By Elliott Josypenko
January 12 2005

Bees went to Oxford expecting a tough game, Oxford were and unfortunately remain unbeaten, winning all 10 games to date this season and until today had only conceded 2 tries. This doesn't tell the whole story and Oxford certainly knew they had been in a game after today.

Bees welcomed back a couple of county players but lost a few, particular best of luck to Rich with England colleges trials. No excuses the lads who played today gave 110%, for a few this was the first full 80 mins. of the season and these lads particularly did magnificently well, even if they were sucking air through their neither regions after 60 mins.

We thought Burton were big, the Oxford pack were huge but knew it was game on right from the kick-off when Bees rucked them off their own ball with a fierce counter ruck. This was pretty much pattern for the game the smaller Bees forwards rucking exceptionally well while the big Oxford lads wanted to maul. The referee (soon to be in Basra) allowed many mauling stalemates to continue far beyond what is reasonable for the spectators and the safety of the players.
It became obvious from the first few lineouts that the Bees would however struggle for primary possession, the Oxford No.8 enjoyed a fine all round game and dominated the lineout. This set the pattern for the game although some more variation in the second period did mean the Bees won more ball. The first-half defence from Bees was outstanding, particularly one passage just before the interval when after enjoying a clean break outside the Oxford winger was felled by a fantastic covering tackle by Rich B., the ball was moved smoothly to the supporting fullback who was ankle tapped by Sam by which time the forward cover arrived, Oxford camped on the Bees line for full 5 mins. but thanks to a huge Bees effort failed to score. Some of the first up Bees tackling throughout the game was ferocious, special mentions for a few big hitters Dale, Lee and Danny take a bow! Despite the Bees efforts Oxford did kick 2 penalties to reach the interval with a 6-0 lead.

The second-half pretty much followed the same pattern as first with Oxford enjoying 70% of possession, this did lead to a couple of unconverted tries and penalty but the Bees also responded with a couple of great tries from deep within their own half. The first came from great turnover under his own posts by Danny, Pablo received the ball in space, a mazy run beat winger and fullback to score an excellent try. The second came from quickly taken penalty shipped wide, with great take and give under pressure by No.6 Lee putting Skids into space, his arcing run only ended deep inside the Oxford 22m but Woody was on hand to finish in fine style.

Special mention to few lads playing out of position Will @ No.10 (not bad for a No.8), James @ openside and Ryan again standing in at prop.

Summary - best performance season to date, the side has some real dogs, we are never beaten before kick-off and never until the fat lady sings, the lack of ball meant huge pressure on the halfbacks to make the right decision everytime, this wasn't always the case but both lads enjoyed fine games, defence full marks, a little more ball and who knows.......................but well done Oxford fine side, fine game, fine win!
8 out of 10.


Mars bar moment:
Defence wins games, today dogged defence almost pulled this one out the fire, well done lads (collectively and individually)!

NEXT WEEK SUNDAY
Walsall at home tbc
Portway, kick-off 11am

23nd Dec. 2004 (schools out for Christmas)................Stratford away under floodlights (also beat Worcs. and Sills in recent weeks) 7.30pm kick-off to be followed by Colts Christmas party, thanks to our entertainment's Director Beau Campbell for the organisation, details will follow over next couple of weeks.
Bus from ShX, if you want to come by bus please let me know, lads out in Solihull afterwards, old farts having a curry?

LEEDS 19th Dec.
It is proposed we cancil fixture and support 1st Team.....................please let me know by return if you need coach places, we will try and get full coach like Wasps last season....................

No training this week


Team:
Steve (Pablo), Rich, Luke (cap), Danny, Woody, Will, Sam, Lee, Nigel, James , Ben, Adam, Elliot (Ryan), Rich, Ethan, Dale

Final Score
Oxford 19 Bees 10

Season to date:
Played 8
Won 5
Lost 3
For 206
Against 122