News

WEST MON OBs 13  v  FORGESIDE 18

This was never going to be a pretty game to watch, such was the significance of the result as both sides needed to avoid relegation to division 3D East. It was a must win game for Forgeside but the OBs would have settled for the draw. The game was a nervy affair throughout with both sides unable to take the encounter by the scruff of the neck. However, it was Forge who started the game with the intent to win and within 3 minutes of the start Fly Half Morgan Parry took the iniative with a neat chip over the defence, which caught the OBs Full Back off guard, and chase his own kick to touch down for the unconverted try. The OBs didnt lie down though and 2 minutes later they were awarded a penalty for their endeavours, the Right Winger slotting the kick. Both sides struggled to retain any decent possession for the next 10 minutes as there were too many unforced errors which resulted in scrum after scrum. the next score came from the hosts with another penalty 15 minutes in. Again the game continued to become a tussle but it was Forge who looked the most dangerous at times. A few penalties were squandered by Forge throughout this period but it was the visitors who scored another try on the 31st minute mark when Winger Matt Meredith created a neat grubber along the touchline and gather to score, converted by Parry. Forge continued to pressurise the host's try line and rewarded with another penalty on the half time mark, Parry converting. 6-15 Half Time. The second half wasn't a pretty affair as both sides struggled to gain a foothold of the game so Forge made some changes in the hope of freshening things up 15 minutes in. The visitors continued with their dominance but the OBs defended resolutely. In fact it was the hosts that scored next with a crucial try when their Centre burst through some weak defence to touch down for the converted try. Things became really nervy at this point as both sides cancelled each other out but Forge looked the slightly better side with the OBs being reduced to 14 men when their Scrum Half was sin binned for pulling the maul down. Forge opted to take the quick tap from the penalty but it did't amount to anything. Perhaps an attempt at goal would have been the better option? On the 65th minute Forge looked dangerous again in their strive to kill the game off and were awarded a penalty which Parry duly slotted. That was to be the last score in the game but the last 15 minutes was a tense affair with everyone on tenterhooks. There was no denying that Forgeside desrved to win this game and retain their status in Division 3C East as they made better use of their possession and generally dominated the game and set pieces. A great team effort!!! Next up is Markham at home on Wednesday 10th May which is a dead rubber match as they have already secured promotion to Division 3B East. Forgeside RFC would like to express their gratitude to New Panteg RFC for their hospitality after the game!