South Lancs/Cheshire League - Division Two
Oswestry Eagles 23, Trentham 0
OSWESTRY Eagles blitzed the opposition in their first match of the season with Rob Massam crossing the line twice to secure a comfortable scoreline over visiting Trentham.
The Eagles didn't have it all their own way however and they were forced to defend with their backs to the wall for much of the game before their resolute defensive work paid dividends to the delight of the home fans.
Any first match nerves were settled by an early penalty from captain, Andy Howell, who calmly slotted between the posts before the Oswestry forwards began to take the game to Trentham.
A quick ruck just outside the Trentham ten metre line saw the ball pop up to Oliver Wilford who stormed up the pitch towards the try line before being stopped five metres short.
Oswestry's forwards provided quick ball for Howell to put through Massam under the posts for his first try of the season though, and Howell's conversion put the Eagles ten points up.
Trentham began to gain a foothold in the game however, putting tremendous pressure on a new-look Oswestry defence which withstood the visitors' best efforts whilst keeping their discipline in tact to ensure Trentham's best efforts proved fruitless as they dominated for the majority of the next hour.
Oswestry's new-found belief in their defensive play proving the driving force for the win.
Howell scored the third of three penalties before they broke free with man-of-the-match, Tyler Morris, catching a high ball under pressure to set up a ruck from which the Oswestry pack recycled quick ball.
The ball was then swung out across the backs before Massam began one of his trademark runs, handing off four Trentham players to touch down under the posts to enable another easy Howell conversion with which to cement the win.
The Eagles visit Sefton next week with the Seconds entertaining Whitchurch at Park Hall from 3pm.
Anyone wishing to pull on a shirt for the Eagles this season can contact coach, Don Howell, on 07739 446565.
Salford University League, Division Four South
Trafford MV Thirds 33,
Oswestry Seconds 15
THE Eagles travelled to Manchester for the first game in Division Four South of the Salford University League. Captain Tom Sproulle had a young team because quite a few regulars had work commitments, he took six of last years Under 17s for their league debuts.
The pack struggled and the lineout especially gave no ball for the backs to play with and after 30 minutes they had conceded three tries with only a Louie McKenzie penalty in reply. The team rallied and sustained pressure saw centre Josh Tsang break through tackles to score, a similar try came soon after with Ed Gittens at flanker jinking his way over from five yards out.
Heads were up at half time and Oswestry went for the win but they could not break Trafford's defence and tiredness crept in giving Trafford two late tries to flatter the scoreline.
This week the side welcome arch rivals Whitchurch III to Park Hall, kick off 3pm.
Training nights are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm with all players welcome.