Raging Bull North West League Division Four SouthOswestry 2nds 10,Marple 2nds 16 OSWESTRY Seconds were edged out at home in a hard-fought game against high-flying Marple on Saturday. The hosts matched the second-placed visitors for long spells of the game and gave no quarter, but were ultimately undone by the fine kicking of the visitors.Within a few minutes of the kick-off Marple were awarded a penalty which was dispatched by the accurate kicking of their number 10. The Eagles fought back with some effective rucking and provided quick ball to the backs who showed strong pace against a formidable Marple side. The Eagles soon conceded another penalty, however, which was duly converted to give Marple a 6-0 lead. The blustery wind and driving rain slowed the game and allowed Oswestry to retain the ball in their pack before applying strong pressure with their drive to put the visitors on the back foot. Yet again, however, the Marple number 10 controlled the game masterfully and kicked his side out of trouble. Soon afterwards Marple scored the first try of the game following a breakaway from their own half as Oswestry pushed forward and were caught out. Once again, the kicker secured the points from the conversion to establish a 13-0 lead. Oswestry responded well to the setback as substitute Jamie Luckett came on to score a fine try, which the Eagles kicker was unable to convert on the stroke of half-time. The second half saw the Eagles intent on scoring another try, which duly came when Dan Wills broke through the Marple defence to score a great solo effort, which was unconverted to leave the hosts trailing 13-10. The home side sensed an unlikely victory and began to probe and attack the visitors’ defence at will. The Marple number 10 kept his side ahead, however, with a series of fine defensive clearances when a home try looked imminent. The dismissal of a Marple player in the game’s closing stages led to some indiscipline from both sides, but ultimately it was Oswestry who conceded another penalty, which the dependable number 10 slotted over the posts to seal a 16-10 victory. l The first team’s away game against Marple firsts was postponed after heavy rain made the pitch unplayable. This week the first team will face Prenton at home with a 2pm kick-off.