South Lancs and Cheshire League Division One
Oswestry 15,
Vagabonds (Isle of Man) 17
OSWESTRY narrowly lost a crucial relegation battle due to some ill luck and some poor finishing.
They missed try-scoring during the first half but eventually managed to assemble a 15-5 lead before losing a player to a yellow card and conceding two tries.
Even then they had a chance to win the game with a last kick 30-yard penalty but typical of Oswestry’s luck at the moment, the kick sailed narrowly wide.
In a well-contested game, Oswestry had been level at half-time due to a James Martin surge which saw him go over in the corner for an unconverted try.
This was matched when Vagabonds crossed before half time for an unconverted try of their own.
After the break Oswestry took the lead with a penalty, which was soon followed by a converted try by Rob Massam.
However, losing a player to a yellow card proved the catalyst for defeat and they continued to give away penalties.
But it was a controversial try which brought Vagabonds back into the game as it appeared to everyone else that the ball had been spilled as their opponent crossed the line, but the referee awarded the try anyway.
Vagabonds continued to press the Oswestry line and broke through again, this time, crucially, it was in front of the posts and gave them an additional two points and a 17-15 lead.
In the last couple of minutes Oswestry, restored to full strength, pressed forward with any score sure to win them the game. The opportunity came with the last kick and was missed.
Despite losing, Oswestry moved off the bottom of the league due to Sale, who Oswestry play on Saturday, being deducted points.