memory, the Horspath Sports Fields microclimate continues to present gale-force winds and arctic cold. The fresh-off-the-boat Aussies in the Wildcats team seemed a little shell shocked by the weather, but the now-experienced OUARFC boys turned up having cleaned out Elmer Cotton of their entire thermal stock in the morning.
The first quarter started with some positional changes and a mini club reunion in the midfield, with ex-captains Grey Johnson and Dave Llewellyn joined by Pres Fist Duff. They were receiving from Ruck Sam Merson, who despite his size seems to relish the low-level game and showed impressive endurance, winning Best on Ground from the Wildcats. Blue Turner, suffering a broken rib, started himself in the back pocket. This was a move which lasted all of five minutes before he threw himself back into the thick of things. The Wildcats broke away early, running in waves, and kicking five goals straight with impressive accuracy in the strong wind. Nevertheless, OUARFC stuck at it, and had plenty of forward entries themselves, with Kirby providing a constant target, albeit rarely hit.
At quarter time, the pattern of the game was set, but OUARFC showed no inclination for capitulation against the more experienced outfit. Each quarter became closer as OUARFC players began to adapt to the more fluid play. Alex Coccia’s increasing confidence was on display as he ventured into the midfield. Tayo Sanders took strong marks and heavy tackles, wondering all the while why he hadn’t chosen Croquet as his weird Oxford sporting adventure. The wind was a big challenge, kick-outs particularly so, as it blew around not just the ball, but players, as they attempted to burst after Grey Johnson from the comfort of the huddle. Backmen Ollie, Fist and Nath at one point shared 10 consecutive kickouts in a couple of minutes before the ball thankfully made it past the 50m arc (sadly, in the hands of the umpire). Shortly before half time, Dan Tracey scored the first of two entirely unearned, opportunistic goals (his words), bolstering the commitment of all. While Wildcats went inside for a half time sports massage, recovering from their encounters with Jesus, OUARFC ran drills and chatted about fluid mechanics until play was resumed.
Hugh Bartlett put on a strong show in the second half, showing his usual grit around the midfield, raring to take on his natural tagging role. Tommy Griffin and Pigeon Hunn were similarly tough on the inside, while the ever reliable Ewan Selkirk, Shrike, and Geoff Pascoe provided strong leadership. Phil Jakemen was also strong, until dazed by an excessive tackle from the opposition, who appeared to have gotten dressed in the dark.
Perennial goal sneak Ross Gales scored another goal, which he relived continuously on his two-hour trip home walking a broken bike. One player improving in leaps and bounds (literally) is Ben Young, who has signed to Wimbledon Hawks for the summer, along with birthday boy Ell Neame, who’s work on the wing continues to improve. Rob Cornish, Pat Thewlis and Oliver Van Hacke were other new-comers who relished the contest and all demonstrated increasing confidence and skill. As the quarter drew on, an unsuspecting Kyle turner found a gift from God (actually Tayo) literally falling into his lap as he sauntered around the forward line. Such is our captain’s humility, that he intentionally kicked it for a point claiming he did not need supernatural assistance.
By the final quarter, the heavy ground had taken its toll on players. Dave Llewellyn and Fist Duff had both unwisely decided to take the fast-day of their 5/2 diet, and were reduced to hopping after the ball on cramping legs. Flounder Wylie, also recovering from a broken rib, had gone flat out all day, but was cruelly not rewarded with a goal.
In all, it was a tough, but extremely positive day at the office for OUARFC. After two matches in drastic conditions, the team’s determination has been forged hard, and is looking good to smash the Tabs in a few days times.
Thanks to injured Jack Valmadre and Matt McGilvray, who provided support despite illness and injuries, and Rach and all the others supporting and shivering on the sidelines.
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