Oundle Rugby Club narrowly beaten in their play-off final, but hats off to another wonderful season for a club on the rise

Oundle’s rise through the rugby union ranks has been sensational as just 12 years ago they were playing at level nine. They will return to National League 2 East next season after losing their play-off final 19-15 at Birmingham Moseley on Saturday. Oundle finished in second in an outstanding first season at that level.

Saturday’s hosts finished fourth from bottom in National 1 last season, but won two play-off games at home to preserve their lofty status. They had to survive some alarming moments yesterday especially in the latter stages as Oundle sought the score that would have won them another promotion.

Oundle enjoyed the perfect start when prop Harry Morley finished off a trademark rolling maul on nine minutes and Ben Young added the conversion to make it 7-0 to the visitors.

But the home quickly showed their class by claiming two converted tries of their own for a 14-7 lead.

In a game of fine margins winger Tevita Va’enuku pounced on a loose ball to score a try for Oundle, but unfortunately the conversion sailed wide.

A pivotal moment arrived on 34 minutes as an Oundle forward was sent to the sin bin and Birmingham Moseley promptly went over in the corner to make it 19-12 at the break.

The second half saw Oundle bombard their hosts with relentless pressure and they were eventually rewarded when Young converted a long range penalty to put his side within touching distance at 19-15.

As the clock ticked down Oundle bravely tried to get the winning score, but resolute defending by Birmingham Moseley coupled with some errors at crucial times meant it was not to be. What a journey Oundle are on though and the squad are determined to bounce back in September.

The club are in great shape at all levels as the second team and ladies team won their divisions by winning every game they played.