Oswestry 24
Willenhall 17
OSWESTRY'S battling performance yielded victory at home to Willenhall to stay unbeaten at the top of the Midlands League Four West.
Oswestry’s strong pack took command from the start and culminated in vice captain Nick Clay releasing Luke Beckett who ran home his side's opening try, converted by Iwan Ellis.
Willenhall applied pressure in a bid to get back in the game with Oswestry holding out with some great tackling preventing the visitors any time on the ball.
Action from Oswestry's win over Wilenhall. Picture by Nick Evans-Jones.
The match was disrupted by a raft of stoppages which put paid to hopes for a free flowing game.
Mike Davies was the victim of a high tackle which saw him ordered off the pitch to receive treatment and handing the visitors a numerical advantage.
Moments later Connor Crompton was sin binned as Oswestry were reduced to 13 men and the home side were left cursing their fortune when the visitors were awarded a penalty try.
Action from Oswestry's win over Wilenhall. Picture by Nick Evans-Jones.
Oswestry's problems continued with Andrew Smith sent to the sin bin.
However the home side were galvanised and regained their lead when Kele Raturoko released Beckett who fed Connor Blair who charged like a bull against the defence to score his third try of the season.
Ellis added the extras and Oswestry celebrated deservedly regaining their slender advantage.
Action from Oswestry's win over Wilenhall. Picture by Nick Evans-Jones.
Teenage debutant Jacob Jones soon celebrated his first senior team try as Oswestry established a 19-7 lead at the break.
Willenhall started the second-half on top but the home side dug deep and resolute defending ensured the visitors frustrated.
Willenhall failed to make the most of several penalties and Oswestry made the most of their restoration to 15 players with Beckett crossing for his second try of the game.
Action from Oswestry's win over Wilenhall. Picture by Nick Evans-Jones.
The visitors came back and were able to finally crack a hole in the Oswestry line to run over and score a try which they converted to reduce the arrears to 10 points.
Oswestry defended like lions with Jack Morris leading a resolute display as Willenhall laid siege and reduced the arrears with a penalty.
However Oswestry held firm to celebrate a hard-fought win to stay top of the table and unbeaten ahead of the visit of Yardley this weekend.
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