OE Thundercats v Frampton Cotterell 2nds 9th December 2023

For the third week running OEs 1st XV were unable to play due to pitch conditions (flood/ice). However, OE Thundercats XV managed to arrange a home fixture vs Frampton Cotterell 2nd XV. A number of 1st XV players boosted the TCs’ squad previously numbering just 14. Earlier in the season, at Frampton Cotterell, this had been a very entertaining match which TCs won, so fingers were crossed for something similar in this rematch. Key though, was to ensure that all the original TC squad players had a good run out and that we resisted the urge to play too many 1st XV players at the same time.

Wil Patterson was in charge and rotated players throughout the game giving everyone a fair chance of a run out and also using a new rule that if you kicked the ball, you were immediately replaced!!

Thundercats SQUAD: Andy Adams(C), Matt Bailey, Isaac Ridley, Huw Patterson, Fergus Blyth, Joe Mallender, Sam Larth, Archie Walker, Ollie Clapp, Daniel Nock, Rhys Sweet, Sam Russ, Will Greenwood.

MATCH REPORT:
Refereed by Mark Johnson. Thank you Mark

The Thundercats kicked off the first half facing a strong wind and so looking to keep things tight. TCs had a good start and were seeing a lot of the ball but Frampton had come to make a game of it and so resisted this pressure. Throughout the game Oli Clapp was rolling back the years showing some really good deft touches. Frampton worked their way into the game and after 9 minutes skinned the TCs’ defence on the left side with their No.11 sliding in and scoring a well worked, but unconverted try (0-5).

The TCs saw some good runs by James Brooke and Sam Hudson and were back into the Frampton 22. A quick penalty taken by TCs came to an abrupt stop as Matt Bailey was hammered back in a good defensive tackle. Further good runs by Tobias Burden, Joe Mallender and Will Tobin showed fine intent but that vital breakthrough was just not coming. Frampton didn’t seem to use the best of the wind but were continuing to be a threat nonetheless. As the half time whistle went the TCs had kept the score down and could now look forward to using the wind in the second half.

Half Time Score (0-5)

Will Tobin started the second half strongly with a good attacking run and the fine cross field kick looked good but was just knocked on by TCs. The TCs' scrum was working well and with Archie Walker leaping like a salmon in the line out the TCs’ set play was securing good possession. TCs’ pressure was building and an exciting move involving Tom Dunbavin, Joe Mallender, & Matt Bailey saw Tobias Burden level the scores with an unconverted try (5-5).

A promising kick through by Jack Boulder saw the ball disappointingly go dead and Boulder was immediately replaced for kicking!! Some promising good performances from Will Greenwood and Isaac Ridley kept TCs on the front foot. A second kick through ended with a more promising result and a try from Jakob Harding, not converted (10-5).

A good touchline kick from Matt Bailey breaking out of defence was clearly the right thing to do but again for consistency he was immediately replaced. Frampton were struggling in the front row so a big thanks to those Es players who did a shift in a Frampton shirt. Once again, a good break from Jack Houlder saw a pass to Frank Arber. Unfortunately, Frank was acting as linesman!!

The TCs stole a couple of scrums against the head but this was very much a game of contrition within both sets of forwards. TCs then extended their lead with a well worked try from Jack Houlder and Henry Oughton and the following drop goal from Jack Houlder crept over the bar (17-5).

TCs finished the scoring with a kick through from Tobias Burden that was well collected by Sam Tarth who went over to score a converted try (24-5).

A couple of line out steals by Tom Dunbavin and Archie Walker saw TCs resist any fightback from Frampton and that’s how the game ended. A good performance enjoyed by both players and spectators alike.

So, attention switches to the 1st XV next Saturday when they entertain Berry Hill RFC at home, to be followed by the Christmas Quiz and then the Christmas Curry.

FINAL SCORE: OE Thundercats 24 – 5 Frampton Cotterell

Man of the Match: James Brooke

SCORERS:
Tries: Tobias Burden, Jakob Harding, Henry Oughton, Sam Tarth
Conversions: Jack Houlder (2)

Full Table and Fixture List below

Report by: Paul ‘Blakey’ Barrington

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