Today our U12s Travelled across the water to face off against Liverpool Collegiate. Our Boys were confident as on previous encounters we had come out on top, but after a disappointing performance from last week, a win was needed to boost morale.
During the warm up it was clear to see that the previous week was affecting the mindset and that we were going to have problems unless the attitudes changed.
After a briefing from the ref (who made it clear he would not tolerate any back chat or attitude from either team), the game kicked off. Clearly attitudes hadn't changed and the young Oilers found themselves on the receiving end of 2 quick tries from LC. Captain Charlie C rallied the boys and resumed the game with his as usual pin point kicks. I am not sure what Charlie had said to the boys but it had worked, our attitudes had changed and we were now back in the game, reclaiming from kick off and taking the fight back to LC. The boys started to switch on and function as a team, winning the rucks and contesting possession at every chance. A few times play was stopped and words had to be had from both the ref and coaches about behaviour and attitudes ( this is becoming a bad habit we need to get rid of). But the 1st half ended with the young Oilers 5-2 up.
The 2nd half commenced and the boys seemed to have lost the edge they had gone into the break with, letting LC come back with unanswered Tries. we did have some good phases of play that seen Dec crossing the line with ball in hand. But good honesty and Values from Dec he admitted to the ref( who didn't see) that he had dropped the ball so it was no score. With the oilers up by one, LCs main man broke through our lines and was certain to score, but good tracking back by Josh A seen the last ditch tackle made in the corner to keep the lead (even if the LC parents argued the case). This action raised the spirits again and the Oilers found their mojo, annoying the opposition and making them commit repeated offences and give away numerous penalties. the game got very scrappy and at times dirty towards the end. But the Mighty Os came away with a 8-5 win.

They proved the lesson they had been taught from last week, if we play our game, and we play it our way, we win. If we start to argue, mouth off and lash out we give away penalties and we loose. This game saw spells of both from both teams, but as the coaches said to the boys " if you want to annoy someone who is playing dirty and mouthy, do it by beating them. Pride takes longer to heal, so let them do it, we keep our heads and stick to our game see who is cocky at the end".
I would also like to point out that the Honesty of a 12yo boy to admit he had dropped the ball, against 4-5 adults who didn't care about honesty, just the win. We have said before we would rather loose honestly and be able to hold our heads high, than have to cheat to win.
our MOM of this week could not be picked as there were so many deserving players, as every single one put in a great shift.
So it was shared between Charlie C, Josh A and Max M. well done to all 3 of you and as promised in 6 years when you are old enough, I will buy you all a drink (only 1 between the 3 of you though).
Our TREDS champion for the week is obviously Dec, Not only did he show great honesty but his teamwork was outstanding to bossing the boys around from scrumhalf.

We say it every week but will say it more, we cannot run the club and play these games without all of the parents and support giving up their time. So thank you all again.

WE ARE THE OILERS