Oswestry 20 Burntwood 7
OSWESTRY opened the Counties Two Midlands West (North) campaign with a home win against Staffordshire side Burntwood on Saturday.
The visitors kicked off towards the British Telecom building and dominated early on but the Bordermen dug deep and ensured the visitors found to breakthrough.
Oswestry battled well and were awarded an early penalty with debutant Tom Williams kicking his side ahead to begin a fine afternoon for the new signing.
Oswestry applied pressure and debutant scrum half Lewys Cooke showed his speed to link with captain Gaz Ellis who created room for Luke Hassell to charge over the game line with Williams converting.
Oswestry RFC line up ahead of the new season. Picture by Shaun Brook.
Burntwood applied pressure from the restart but Oswestry were too strong in defence and were soon further ahead with their new signings once again prominent.
James Evans stole the ball from the visitors and gained 30 yards before releasing Cooke who jinked past three defending players to run over 35 yards and score a wonderful try which Williams converted.
Burntwood were back in the game by the break with a try and conversion after a lapse of concentration in the home ranks.
Action from Oswestry's win over Burntwood. Picture by Shaun Brook.
Burntwood were on to the attack after the break but Oswestry stood fast in defence and did not allow the opposing team to break the line and ensured themselves in a strong position to see the game out.
The power in defence was proving too much for Burntwood who kept conceding penalties as frustrations grew.
Action from Oswestry's win over Burntwood. Picture by Shaun Brook.
As the game was drawing to a close the visitors were getting frustrated and their penalty count grew as Lewys Cooke once again was like a hare out of the traps giving the ball to Iwan Ellis who ran over a try which was disallowed.
Instead another penalty saw Tom Williams complete the scoring with a penalty as Oswestry toasted an opening day win ahead of their trip to Clee Hill on Saturday before welcoming Cleobury Mortimer on September 17.
Meanwhile Oswestry IIs failed to make the trip to Northwich IIIs in NOWIRUL Division Four West with the home side receiving the points.
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