Young OAs hold on

Old Albanian Under 15s 29 Ealing Under 15s 27

The Old Albanian Under 15s First XV beat Ealing 29-27 in the second game of their Herts/Middlesex league campaign on Sunday.

The Woollams boys started enthusiastically, dominating the play and the sustained pressure told when full back James Loveman took off on one of his trademark mazy runs and, following up on his own chip ahead, scored to the right of the posts. The conversion was missed.

Both packs were working hard to assert themselves and dominate the rucks and mauls, Jack Massie impressing with his work rate.

The home side were lucky not to concede points after a series of penalties against them but just before the break Ealing scored a converted try, quickly followed by OA captain Ed Mellen forcing his way over to make the half-time 10-7.

The second half saw Ealing playing with the wind and making good use of their strong runners. However Lewis Cole showed his strength by joining the line from the right wing and scoring under the posts to make it 17-7. The hard-working Massie scored OAs' fourth try, guaranteeing the bonus point but a lapse in concentration lead to a penalty and a try by the visitors.

With the two sides exchanging points, the result was far from certain. Lewis Gaffney all but sealed the home win with a well-earned forwards try which was converted in style by Nathan Thomas.

l The Under 15s Second XV beat Hertford 17-0 away. With a strong wind making passing and kicking very difficult, the OA boys played a tight game.

Hooker Max Thomas opened the account with a well-earned try in the first half. Fraser Reid and Ernest Hill were on the scoresheet in the second half, taking the game away from the home side. Hertford fought back but were kept out by some spirited defence.