Our team after promotion to this division were buzzing in anticipation for their first game.

With an almost full strength side, we rolled into Hemel with optimism and a little bit of nerves.

The morning news was that our society ref called off with flu so we agreed to do a half each between the OG and Hemel coaches.

Hemel started strongly with a good drive from the kick off, drawing our forwards in and then went wide for a score in the left hand side corner in the first 2 mins. OGs were a little shocked but with some stern words from the coaches to 'wake up' the boys regrouped for kick off.

Straight from the kickoff we drove forward with our big runners (big shout out to Dan, our loosehead for leading the way here) which culminated in a kick over the top from our outside centre Oran and he touched down just left of the posts. An immediate response to Hemel's early try.

From there the game settled down with some intense rucking and we all knew that the league we had moved up to was a different level of intensity and thankfully the boys stepped up. Hemel continued to probe our wide areas, our back 3 worked tirelessly with our captain and fullback James making some timely interceptions and chasing back from their kicks. Should also mention our newcomer this season, Shola on the wing showed real spirit to tackle their elusive centres and wingers for what was his first league game.

Hemel fought back with their right winger touching down after some good hands down the line freeing him up to score under the posts.

It was not all Hemel though. Our backrow were constantly driving forward and linking up with the backline to move the ball about. This resulted in another try from Oran with a great interception near the opponents to touch down again pushing us in front. Oscar duly converted.

Other players now were stepping up and producing for us. Sam in our second row, started to push forward with every run, his partner in the engine room Louie pushing through with every carry and not letting anyone punch any holes through our centre. Tayte in our back line gaining many metres with every carry and producing excellent tackles to stop their elusive backs. Oscar's sensible kicking helped us push forward with every penalty.

The second half brought more intensity from OGs to score 2 more tries in what was a back and forth battle with Hemel. One of our tries a powerful run, twisting and turning from Louie to touch down and a 3rd try for Oran for this first hatrick for our U16s after some truly excellent link play between Orin, Dan and Tayte.

A late penalty with a tap and go from Hemel presented their tricky winger with another score to narrow the OG win but time was called for a worthy win for our team in their first league game.

Coaches, parents and players know this will be a tough season in this division and whilst there is plenty to work, this was a good win and congrats to all 19 players and coaches. Praise also to our parents for their constant support.