The final score line does not reflect the commitment and chances that fell to OL’s that could have closed the scoring gap considerably, albeit that on the day Newbold were the better side and deserved the victory.From the kick off Newbold took the game to OL’s and the first ten minutes of the game was played well into the OL’s half of the field with the first home try coming after a number of forward mauls after five minutes of playing time. The try was converted and pressure continued on the visitors but OL’s were getting back into the game and presenting problems to the home side without success. A number of promising moves broke down due to careless handling at critical times allowing Newbold to retrieve ball and relieve pressure. The game continued in similar fashion with both sides testing defences but it was Newbold’s better handling that enabled the second try to be scored when following another forward surge the ball was touched down near to the posts for another converted try.

The final 15 minutes of the first half was dominated by OL’s but only resulted in one unconverted Ryan Dee try wide out on the left wing. Two other passages of play by the OL’s, one set up by a defence breaking run from young fullback Bradley James that saw him commit the home side full back before passing out for the overlap which was unfortunately knocked on to thwart the score, and another passage where a cross field kick to the right winger following good forward play wide out on the left, saw the ball dropped when a try looked a certainty. Half time was reached with the score at 14points to 5 which would have been far different had the OL’s two open scoring chances been taken.The second half belonged to Newbold despite the game being played evenly for long periods but it was Newbold’s more clinical finishing that saw the home side add a further 17 points to give them a comfortable bonus point win on points scored but it did not truly reflect the effort and chances createdby the OL’s that were spoiled by careless handling on occasions.Next week’s league game sees Nuneaton Old Edwardians visit the Crofts, kick off 3.0pm.

Match report by Mr Fisher