Stags took the coach up to Oundle in Northamptonshire for this PJ Plate pool 3 group match. A warm welcome from Oundle who we were meeting for the very first time – a club plaque was presented to us by Oundle President Peter Croot, and we in turn shall send them ours when it arrives as ordered.

Stags were stunned within 10 minutes by two quick Oundle tries. First a five metre line out, and a catch and drive on the five minute mark. Try converted. The second five minutes later following a quick tap penalty on the 22, ball channelled out along the line left for Oundle No. 7 to score in the corner. Unconverted. Stags 12-0 down. However, Stags came back quickly and responded just a couple of minutes later, this time executing a five metre line out of their own perfectly with a catch and drive, Bertie Watson (7) with his hands on the ball. Fred Cracknell (15) converts, score now 12-7. On 22 minutes Fred Cracknell clawed back some more points, converting a penalty in front of the posts. 12-10. A tug of war in midfield ensued for the next ten minutes or so, before Oundle scored on 33 minutes following a good succession of drives, a try just right of our pots. Missed conversion, score now 17-10. Once again Stags responded immediately, Emmet McDonnell (12) pouncing on an Oundle fumble in their own 22, and scooping the ball up to charge through to the try line just right of their posts. Fred Cracknell converts. Oundle No. 9 was yellow carded just before the half ended, but Fred was unable to slot the ensuing penalty. 17 points apiece at half time.

Great second half start by Stags, seven minutes in, when they robbed Oundle on the halfway line and fed out wide to Fred Cracknell, who charged up the right touchline. Good support inside by Liam Ward (11), who collected the pass and sprinted through for the try. No conversion, Stags take the lead 17-22. Like the first half, a good hard battle and strong defences on both sides ensued for the next fifteen minutes or so. Stags had missed opportunities to convert five metre lineouts, scrums, and penalties into points, while pressing Oundle in their half. 23 minutes into the second half, it was Oundle who pounced with a good break from their own 22, and they went up field rapidly and scored just left of our posts. Converted, Oundle back in the lead 24-22. Again, great defence by the Stags followed to keep Oundle pressure out. But they crucially lost a 5 metre scrum on 79 minutes, that was turned over, Oundle scoring a try on the left. Converted, Oundle now lead 31-12. Stags did stoically pile on the pressure right up to the end, but unfortunately could not capitalise, the match clock showing 90 minutes when the game ended, just as Oundle missed a penalty kick in front of the posts at the death.

Summary: The Stags were clearly disappointed they could not win this one, despite opportunities to do so. A good effort by a changed Stags team, and we contested well, and came close. Onwards and upwards – we have Harpenden to play next Saturday at home in the final pool match.

Man of the Match (as awarded by head coach Oli Bryant): Michael Ozdilli. “Most likely one of his last games as a Stags player. Mike’s been brilliant all season, but particularly today he played excellently.” Special Mentions (as also awarded by head coach Oli Bryant): “Tom Hollidge was great, first time starting this season as hooker for Stags. Angus Low also had a sharp game today. Tough afternoon, but we move on.”

Tries (x3): Bertie Watson, Emmet McDonnell, Liam Ward – 15 points
Conversions (x2): Fred Cracknell – 4 points
Penalties (x1) Fred Cracknell – 3 points