Sat 12 Nov 2022
Silence fell across Ordsall Road. Both teams are prepared and ready for a typically bruising encounter but link together for a minute of respect and reflection for those that have fallen. We remember them.
Retford would kick to Gainsborough, local rivals who have been bang in form for well over a year. It was imperative that Retford got off to a strong start and did not let the big physical opponents gain any ascendancy. The first 10 minutes were very closely contested with very little to show between the teams. Suddenly a slipped tackle on halfway and the Gainsborough 10 showed a clean pair of heels to score under the posts. 0-7
Retford re-gained control from a pin-point James Wright kick-off and settle into some fantastic carrying from our front three oozing with explosive power. Dan Lodge, loving his new lease of life in the front row, never takes a step back. Harry Salathiel smashing through weak shoulders in his trade mark fashion. Matt Watt (and his little friend) sporting a new look headwear, much to the delight of his teammates, relentlessly carrying and rucking anyone in the black of Gainsborough. Such pressure led to a penalty and easy three points for Ollie Breedon. 3-7
Gainsborough would score next, a carbon copy of the first try. Solid defence for several phases let down by a slipped tackle. Despite the error, Retford are playing well and in control of areas of the game. We revert to our pod system, working our way into the opposing 22. Huge carries from the spectacular Paul Barratt and his new partner James Wright, clearly devastated to be relegated from the front row, took his frustrations out on the Gainsborough defenders.
This opened space out wide, identified by Ali ‘Mo Salah’ Waring whose deft touch showed off his footballing skills, a fantastic try for Luke Osbourne…only to be called back for offside. Not to be disheartened the forwards continue where they left off and battered away at the Gainsborough line, with the formidable Harry Salathiel crashing over for a well-deserved try.
Gainsborough would score next in familiar fashion, breaking from halfway with good support play to take them over for their 3rd. Half-time with a score of 10-21 and a lot of work to do for the Choughs.
The start of the second half would not relieve any of this pressure. Once again the men in Green and Gold were playing well and working into the Gainsborough 22 only for a pass to go astray and the pacey men in black would react fastest and run in under the posts. 10 -28.
To our credit, this seismic challenge would only serve to galvanise the team. Straight back to pile the pressure on, sensing that despite the score line, we were gaining the ascendancy. Our back row dominated the battles with Dave Ruzicka seeming involved in everything, Billy Mac, running cunning lines always making ground, and Henry being his destructive best on both sides of the ball. Ollie ‘Judas’ Breedon would sneak down the blindside of a ruck and stroll down the touchline, predictably he was caught short. A quick ruck and the powerful Luke Osbourne dived over to score. 15-28
Gainsborough burst back into life with a period of possession. This time the Retford ranks would hold strong, lead by the formidable defence of Danny Quinn who time after time would be smashing the black shirts backwards. He’s clearly looking for the approval of his big brother Ali. Gainsborough decided to take the 3 points from a penalty. 15-31
With the pace and physicality of the encounter taking its toll on both teams, the game was opening up. This was exploited expertly by Luke Osbourne who spotted a gap, stepped his man and sprinted away before drawing the last defender and putting Billy, who had run a sensational support line, under the posts. Converted by Ollie Breedon. 22-31.
Time was running out and we were still 2 scores behind. Next, it was the ever-elusive Jack Jenkins to make a fantastic break and jinx through the defensive line and accelerate through to the last man, found support…but couldn’t be held. Piling the pressure on the subsequent scrum followed by the aggressive defence, regained possession in the dying moments. We forced our way back into Gainsborough territory. A penalty was conceded with the clock red, which Ollie kicked to make the final score 25-31. A bonus point and the least we deserved from a close and exciting encounter.
MOTM Henry Sly for an outstanding performance both in attack and defence.
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