Lancs/Cheshire North Division Two

Old Bedians 5

Oswestry 10

Oswestry faced a difficult fixture playing away again to a team that was placed just behind them in the league.

Old Bedians were up for the challenge and in front of a small crowd of home supporters hoped to do well against the Eagles.

For almost the whole duration of the first half the locals were camped in the Oswestry half and the only thing separating the two teams was the visiting defence.

However, after 27 minutes Iwan Ellis went down with an injury to his arm and after treatment from Becky Ashurst, had to leave the pitch to be replaced by Adam Beattie.

Soon after, Bedians scored an unconverted try and it stayed that way until half-time.

The coach and captain had stern words for their team and Oswestry came out a different side playing with more aggression.

For the first time Oswestry were able to get into the home half and apply pressure saw Bedians concede a penalty and the quick-thinking Mike Davies was able to run through and score a try. The kick was missed and Oswestry were on an equal footing.

Almost immediately the locals kicked the ball behind the Oswestry line. The loose ball was picked up by Matthew Bithell who returned the kick into the home half. Kele Raturoko was faster than the home side and ran on to the ball and before he was tackled he managed to pass to Bithell who started the whole phase and was able to run over and score. The conversion was missed but Oswestry had the lead.

The game was still close and Bedians tried to claw their way back into the match but Oswestry resisted with a strong defence by all the players and playing better overall.

After 36 minutes Connor Crompton who had a strong game was replaced by Scott Smith who was able to add his power in the back line. Oswestry held out for the victory to cement their third in the table place. Man of the match was Mike Davies.

This week, the Firsts are away again to Mossley Hill.