Rampant OA Saints go marching on
RFUW Championship South One OA Saints 27 Bath 3 AFTER an extended Christmas break due to the poor weather conditions both teams were keen to find their feet and dominate the game. The Saints had the advantage of being on home turf and settled the quickes
RFUW Championship South One
OA Saints 27 Bath 3
AFTER an extended Christmas break due to the poor weather conditions both teams were keen to find their feet and dominate the game.
The Saints had the advantage of being on home turf and settled the quickest, continuing to build on this throughout the game.
After initially losing some ground and having to undertake some early defence Karina Page and Chloe Alcorn made a good break and much ground to then put the Saints on the front foot. After conceding a penalty within kicking distance OAs found themselves 3-0 down but confidence stayed high.
Most of the remainder of the half was then spent in the Bath half with Saints on the attack.
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After some great backs work and quick ball Alcorn was tackled into the corner for the referee to make a contentious decision of no try.
Saints held their composure and with constant pressure were rewarded with the first try in the 32nd minute with Sarah McKenna skilfully switching play allowing Alcorn to run in. OA Saints led 5-3 at the half time whistle.
In the second half the forwards built on their strong platform with several scrums won against the head, with strong scrumaging from Beth Mileham and Paula Chandler in the front row, the constant pressure sapping the energy of Bath. Saints were able to control the game nicely with Tamsin Openshaw moving to play fly-half and the intensity was increased across the squad.
Soon after the restart Simone Shepard caught a poor clearance kick and set up Cath Botterman for the first try of the half. After some substitutions Page was now playing scrum-half and with some good reactions turned over the ball and went on to score in the 65th minute. Saints were unable to convert.
Alcorn then added her second try of the match in the 70th minute using her strength to run in at the corner.
The final score of the game was provided by McKenna with a great running try starting at the half way line, converted by Page. A final score of 27-3 means that OAs collect another bonus point and secure their place at the top of the table.
OA Saints II's recorded a great home win against Beckenham 24-5 to secure top spot in their league.
OA Saints I head to Plymouth on Sunday and OA Saints II's travel to Old Dunstonians for more league action.
