Second-half show is not enough for East Retford

East Retford's 1st XV made a three-hour round trip to compete in this National Cup fixture against Oadby Wyggestonian, and despite a second-half rally they came away empty-handed.

From the start it was apparent why the home team are unbeaten this season. They began fluently, with quick running rugby and superb passing and kicking which split open the Retford defence.

Within 10 minutes Oadby had crashed through the centre to score their first try, converted, and that set the marker for the rest of the half.

Despite some excellent tackling around the park, with notable tackles from Wayne Franks, Anthony Kelly and James Brice, Oadby ran in another two converted tries and also scored a penalty to lead 24-0 by half-time.

Retford had shown great defensive work, but seemed to play into the hands of Oadby by not using their superior pack.

However, after some encouraging words from captain Iain Balmer at half-time, Retford were determined to stop the rot in the second half.

After the break it was a much tighter affair, with both teams striving to dominate.

Oadby continued to rely on their backs, with precise kicking and fast-running attacks making inroads into the visitors' half.

However, Retford began to make ground themselves, utilising the forwards and combining this with some excellent kicking of their own.

Retford's defence also improved, in particular the second-half tenacity of Simon Phillips which made him a contender for man of the match.

There were opportunities for Retford to score during the second half, but unfortunately a combination of good defence from the home team, along with some poor passes and a little bad luck, meant that Oadby managed to keep a clean sheet.

In fact it was Oadby who would have the final say in the game when an astute cross-field kick from their excellent fly-half was ably picked up and scored by the home-team's acting full-back, despite him being at least 10 yards in front of the kicker when the ball was kicked over.

However, the referee missed it, and although the try was not converted Oadby were worthy winners at 29-0.

Retford's man of the match was captain Iain Balmer in the forwards, who led from the front throughout, and centre Simon Phillips in the backs for a good all-round display.