Match Report: 01 December 2007

Bath Old Edwardians almost pulled off an upset against league pacesetters Old Redcliffians and only let their lead slip in the final quarter. Despite the driving rain and hailstorms the game was an epic one. The physical OR pack were kept in check from a great defensive effort from OE's to give the league leaders a real scare. And in attack OE's kept the ball tight but gained valuable yards through sniping runs and good use of recycled possession at the breakdowns. The Old Edwardians showed patience and played a tight game in the slippery conditions and only shipped it wide when they had space. This led to try for Mike Brian who finished off a great passage of play. The home side responded with a try of their own through a driving maul close to the line where they made the most of the muddy conditions to burrow over for the score. At the turnaround OE's edged OR's 7 -5 and looked the more assured team. The first twenty minutes of the second half was extremely physical and despite the worsening weather it was end to end rugby but neither side put points on the scoreboard. Unfortunately it was an off the ball incident that seemed to turn the game. An OR punch felled prop Andy Todd. A cheap shot from one of the OR pack frustrated at being matched physically and out thought mentally. This meant that OE's had to play with fourteen men (having used their subs) and the scrums were now uncontested. OE's still played with passion but two tries late on and a penalty kick gave the home side a 20 - 7 victory and cemented their position at the the top of the league.

And as it appeared in the Bath Chronicle...