Sat 22 Mar 2025
OCs welcomed the all-conquering, table-topping, only lost one game in 3 seasons Luctonians II Team to Tile Hill Lane where the home side had not been beaten all season! Bearing in mind this impressive record and the strength of the opposition, there was a quiet air of confidence amongst OCs players and supporters. With another excellently attended VP’s Lunch taking place in the Club, a large crowd had assembled to see if OCs could topple the mighty Luctonians and nudge towards promotion.
The game didn’t start too well for the OCs, with the visiting fly half slicing through the OC’s defence after just 5 minutes to give Luctonians an early lead. OCs, as ever, responded well, pinning Luctonains inside their 22m but the visitors defence seemed to be holding firm until a drilled wide pass from Chatty was scooped up on the half-volley by Emosi, who dotted down in the corner to take the scores level. In a game that went end to end for the whole 80 minutes, back came Luctonians with an immediate response. OCs conceded a penalty from the kickoff and Luctonians kicked the ball deep in to the OCs 22. Luctonians took the lineout and their powerful forwards drove hard at the OCs line, crossing it in the corner to regain their lead. Luctonians impressive goal-kicker slotted over the conversion from the lefthand touchline. Luctonians pressed hard to try to extend their lead but a superb try-saving tackle from Emosi downed the huge Luctonians second row just inches from the line. The game was only 10 minutes old but was being played at a frantic pace with both teams looking to play ambitious, open rugby.
A few moments later, a scything line break by Alex Kelly on halfway, took the OCs back in to the Luctonians 22, but he was hauled down just before he could get his pass away. At the breakdown Josh James, making a rare appearance in the centre, got the jackal in and won a penalty for the OCs. Opting for a kick to the corner, OCs drove from the lineout with Dan Anderson just being held up over the line. Dan continued to test the well-drilled Luctonians defence as he charged down an attempted clearance kick, gathered the ball but was again held up inches short of the line. OCs were not to be denied for long though as their pressure was finally rewarded with their second try of the game. Some nice interplay between forwards and backs created a half chance for Jack Fennell who was loitering out wide. He had to make the most of every bit of his 6’4” to dot the ball on the line with his fingernails and put OCs back within two points (10v12).
Once again, straight from the re-start, OCs were not able to exit their 22 tidily, putting themselves under immediate pressure which Luctonians were able to capitalise upon – scoring a converted try just before half time.
Half-time score: Old Coventrians 10 v 19 Luctonians II
The second half started in the same fashion as the first half ended with both Teams intent on scoring tries! Paul Wilkes found himself out in the back line and, with little on, fell back on his fly half skills with a beautifully placed grubber kick which went 50m and put Luctonians on the back foot. A goal line drop out by Luctonians was caught by Sam Miles. He worked the ball wide to JJ who powered his way through 4 defensive tackle attempts like a Tasmanian Devil – losing his shirt in the process. From the ensuing ruck the ball popped out to ever-present Dan Anderson who stretched across the goal line for the first score of the half. With two points in it, the intensity of the game seemed to increase – tackles were harder and the pace hotter. Sadly, Alex Kelly had to leave the field due to a tight hammy and was replaced by Jack Butler. OCs then had two chances to take the lead in quick succession. A 40m penalty attempt from Chatty fell just short and as Luctonians tried to clear their line, the ball fell to Chatty once again whose attempted drop goal also fell just short of the posts.
Luctonians responded well to the OCs pressure. A lovely 50 / 22 from their impressive outside centre gave them a lineout only a few metres from the OCs line. A quickly taken short throw gave their hooker just enough space to scramble over in the corner. The successful conversion extended Luctonians lead to 9 points. But OCs were back in it within minutes. A strong scrummage from the home side gave OCs a penalty which Chatty kicked deep into the Luctonians 22. A really well executed move from the lineout, saw Emosi smash through the middle of the Luctonians defence. He was held up just short of the goal line but quick thinking by Sam Miles moved the ball back towards the touchline where the try-hungry Jack Fennell was there to use his telescopic reach to dot the ball down on the whitewash for the second time in the match. Three tries from the two second rowers – how impressive was that! Back within four points, OCs went for the jugular. With pressure building on Luctonians, a stray attempt from them to clear their lines was gathered up by Ayuk Takang on the right wing. Dancing one way and the next, he floated his way through the Luctonians defence before popping the ball out to Chatty who scampered over in the corner. Chatty had by now found his kicking boots and slotted over the conversion with aplomb - leaving OCs 29 v 26 in front.
Luctonians haven’t built up such a fantastic record over the last few years without having the talent to go head-to-head with anybody. Putting the OCs back three under pressure, OCs were forced to concede a scrum 5 metres out from their own line. A well worked move off the back of the scrum saw the ball quickly out to Luctonians dangerous 13 who picked a lovely line and crashed over. The conversion put Luctonians back in the lead with just 2 minutes left on the clock. As supporters of this OCs team have become accustomed to seeing throughout this fantastic season, this side just don’t know when they are beat and this game was no exception. With time ticking away, a charge down by Dan Anderson forced Luctonians into an error, giving OCs one last chance from a scrum 10 metres out. The OCs scrum – strong throughout the latter half of the season – secured the put in and as the ball moved out to the backs, fly half Chatty used his power and pace to sneak through a gap in the Luctonians defence to swallow dive over the line for the match winning try. As the whistle for the end of the game blew – the players and supporters went mad – what a fantastic game of rugby from two very good rugby Teams!
Hard to pick any individuals out of the Team for special mention as this victory was a victory for the determination, resilience and commitment of all 18 players and the coaching staff. The younger lads added energy and enthusiasm. The older boys brought composure and cool heads when it was needed under pressure. It has been a real treat all season to watch this Team grow and develop. There have been some fantastic games played and this was no exception – in fact it was probably one of the finest all-round performances from an OCs first team in many years. With just one more performance like this in the final League game against Droitwich in a fortnight, OCs can secure their highest League position since Leagues began back in the 1980’s. Some season…………..!
Full-time score: Old Coventrians 36 v 33 Luctonians II
