The Ossett RUFC 1st team traveled away at the weekend to face Dinnington in a Counties 2 clash. Both teams coming off the back of good wins the weekend before and no doubt both wanting to keep their streak going.

After a pitch move due to an injured player from the game before (wishing them a speedy recovery), we kicked off at a windy Dinnington. A fairly slow starting game with not much action from either side eventually came to an early penalty given away by Dinnington to that in kicking range for Ossett. Will Forrest took into account the wind, and Ossett led 3-0 after 6 minutes.

Not long after Ossett made a mistake, which allowed Dinno to make a nice line break and head to try line for the first try of the game. Followed by some weird hooter noise, the conversion was missed. 5-3 (9 mins).

Another slow restart to the game where both teams were eager to try get into their grove and show the talents they had; unfortunately, the next points came again for Dinno; they struck a penalty to make it 8-3 after 13 minutes.

Ossett not to be deterred spent the following 10 minutes putting pressure on Dinno and keeping them within their 22. A few short exit kicks from Dinno against the wind allowed Ossett to keep pushing. Unfortunately, we suffer 2 knock-ons, which certainly would’ve led to tries.

A deeper kick exit from Dinno landed in the hands of Danny Ratcliffe, who showed a good turn-off pace after a cheeky bosh and dart down the wing, scoring in the corner. Windy conditions meant the ball drifted just left of the post for the conversion. Ossett was back in the game at the 22nd minute mark, being 8-8.

Dinno had the perfect return from kickoff due to another Ossett mistake, allowing them to score, making it 13-8 at 25 minutes.

Once again, Ossett carried on to pin Dinno on their line with some great ball delivery from Danny Buckley. However, more mistakes meant no points. Ossett held firm in the scrum and did show some good passages of play but was unable to get past the defense.

HT Whislte-Dinnington 13-Ossett 8

The second half got into full swing, with both teams once again trying to edge their opponents. Dinno moved the ball wide and quickly but was unable to get past the Ossett defense, while Ossett found it difficult to break down the middle of the park.

Nathan Lawrence showed a great kick return, which put us well and truly on the front foot again; however, this was sadly followed by a Jack Peat yellow card at 49 minutes. Whilst in the bin, Dinno took full advantage of the extra man and scored in the corner and converted the try. 20–8 to Dinno on the 55-minute mark.

Ossett finally started to find a bit of something about themselves and got fired up to bring the game back into contention.

After getting back to 15 men, Ossett played some nice ball and worked the wide areas well to put Connor Malarkey in for 5 points with some great support from Ross Turner.

Will Forrest managed to slot a great conversion, making it 20-15 with 20 minutes to go.

Ossett lost some shape and that previous go forward they had at this point and allowed Dinno to settle into their game plan and play wide. Resulting in a try and conversion in the 67th minute.

Heads from Ossett went down a little, but their scrum continued to be strong, with Thomas Quinn making strong mincemeat against his opposite number, resulting in an Ossett penalty. Handbags followed, and Dinno got marched up the field.

As seemed the theme of the day, Ossett failed to turn this into points and made another mistake, which Dinno capitalized on. 76 minutes and try to Dinno. Current score: 32-15.

Ossett’s pack came alive once again, defending on their 22 and resulting in another penalty, quickly taken and moved forward. Dinno gave away another infringement. Ossett wanting to play made another quick tap, and captain Danny Buckley was knocked to the floor in a no-arms tackle. Dinno prop shown in yellow.

Ossett kicked to the corner and had one last effort to score some points. A scrappy line again but still retaining possession, Ossett tried to play out but got caught sleeping and held onto the ball on the floor.

Final whistle: Dinnington, 32; Ossett 15,

Some great working points for the coaches following that performance, and some reflection was had afterwards by the players. Early into the season, we will rebuild at training and continue to build again next week when back at home.