Sat 15 Oct 2022
A warm, dry day. The sun beating off the freshly groomed turf of Ordsall Road. A strong and rested Retford team. A crowd enjoying the delights of a re-stocked and updated bar. This was a recipe for a fantastic afternoon of rugby.
There was a great feeling around the club as the last-minute preparations took place for our battle with Bakewell, a side that had taken the honours on both occasions last season. We knew they were no Tarts and would bring a direct and physical style of play. The shoulders would need to be warm for this.
The opening exchanges were edgy as Bakewell enjoyed the majority of the field position using the wind to keep us pinned in our own 22. Our defences were being tested from the off with the impressive Bakewell pack carrying into the green and gold wall phase after phase.
Retford earnt a penalty and an enormous clearance kick against the wind from James Wright brought us up to halfway. Our much-improved set piece functioned cleanly giving our backline time and space. Our halfback pair of Ollie Breedon and Jack Jenkins quickly spread the ball to Greg Wood who drew the tackle to set Adam Fenney on his way, who in turn set Jordan Hands loose down the touchline. A sight that always gets people excited. Using his trademark power he managed to fend off the oncoming tackles, stay infield and find the supporting Fenney who drew the last man for Ollie to scamper in like a tortoise under the sticks. A fantastic team try converted by James Wright.
Dealing with restarts has been a nagging issue this term and once again proved to be a problem as we immediately conceded a scrum and allowed Bakewell to build an attacking platform. Incredible defensive efforts from Luke Osbourne, Keelan Ward and Joe Charlesworth kept Bakewell at bay. This time, however, fatigue and brutality took their toll on the Choughs defence. Bakewell worked their way up to our line and eventually crashed over for a well-deserved try.
Bakewell were suddenly lifted and had belief, as the same routine continued. Using the wind effectively and being efficient at the breakdown kept Retford pinned. Our defence creaked and eventually cracked as Bakewell doubled their tally.
Re-grouping under our posts there was no panic, we needed to impose our game plan on them and keep the ball. We did exactly that, another perfect restart from James Wright allowed us to compete and win the ball. We set into our systems and our pod work took shape. Powerful carries from Harry Salathiel and Mark Gollum forced the defensive line backwards as we worked into the Bakewell 22. The call came from Jordan on the wing only for the wily Pete Lewis to roll back the years and power over from 15 meters carrying the Bakewell defence with him. The crowds were jubilant at the sight, and there may have been a rare glimpse of a smile on the old man's face.
Half time 12-10 Retford
Second half we could use the conditions to our favour and our fitness work would kick in. A scrappy start however hampered our progression. The pack was shuffled at the break. Joe Charlesworth bravely pressured a kick, but forgot to use his hands to protect his face. The change in personnel meant it took a little time to settle again. Sustained pressure on our 5-meter line from Bakewell lead to their third. 12-15 Bakewell
Retford got straight back to work after this lapse. Building phases with Matt Watt powering forwards backed up by the evergreen bulldozer Paul Barrett. A period of controlled possession allowed us to build phases and the Bakewell defence began to tire. This did not go unnoticed by Ollie who sniped through the defence from outside the 22, narrowly avoiding getting chased down by an opposing prop before scoring under the posts for his second. Converted by James Wright.
Sustained pressure brought the Retford attack back into Bakewell territory. Adam Fenney rounded the defence holding off would-be tacklers until Mark Pymm ripped the ball to feed Ollie who passed it to Ali ‘Lionel Richie’ Waring freshly on the pitch, to power over for Retford’s fourth. A bonus point!
Immediately from the kick-off, Retford surged forward, and great support work from Keelan Ward, and Henry Sly allowed a couple of quick phases. Adam Fenney made a break, and worked up to the Bakewell 5-meter line before holding off the defenders….…… eventually Ollie caught up, received the offload and completed his hat trick, to the delight of the Breedon clan on the touchline. Converted by James Wright.
The match began to break up, the nature of the game meant both teams had players injured stopping either team from gaining a rhythm. Retford were disciplined in defence and met the oncoming attack head-on. This proved to be a problem as the head injuries and battle wounds would prove. Determined not to concede again we dug in to see the game out preventing Bakewell from gaining a bonus point from the game.
Final score 31-15. A fantastic result for Retford, and a well-deserved victory.
MoM to Ollie Breedon for a fantastic performance punctuated with a Hat Trick.
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