A far from dull Draw

On a bright Autumn afternoon Fordingbridge II travelled to Bournemouth to entertain Oakmeadians II.

With 18 players unavailable due to injury or International call ups!! Selection was going to be a tough call, with a bare 15 available.

The 15 men who took to the park could have been daunted, when they looked across to the Oakmeadians 32 warming up, but they had other ideas, with a scrum which dominated throughout, a line out which functioned effectively, nobody would guess this was a scratch side.

Jon Vass returning as Skipper for the day, let the players motivate themselves, and commented afterwards ’the players seemed in the zone’ (can we have your tour deposits???)

Steve Tooke and Michael Parry probably went through 5 props each such was the domination of the pack. Dave Sims playing in an unfamiliar role of Second Row, proved to be a powerhouse, which gave Liam Hobbs a platform to attack from. Oli Walter normally a tight head prop, played out of his skin at blind side flanker. Andy Godden provided the energy of a typical #7 and was everywhere.

In a game which ebbed and flowed, no side could find the ascendancy to take control of the match. Oakmeadians had a #8 who wouldn't look out of place at a higher level, who proved a thorn in the Fordingbridge defence, continually making barnstorming runs, which resulted in ‘Bridge conceding the first points.

Fordingbridge with Adam ‘Boyband’ Glenn returning after numerous years away through injury and work commitments, had the back line flying without wings, when he sent an angelic pass to Tim Beer who beat numerous defenders to score a fantastic team try. Which was converted by fullback Dean Lewis.

With both teams prepared to attack at all opportunities, it was Oaks who hit back next with a try of their own. Luckily their kicker had left his kicking boots at home as Fordingbridge were outscored 6 tries to 4.

With the scoreline tight, captain Vass elected to kick a penalty and the scores were tied. The never say die attitude which exhumed throughout the team was evident as ’bridge pushed for a further try, but after numerous indiscretions by Oaks, another penalty by Dean Lewis gave Fordingbridge a 13 - 12 lead at half time.

HT 12 - 13

Words of encouragement at half time and almost ‘shock’ that Fordingbridge were winning, as Oaks used their plentiful replacements bench, counted against Fordingbridge as their nemesis #8 drove over for another try, which took everybody by surprise.

Matt Maynard who had one of his best games in his more familiar role of centre, was a constant threat, linking well with Steve ’The Pirate’ Watson, who is relishing his role as the shepherd of the back line.

In my opinion the moment of the match which gave belief that Fordingbridge could actually win the match was the tackle by fullback Dean Lewis who took the role of ’last line of defence’ quite literally and gunned down his opposite number with a rib tickler which gyrated throughout the team and geed the troops on, to give that extra effort.

Joe Woodland who was inducted into the ’Vass’ hall of fame is acclimatising to his wing role, was solid in defence.

All in all this was an immense performance from a Fordingbridge side whilst lacking in numbers, didn't lack for heart! A true blue performance.