Oswestry hit back for a battling draw at Clee Hill

OSWESTRY had to be content with a battling draw from their Counties Two Midlands West (North) travels to Clee Hill on Saturday.

A large crowd observed a minute’s silence in respect of the late Queen Elizabeth II following her death the previous Thursday.

Clee Hill started much quicker and were soon on the half way line where Oswestry conceded a penalty.

Clee Hill booted the ball deep into the Oswestry 22 where they won a line out with their pack bullying Oswestry back to their try line where they were able to push over a try.

Oswestry struggled to get out of their half and the hosts were applying all the pressure with the visitors defending well to keep Clee Hill out.

Action from Oswestry's draw with Clee Hill. Picture: Oswestry RFC.

It took Oswestry 25 minutes to mount a meaningful attack on Clee Hill.

However the Clee Hill backs were quick and runs from Connor Bishop, Iwan Ellis and debutant Callum Woodcock were soon run down preventing any progress.

As half-time loomed the extra pressure imposed on Clee Hill paid off and were awarded a penalty.

Scrum half Lewys Cooke immediately took the quick penalty and gained 10 metres without being tackled and was able to dance around a couple of defenders before passing to captain Gaz Ellis who crossed the whitewash to level.

Tom Williams was unable to convert as the sides remained inseparable at the break.

Action from Oswestry's draw with Clee Hill. Picture: Oswestry RFC.

Mike Evans-Jones came on to start the second-half and immediately made a difference with his attacking play.

Oswestry were awarded a penalty just inside the Clee Hill half where Tom Williams attempted an ambitious long kick that just fell short of the posts.

OTHER NEWS:

• Queen's chaplain from north Shropshire pays tribute after death of monarch
• Oswestry pub hit by hike in energy bills
• Wetherspoons to cut prices for one day only this week

From the Clee Hill drop out Mike Evans-Jones went onto a darting run and Oswestry were awarded another penalty which was also spurned as anothe chance went begging.

Action from Oswestry's draw with Clee Hill. Picture: Oswestry RFC.

Connor Bishop broke the lines and was caught just short of the Clee Hill try line on two occasions as Oswestry looked to lead for the first time.

Clee Hill were able to get into the Oswestry half just before the end of the game and were awarded a penalty.

Oswestry were facing their first defeat in over a year but the penalty was missed as the match ended all square.

This Saturday Oswestry are at home to Cleobury Mortimer with a 3pm kick off with all encouraged to come along and support the team as they bid to maintain their solid start to the season.