THE Eagles overturned an early season 46-point defeat at Ormskirk with a solid display which included slick passing, excellent tackling and impressive offloading throughout in a game in which everyone played well, completely overwhelming the opposition.
On a lightly snow covered pitch, which volunteers made playable, and with a biting wind, Oswestry opened the scoring in the first minute when a kick and chase by scrum half Gareth Jones forced a five metre scrum from which Jones picked up and dived over. Captain Andy Howell kicked the conversion.
Shortly after, a clever kick by Howell beyond a static defence allowed winger Tom Keaveny to chase and score unopposed. Howell again converted.
Oswestry were outplaying Ormskirk in all areas. Sam Wright charged down an attempted clearance on the left and from the possession Oswestry moved the ball across the line for winger Rob Massam to score, Howell converting off the bar.
On the half hour the visitors’ frustration was showing as their half back was sin binned for throwing punches.
A rare Ormskirk attack was broken up inside the home 22 from where Massam jinked and weaved his way through and under the posts to score a magnificent try. Howell converted.
Oswestry completed the half with a fifth try when the impressive James Evans broke free to score from 20 yards. Howell converted.
As expected Ormskirk started the half strongly, however on 50 minutes an Oswestry break by Massam and carried on by Howell who passed inside for flanker Dan Samuels to score.
But the visitors, to their credit, never gave up and they were helped when Oswestry, for the second week, had two players sin binned within a minute for two professional fouls during which time Ormskirk scored their only try. Andy Howell completed the afternoon with a penalty.
On Saturday, Oswestry Firsts have a home league fixture against Hoylake (2.15pm); the Seconds have an away league fixture at Wirral III, while the thirds are at home to Mersey III in the cup (2.15pm).