Oundle Rugby Club won a heavyweight clash to stay in the title race

The Kent-based home side had defeated leaders Old Albanian the previous week and with their giant pack including one second row weighing in at an incredible 160kg posed a significant threat to high flying Oundle. Oundle arrived without regular prop Harry Morley (flu) and were further rocked in the opening minutes when scrum half Lewis Finlay limped off with a serious knee injury. However Oundle are a resilient bunch and went ahead in the seventh minute when Kaz Henderson touched down following a slick backs move with Ben Young adding the conversion. Park levelled shortly afterwards, but further tries from Lawrence Rayner and Grant Snelling, and a conversion from Ben Young, stretched the visitors lead before the hosts touched down to leave the score 17-12 to Oundle at half-time. The bonus point try was scored in the 48th minute when Anthony Maka crossed and a further try from Rian Hamilton, both converted by Young gave the visitors a comfortable 33-12 lead heading into the final quarter. The Oundle coaches will be concerned at their team taking the foot off the gas allowing Park to draw within one score and they were pressing for a draw as the final whistle blew. But, in what was an all round team effort with special mentions should going to props Taylor Gourlay, who was winning his 100th cap for the club, and Jake Bridges. Oundle 2nd team remained top of Counties 2 Midlands East (South) with a fine 45-31 win on the road against Old Laurentians. Both teams are at Occupation Road next Saturday (2pom kick offs) with the first team entertaining third-placed Bury St Edmunds and the seconds tackling Huntingdon & District.