NHSOB

Team / Age Group

Date

Opposition

Venue

Final Score [home side first]

NHSOB 2nds

13^th Sept 2008

Rogerstone RFC

Cefn Wood

27 - 17

Scorers

Pat Brunnock

Peter Phillips

Martyn Williams

Phil Hanley 1 Conversion

Match Comments

The fixture was moved to Rogerstone due to adverse weather conditions and the state of the pitches at NHSOB.

The 'Oldboys' were forced to play many players out of position due to lack of backs, but the players who stepped in (3 Backrow forwards), Martyn Williams (outside half) and Pete and Jason (in the centre) gave 100 % to the cause.

Phillip Hanley played at scrum half and used all his guile and experience to keep the 'Oldboys' pack in the game.

The Forwards were excellent - taking the game to a good, well-drilled Rogerstone team at every opportunity. Youngsters 'Bus' and 'Hotdog' responding well and tackling their hearts out. It was also good to see Peter Phillips (Reg) back in the hooker position - playing a pivotal role in pushing the Rogerstone pack backwards at every opportunity.

The set pieces were good with the Bradley brothers working hard to wear down the opposition. Luke Dempsey (Pikey) and 'Bus' providing good ball for the forwards to drive into the Rogerstone defence. With experienced old campaigners such as Justin Watson (Mongo) and Ian Short (Dad) stepping off the bench - the Rogerstone pack did not know what hit them, with 3 tries coming in quick succession from set piece moves.

It was also good to see a familiar face in the 'Oldboys' pack - Rob Hayes making a belated start to the season. His all round game causing the opposition all sorts of problems.

Unfortunately, young winger John Harris was injured early on in the game, and was taken to hospital where it was later reported that he had received a serious ankle injury.

Overall it was a fine performance that will leave Rogerstone not looking forward to the return fixture later on in the year.

Captain 'Pat Brunnock' was very proud of his young team and feels that this season has the potential to be as successful as last years campaign - "many of these young players will be working their socks off to get into the first team squad". Although a little disappointed at the score it was felt that with a few more players (backs), 'Oldboys 2nds' will compete well during the course of the 2008/9 season.