12th May 2012

Old Collegians U12s v Burnside, 22 v 33

TRY SCORERS George Pepper, Nick Barry, Maxwell Monfries
CONVERSION Tom Copson

A sad day for the U12's on the OC 75th anniversary celebrations. A fine start from the boys in red and blue with 2 early tries led to a fight back from Burnside. Despite only having one sub the superior ball retention (and acquisition) of Burnside, together with everyone tackling their hearts out, led to a spate of tries which was always going to put our heroes on the back foot. Lacklustre performance to the ball carrier meant limited ball, which in turn meant important opportunities were lost in final execution.

The season is but at an early stage and with intense coaching may well result in a Phoenix arising from the Ashes scenario if everyone pulls together. See where we are on the ladder at SARU website. Well done to Abigail, Magnus Duckett, Mathew Green for a good performance especially the power run by MD as he ran with 10 of the oppo trying to pull him down.

.... Chris Barry

28th April 2012

Brighton vs OC U12, 21 vs 15

TRY SCORERS Flynn Rogers, George Pepper
CONVERSIONS Tom Copson

On a sunny day by the seaside Old Colls under 12s took themselves off with their faithful and ever increasing number of loyal partisan fans to the home of their nemesis, who had narrowly beaten them in the Sevens comp the week before.
A fine squad played gingerly initially and tries came easily to the Brighton mob. However new guns Mathew Green and Edwin Dodd proved more than a match in the front row with the old hand Thomas to put pressure on the oppo pack. Out of nowhere came the try with powerful driving by the forwards and quick release to the backs to George (the Captain).

The second half saw OC grow in confidence and their powerful backline came more into play with Nick (my son) recycling ball repeatedly to put pressure on. Quick hands to the backs and great driving by the forwards saw Flynn Rogers power over the line for another try. Sadly in the meantime Brighton had scored another try meaning a narrow loss to arguably the greatest threat in the comp.

A fantastic effort on the first day of the season and with our squad of 26 players bodes well for the rest of the season. Well done to all the players new to the game especially Cohen Williamson and Abigail for a cracking tackle.

.... Chris Barry