OEs U12 players turned up early on Sunday such was the excitement and a few nerves going into the final game of the season. Ahead of the match both OEs U12 and Beckenham Wolfpack were unbeaten and on the same points having both won 7 from 7, so the match was by luck rather than design set to be the title decider for the Kent Boys Youth League Group 1. Parents, grandparents, and siblings from both clubs lined the chalk in anticipation.

Blustery conditions made for a competitive game with both sides making handling errors early on. However, Beckenham took the lead after 5 minutes having put OEs under pressure from a high ball and then quickly scored again to make the score 0-10. Playing up the slope in the first half OEs forward worked well together to carry the ball creating an opportunity for prop Eamon Q. to score and give OEs confidence going into the second half only one try down.

From the whistle OEs were quick off the mark in the second half with first five-eighth Sam G. making a darting run into the corner to level the points at 10-10. Beckenham fought back with a disciplined display, some deft passing to again take the lead 10-15. Only a few minutes later OEs earned themselves a free pass from a penalty, with scrum-half Marcus B. playing the ball quickly to Sam G. who instinctively popped the ball inside to Eamon Q. who crashed over the try-line. The home crowd cheered with many convinced that the ball had been grounded but the referee’s decision was final, and he deemed it held up by a combination of Beckenham players. The scrum restart then saw OEs keep the ball, a flick from Marcus B. onto the already running Sam G. who came round the blindside to level the score 15-15. Game on!

As the game moved into the final quarter it was obvious the players were tiring and really had to dig deep and remain mentally sharp. Beckenham kept the ball for several phases and scored again in the 35th minute with some convinced they had done enough to win the match. OEs were undeterred however and after gradually working the ball further and further into the Beckenham 22 they gifted OEs a penalty which enabled Eamon Q. to tap-and-go but he was tackled just short of the try line. From the ruck that formed hooker Rufus M. then picked from 2 metres out and went hard and low to crash through the Beckenham defence to bring the score level at 20 all.

Unfortunately for OEs the clock was then against them and a few second later the referee blew the whistle. OEs remained undefeated in the league and on the same points as Beckenham but the overall spoils went to them on +/- try difference. Whilst the OEs players could not hide their disappointment at coming so close they can rightly be incredibly proud of how they have performed this season. Some of the players will now joining a touring side to Bognor Regis and most will represent the club at the Saracens Land Rover festival in April before some well-earned rest ready for the 2024-25 season.

JM.