Oswestry vs Rossall XV

On a mild morning in Oswestry, the Rossall First XV stepped out for their last game of the season, with some Year 13 students playing their last game.

The game itself was a treat. It started ferociously with many breakdowns in the middle of the park. Rossall started well, retaining the ball and running the moves that they had prepared however the Shropshire outfit defended well and caused problems for the Rossall defence especially the number 12 who displayed excellent footwork and speed on a number of occasions.

Through running good lines, Harrison Cardwell cut through the defence like a knife through butter. He then offloaded it to William Hockings who saw the oncoming danger of the full-back offloaded it once more to Joel Moya Caballero who scored the first points of the day, followed by a well-executed conversion by William Hockings. However, Oswestry came back strong and managed to convert 3 points from a penalty.

Rossall showed excellent spirit and enthusiasm in defence towards the end of the half as they defended a series of drives for the Oswestry pack, eventually making a staggering 14 tackles before managing to turn the ball over.

Oswestry 3-7 Rossall XV

Oswestry started the second half the same way they finished the first half. Running hard and making good yards against a stubborn Rossall defence. Rossall missed a few tackles here and there and was made to pay, after a good break Oswestry moved the ball wide and scored in the corner, the try was well converted and they know led 10-7.

Heads started to drop and confidence was low, however, during the last 15 minutes of the game, Rossall clocked into another gear as Sam Currie transformed into a brick wall in defence and a rhino in the attack. This inspired the Rossall team as tempers began to flare.

Big games require big players as Lex Bilby decided to turn up as he bulldozed the Oswestry defence making a 50m break downfield and putting Rossall in a fantastic attacking position. From the resulting ruck, the ball was given to Harrison Cardwell who kicked the ball over to the wing however it did not look promising but a fumble from the opposing winger allowed William Hocking to capitalise, picking up the ball and diving over the line and give the lead back to Rossall. There were jubilant shouts from the Rossall team as their endeavours were rewarded as they saw the game out to take the W back to Rossall.

Man of the Match could have gone to a number of players but it was awarded to William Hockings; he scored a try and assisted one as well defending superbly for the entire match.

Full time: Oswestry 10-12 Rossall XV

Report by Year 13 student, Benjamin Scammell