South Lancs and Cheshire League Division One
Oswestry 20, Winnington Park 17
THIS much needed and well deserved win should kick start the Eagles’ season, especially as the unprecedented injury list is starting to ease.
Oswestry, playing their first game since being over-run by Widnes, bounced back by beating fourth placed Winnington Park with a fluency not previously seen this season.
The visitors managed a converted try in the final minute to bring some respectability to the scoreline.
In good conditions Oswestry started positively, taking the game to Winnington for 15 minutes with good movement, inter passing and chasing down the ball when losing possession. This culminated in Rob Massam being set free on the left wing to round his man and score from 25 yards.
Oswestry continued to force the pace, James Martin intercepting on halfway only to be dispossessed five yards out. A visiting forward had 10 minutes in the bin for reckless use of the boot. From a defensive kick Massam collected the ball from deep and sidestepped four defenders thus allowing a number of attacking phases only for the ball to be lost over the line.
With a second visitor having a 10-minute break for a ruck offence, Oswestry doubled their lead when from a five yard scrum Gareth Morris scored. After half an hour the visitors set up a kick and chase for their first entry into Oswestry’s 22, eventually having a try disallowed for double movement.
Winnington continued to compete inside the home half until the half time whistle.
The start of the second period saw the visitors continued momentum turn into an unconverted try. Oswestry replied with a Gareth Hughes penalty. Oswestry’s counter rucking on halfway saw the ball moved to centre Tom Keaveny who broke through to set up Massam who scored impressively under the posts, Morris converting.
The visitors scored a second try with a kick and chase, then in the final minutes scored again and converted.
This was a good allround performance with Oswestry’s forwards proving yet again they play second fiddle to no team and the backs showing much improved movement and handling.
This Saturday at 2.15pm the Firsts are away to Wigan; 2nds home to Anselmians 2; and the 3rds have no fixture.