Match Report: 06 October 2007

Bath Old Edwardians ended Oldfield's unbeaten start to their Somerset II North season with a pulsating 20 - 16 victory. OE's tore up the form book and produced a disciplined and committed performance to outplay their hosts. OE's had a nervy opening few minutes with passes going astray before settling into their game. The foundations were laid by their forwards who were superb at the scrums and the breakdowns. Sniping runs by Rob Holmyard, Johnny Leverett and the impressive Andy Todd gained valuable territory and the ball was often recycled through several phases. The larger Oldfield pack were allowed little space to operate thanks to some dogged defense. OE's made the most of the ball when it came out from the forwards and fullback Paul Eke made some great inroads with superb kicking out of hand. Despite looking in control it was the hosts that went in at halftime 11 - 3 up thanks to a breakaway try from their outside center from the halfway line just before the break. OE's stuck to their game plan and some superb support work meant that OE's held on to possession through several passages of play. OE's first try came from a high up and under kick by Paul Eke which was well collected and off loaded to Craig Harris who popped a neat pass to Andy Todd who touched down under the posts to take the score to 11 - 12. OE's had the momentum and a break by Keith Onions led to a penalty five yards out which was taken quickly by Trev Walther who sent the ever present Andy Todd over for the score. OE's battened down the hatches and rode out the Oldfield late surge and despite conceding a try with five minutes left came away with a deserved victory. Skipper Guy Levell was extremely pleased with his sides display "To come to Oldfield and end their unbeaten League run was a great achievement and if we carry on performances like this we can produce more upsets this season."

And as it appeared in the Bath Chronicle...