First Home Game Ends in Last Minute Defeat

London Welsh went very close for a second week in a row in the first competitive meetings between the two sides in welsh's 140 year history.

Welsh were fired up by last weeks near miss away at Dorking and took the lead after 4 minutes as Adam Dunne crossed out wide and the Superb Matt Hodgson converted from the touch.

OAs were not here to make up numbers though and responded immediately with a try from Andrew Nurse on 8 minutes - also converted.

These were two very well matched sides and it was end to end for much of the first half with equal endeavour in each backline and sizeable grunt upfront.

Alex Noot scored from nothing against the run of play on 10 minutes to make the score 14-7. Welsh were dominant for large parts of the first half and crossed on 16 and 20 minutes as twinkle toes full back Osian McAvoy dazzled the ODP faithful with a superb second try and was on the end of a Harri Lang brilliant break and offload for his first.

Stephen Hihetch sneaked over in a neat move from OAs just before the half for the visitors 3rd try.

At the half the sides could not be separated at 21-21.

The second half was impacted by a severe downpoor of hailstones that led to the referee taking both sides off the pitch for 10 minutes! Global warming....

OAs scored again from a breakaway on 49 minutes, the pace and skill of Alex Noot again being a stand out for the visitors. The conversion was critically missed.

Welsh had an opportunity and were camped in the OAs 22 for 10 minutes with penalty after penalty seeing OAs gambling with a yellow - but it didnt come. A Welsh try did though as Hodsgon crossed on 65 and converted his try, again from the touchline.

It was heartbreak though as Asa Stewart-Watts broke late in the day from the base to run in from 30m under the posts, converted by McPhun.

Welsh had the opportunity to win it at the death with an 82 minute 5m catch and drive, but they were forced into touch after several phases.

A great spectacle this one, two very good sides going hammer and tongues!

Welsh could well be at the top of the league table after 2 games had a few moments gone the other way in Rounds 1 and 2. However, welsh have to settle for 3 points to date and a 10th placed position in table.

Next weekend sees Welsh on the road to Oundle for Round 3, who came from behind to claim their first win in Round 2.