OHRFC 2nds 14 v 43 Battersea Ironsides 3rds

It was a bright beginning for the OH 2nd XV, as a big squad warmed up in the sunshine with a positive buzz and energetic approach ahead of the earlier than usual 1:30pm kick off.

Playing against a typical big and direct Battersea side, the OH matched up well in the forwards, with some great early scrummaging on debut at prop from our lovable Irishman Chris R.

However, some poor tackling and lack of organisation around the ruck fringes created openings which their fleet-footed inside centre exposed far too easily. (he would go on to score a hat-trick for the day)

Given how well we have played at points this season (particularly away from home), OH were down 33-0 at the major break in a half to forget.

With the blood boiling at being so far back at the break, Aussie Tim gave the boys a much needed reality check on the distinct lack of physicality and organisation that cost us dearly around the ruck.

The injection of Yasha, down for his first OH experience, and move of Huw to prop made an instant impact, as OH began to really front up strong. The additions of Bertie, Hayden, Ben L and Conor also gave us plenty off the bench too as the boys started to find space going forward.

Some big hits from Dave K, Aussie Tim, Yasha and new boy Matt (who came down with Bison Jnr) caused Battersea some real problems as the game started to even up.

Desperate to capitalise on its own positive efforts, OH finally broke their duck with tries to Alex Gee (who binned off playing for Barnes to get around the OH) and Yasha scoring just before full time.

Sadly all too little too late, but some real positives in second half with a far improved number of tackles and organisation at the ruck. OH must play like this next week to get back to winning ways.

A big shout-out to Bison Jnr (AKA Sam Hyne) who made a massive contribution and led by example all day. His communication was terrific, line breaks superb and kicked like a star. This boy has a bright future at the OH and he's an absolute pleasure to have in side each week.

MOTM - A difficult one to judge, and easily could have gone to Yasha or Sam, but for an incredible display at fullback off the bench that included about 4-5 line breaks, Bertie was the man of the hour.

DOTD - Incredibly after winning MOTM, Bertie also picked up DOTD for watching the first half from his car, not realising after multiple whatsapp on the group and emails, the game kicked off early.

Points
- Yasha 1
- Alex Gee 1
- Sam Hyne 2 Conversions