The Stags set sail across the Mendip Hills on a very wet Saturday to take on second placed Oldfield Old Boys RFC for a top of the table clash. OB had lost their previous fixture against Wells RFC the week before so were determined not to lose two on the bounce.

OB had the upper hand in the first ten minutes with more possession of the ball who also had a kicking game plan to keep The Stags in their own half. When the Stags managed to retain the ball, they controlled the game well but OB’s quick defence read the ball well and an audacious pass from inside centre, Richard Muskett, was intercepted by the OB winger who ran, from within his own half, the remainder of the pitch to score the first try of the game. 5-0

OB’s kicking game kept The Stags pinned back and it was clear to see that OB’s quick defence were aiming to force errors but The Stags back line of Conor Howard, Alex Watkins and Ryan Beard dealt with onslaught in a composed manner. OB extended the lead to 8-0 after being a awarded a penalty for offside.

The Stags then came out of first gear in straight to fourth, then fifth by applying pressure on OB’s in all areas. As they worked there way up the pitch, going through the phases, quick ball was produced on the 5m line for Muskett, who made up from his intercepted pass, by spinning off a tackle to score, 8-5.
From the restart, OB’s quick backs applied pressure on The Stags deep in there 22 area and were awarded a penalty for holding on in the ruck. The penalty was within range of the posts and they extended the lead 11-5.

The Stags began to control the remainder of half by keeping possession going through the phases and gaining territory. Several phases of play were had with the pack recycling the ball at each breakdown which allowed Sam Lewis to whip the ball out to stand in Fly Half, Will Hopkins, (Tim Piper was grooming himself for the weekend) who produced an accurate cross field kick which OB’s struggled to defend and the ball was gathered by Josh Holder who scored The Stags second try shortly before half time. 11-10.

HT 11-10.

The Stags has sussed out OB’s game plan and starved them of the ball for many periods of the game. After persistent pressure deep in OB’s half they somehow managed to loose possession in a ruck. With OB’s regaining the ball they also lost possession in a phase of play on there own try line as the ball popped out a ruck and Hopkins pounced to score and take the lead. 11-15.

OB’s fire power was fading as The Stags took control of the second half and proved why they are league leaders. OB never looked like scoring any more points and Captain, Ross Mckechan, showed his raw power after a run of play to score and Alex Watkins converted to extend the lead 11-22.

With only a few minutes remaining, The Stags sensed they could add more points and close the game out. Watkins made a blistering run from deep and received the ball to score the last try of the game just before the whistle was blown. 

Final Score 11-27.