Match report Oakmedians vs London Welsh 8 November 2009

It's been a while since London Welsh last played a league game in the leafy environs of Meyrick Park in Bournemouth, but despite the wet and windy weather, the welcome was as warm as ever (this being the home of birthday half-pint challenges and friendly 7s tournaments). Welsh took the field with a few people out of position and newer players eager to stake their claim to the red jersey. The game started well and, as in the past, opening exchanges were very even and fiercely contested. First honours went to Oaks, soon evened up by a great break and score from Wolfie. In the first half Oaks had the wind behind them and they used this to their advantage, placing great kicks behind our defence, forcing Welsh onto the back foot. This paid dividends as Oaks followed up their kicks and with strong running and supporting play put two more tries past the Welsh defence before half-time. 5-17 half-time score. A stern half-time talk failed to concentrate Welsh minds sufficiently and still not fully switched on, Welsh conceded a further two tries immediately after the break. A great behind the posts speech from Paula galvanised the slightly shell-shocked Welsh team, and they finally started showing the skills and team spirit that have marked the team's resurgence this season. The forwards led the way with some great breaks by the pack. Bryoni marshalled the backs well and good pressure led to Welsh scoring two tries through Leah from penalty moves close to the Oaks line. PC PC converted one close to the posts and Welsh were back in the hunt. Again Oaks threatened our defence and scored again, despite redoubtable attacking defence by Paula, but Welsh came straight back with a spinning powerful drive over the line from Kim, her first league try for London Welsh. The red jerseys again pressed for a fifth bonus point try without success as Oaks defence held firm. Final score Oaks 32-22 London Welsh. Overall this was a gutsy performance from Welsh when at times their defence was far from firing on all cylinders and they showed great character to come back from a big deficit in the second half. Much to work on in training but other positives included some excellent work by the newer/returning members of the team, Berta, Fi, Vikki and Danielle. A big thank you to Lucy for giving up her day out to come onto the bench and to the supporters who came down on the coach - your support is always hugely appreciated. A very big thank you also to the Oaks physios and staff who helped look after our casualties after the game - this is a very friendly club and I'm glad we're back in a league with them for the close tough games and the friendliness off-the-pitch - bring on the return fixture!

Best forward: Leah

Back back: Danielle