After a week of strong numbers at training and high-intensity sessions, there was a good feeling heading into the weekend. OC’s were eager for their first win of the season against newly promoted Thurrock, a side from the depths of Essex.
The day began with perfect conditions for rugby—clear blue skies and a promise of running rugby. However, just as the referee blew the whistle for kick-off, the heavens opened with a torrential downpour. Despite the weather, the game kicked off with Thurrock showing early pressure through a powerful rolling maul, pushing OC’s deep into their own territory. Defending their line well, OC’s managed to regain ground. After a few scrappy phases—where the ball seemed more like a bar of soap—Andy O’Malley channelled his inner number 8, brushing off five defenders to put OC’s on the scoreboard first.
From the restart, a clean take saw Baker doing what he does best—breaking tackles and offloading, this time to Newins, who charged through a gap like a bull in a China shop, taking OC’s back into Thurrock’s 22. With momentum building and big carries from the forwards, OC’s seemed in control, but a timely interception from Thurrock saw them regain ground, forcing OC’s to defend once again. However, a superb tackle and turnover by James Amore put OC’s back in possession.
With the rain easing off and after numerous scrums, Napper took the opportunity to relieve some pressure, slotting a penalty from Thurrock’s 22 to extend the lead by 3 points. However, this was quickly countered as Thurrock earned 3 points of their own in the next phase of play. As halftime approached, with only a 5-point margin, OC’s pulled off what might be the try of the season so far. Debutant Shane, off the back of a strong OC’s scrum, powered through 40 meters and brushed off four defenders to score in the corner, in front of a sea of fans, right before the halftime whistle.
Buoyed by the energy in the changing rooms during the break, the message was clear: stick to the phases and finish the job. As the second half got underway, OC’s maintained control, keeping Thurrock pinned in their own half. After some powerful forward carries, Conor Gray somehow managed to fend off 12 defenders and, against the odds, dotted the ball down to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Napper’s tactical kicking added to OC’s territorial dominance, forcing Thurrock into costly errors. One such error was kicking directly to Harry Taylor. With his trademark sidesteps and tackle-breaking ability, Taylor burst through from the middle of the park and looked certain to score from 50 metres out—until he dropped the ball over the line, earning himself the unenviable title of OC’s “Dick of the Day.”
The second half remained scrappy, but Shane continued to shine, making a brilliant run to get OC’s deep into Thurrock’s territory. A try-saving tackle denied him his second, but it wasn’t long before a perfectly placed grubber kick from Victor saw Shane touch down for his brace. Soon after, Andy O’Malley crossed the line for his second try of the day, sealing the match and giving OC’s their first win of the season with a commanding 37-3 scoreline.
Special mentions go to debutants Jack Nagel and Shay Storey, and congratulations to the well-deserved Man of the Match: That’s Amore!
Conor Gray
Man of the Match – James Amor 🧸
Alikadoos nomination goes to Conor Gray🍾
