In-form Oundle mark opening of new Johhny Reynolds Memorial Stand with another big win
Oundle have gone joint top of National League Two East after they secured a thrilling 41-36 win over Sevenoaks at Occupation Road on Saturday.
It was an emotional day for all connected with Oundle as The Johnny Reynolds Memorial Stand was officially opened prior to kick off, with the first team then marking the occasion with yet another win.
The victory sees Oundle draw level at the top with Old Albanians, who lost for the third time this season at the weekend as they were beaten 40-31 at home by Westcombe Park - who Oundle travel to for their next game on Saturday.
Oundle started sluggishly and fell behind to two early tries from the visitors before Grant Snelling touched down for the first of his hat-trick first half tries.
A further score from winger Rian Hamilton and two conversions from Ben Young left Oundle leading 24-17 at the break.
The home side scored further tries through Lawerence Rayner and Toby Snelling, with Young adding a further conversion, and looked for be cruising home.
But a penalty try and another converted try from Sevenoaks left Oundle defending stoutly with 13 players after captain Conor Gracey and winger Vita Va’enuku were sent to the sin bin, but they held on the for win.
The second team were also on home soil, and they went top of the Counties 2 Midlands East thanks to a 33-24 win over morning leaders Leighton Buzzard first team.
The IIs won thanks to tries from Wagstaffe, Henderson, Winch, Noble and Ivens along with three conversions from Bristow and one from Winch.
It was a ninth win out of nine for Oundle IIs, and they are now five points clear at the top.
On Saturday they are on the road as they go to fourth-placed Old Laurentians.