Oundle Rugby Club powered to a big win against a famous club at an iconic venue

London Welsh are far from the force of old, but they still play at Old Deer Park, yet Oundle were no respecters of fame or tradition as they romped to a resounding 52-24 win. The bonus point victory kept them in second place, just two points behind long-time leaders Old Albanians. It was an impressive success as Oundle were reduced to 14 men by a first-half red card.

In front of a big, vocal crowd it took only five minutes for Oundle to forge in front as winger Rian Hamilton chased his own kick ahead to touch down. Ben Young added the conversion. Further tries from Welshman Jac Arthur, and a superb interception and sprint from his own half by scrum half James Fear, both converted by Young, soon stretched the lead.

Oundle were then rocked when influential second row Shay Kerry was harshly sent off for what was deemed by the officials as a dangerous high tackle. To the neutral it seemed more of an accidental clash of heads.

This gave London Welsh hope and they were rewarded with a converted try, but on the stroke of half time hooker Grant Snelling scored from a trademark catch and drive to make the half-time score 26-7 to Oundle.

Although a player short Oundle remained the dominant force and in the 44th minute Hamilton grabbed his second try before further scores from Kaz Henderson, Tevita Va’enuku and Toby Snelling and three more conversions from Young kept the hosts at bay.

In between London Welsh scored two tries of their own and in the dying seconds added a consolation score to give them a losing bonus point.

The 14 men of Oundle must be collectively applauded for what was possibly their most consistent performance of the season. A special moment was the introduction of 18 year-old scrum half, local lad Theo Haskins, who showed enough touches to suggest he has a bright future in the squad.

Meanwhile the club’s second team raced back to the top of the Counties 2 MIdlands East (South) League with a massive 101-14 win at Brackley. Both the Colts and Ladies games fell foul to weather conditions.

It’s a big weekend scheduled at Occupation Road next Saturday (January 17, 2pm kick off) when the first team entertain Guernsey and the 2nd team are up against Rugby Lions.

Both teams will be eager to maintain their current rich vein of good form and a large crowd is anticipated.