Oundle Rugby Club secure a famous win to move closer to promotion to the big time

It’s a barely believable prospect for a club playing for the first time at National League 2 Level this season. Oundle finished second in the East section of National League 2 to earn a play-off semi-final at Tynedale last Saturday. They won that game 29-20 to advance to a final at current Division One side Birmingham & Moseley this Saturday (May 16).

A win in that game would move Oundle to within a promotion of the Championship.

With home advantage and a large crowd backing them Tynedale were fancied to beat Oundle, but thanks to impeccable preparation and tactical knowhow the visitors ran out deserved winners. Playing against the elements Oundle forged into the lead on 7 minutes when Jac Arthur touched down and Ben Young converted. Shortly after Tynedale levelled and then forged ahead with two penalties leaving the half time score 13-7 to the home side. Oundle had the elements at their backs in the second-half and some magnificent forward play and accurate tactical kicking from half backs Lewis Finlay and Young delivered some excellent attacking positions. Impressive number 8 Anthony Maka barged over and Young converted to get Oundle in front, but in a rare visit to the visiting 22 Tynedale scored and retook the lead. Oundle then exerted tremendous pressure on their hosts and were rewarded when giant replacement prop Fred Reynolds touched down before and a Young penalty then eased them further ahead. And in the dying minutes centre Samson Ma’asi completed the scoring to send a jubilant Oundle to the final.