Bristol OC’s 20 - 3 London OC's
In
the third annual grudge match between the London OC's and
Bristol OC's, the 2005 game once again took place on the
hallowed school close. Honours shared after the first two
encounters set this match up superbly. Both teams had previously
demonstrated the importance of this grand annual event,
displaying gritty and resolute performances in both games.
So it was no surprise that the pre-match build up was as
feisty as ever. London OC's supremely confident after their
established side had had such a good start to their season
in London. However, fresh from the previous year's victory
and with an influx of young blood coming through, the Bristol
side were also relishing their chances.
The pre-match talk was dominated by player selection. Who
was allowed to play; who wasn't? Were non-OC's eligible
to represent the London OC's in an old boys match? Were
ex-professional players eligible to play in a friendly old
boys game? For weeks the captains were locked in heated
discussions over these important questions unlike the night
time entertainment venues! However, a sensible solution
was resolved and both sides were able to field their strongest
sides to ensure that Rugby was the winner on the day.
On D-day, with the teams picked, players ready and enough
pride riding on this game to win the Grand National twice
over, the stage was set! Once again it was a gorgeous winter's
day, perfect for flowing rugby and wonderfully set up as
if the moment was framed for a school postcard. There were
a few nervous players wondering around in the changing rooms,
however most were just excited at the prospect of playing
on big side once again.
Bristol OC's won the toss (always a good omen) and elected
to kick-off. The game started with a bang as the two large
packs met for the first time as they competed for the ball.
Bristol, having recently recruited the Pearce brothers felt
that size and strength was on their side and as a result
kept the ball close to the pack for the open stages of the
game. Strong forward play and the ever dependable boot of
Rob Yates gave Bristol an early three point lead. The lead
was increased by the Bristol OC's dogged forward play culminating
in Nick Cussen driving over for a well deserved try. However
this lead was threatened soon after by strong attacking
play from the London side that were only kept out by some
scrambling defence. At half time the score was close at
13-3 in Bristol's favour.
The entertaining rugby of the first 40 minutes did not continue
in to the second half. Nerves lead to very scrappy and error
filled performances from both sides. The tense atmosphere
quickly lead to some aggressive and occasionally illegal
play, resulting in an incident where one unnamed player
(see: http://www.ocrugby.org for the unedited version!)
had to take a much needed rest off the field for 10 minutes.
The London side capitalised on this advantage and applied
enormous amount of pressure on the Bristol team and were
unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. The game
however finished off on a high note when Nick Cussen stormed
over for his second try of the match, clinching victory
for the Bristol OC's.
The final whistle went and Bristol had won the game 20 points
to 3. However the score did not reflect the pattern of the
match and the way the London side had played. One player
from each side deserves a mention. Firstly, Josh Galaun
from the London team who played outstandingly well considering
he had the ominous task of controlling Ed Pearce for 80
minutes. Secondly Nick Cussen who played aggressively but
fairly and came out with the only tries of the game.
The game had finished however the day was far from over.
As always Charlie Colquhoun had kindly laid on food and
drinks in the newly refurbished pavilion and there were
further festivities to be had at Channings and the school
favourite night club Kickers.
Finally, I would like thank a couple of people on behalf
of all the OC players for what was a superb event again.
Firstly, I would like to thank Charlie Colquhoun who has
supported the event enthusiastically every year and transformed
it into an outstanding OC spectacle. He organises everything
from the referee, to the team rugby shirts and the after
match food and drinks. So a huge thank you to Charlie and
all his supporting catering staff at the College.
Secondly, I would like to thank Dave Sherwin (referee) whom
I thought did an outstanding job in what must be a nightmare
of a match to referee. I felt he controlled the game superbly
and he even allowed me to have a 10 minute rest on the side
of the pitch during the game!
Thirdly, to all the players from both sides who played in
the game. We all know that the second half didn't life up
to expectations of the crowd, however none the less it was
a thoroughly enjoyable match and I hope to see everyone
again next year for the next clash of the titans!
Fourthly, thanks must go out to my fans for coming from
near and far to watch and support the teams from the side.
Many thanks for turning up to watch me/the game; I (and
all the other players) felt humbled by so many people turning
up. It felt like (and one person really thought that there
were) about 500 people watching the game. We trust you'll
all turn up again next year to see me/the game.
Matt Mann
Click
here for photos.