The few team members that had their permission slips signed from the Pump Technology sponsored Tadley 1st XV got aboard a coach and made one of the longer trips in the league to Oldfield Old Boys in Bath.

The days of frozen pitches seem a distant memory now as Tadley played in brilliant sunshine. The first team squad has been relatively consistent for the last few weeks. Tom Wood returned to the squad to cover the front row from the bench.

Tadley started this game in a very similar way to last weeks game against Sherbourne seemly unable to retain possession long enough to string any phases together. However Tadley were able to get the ball to Gavin Dampies in space and his short but very quick legs giving Tadley a try against the run of play.

Not much more time passed when Simon Wightwick showing pace that few would expect from the veteran prop as he ran in a individual try from within the Tadley half.

Oldfield did not seem at all flustered to be 10 -0 down and they continued to batter the Tadley defensive line. Some very solid defensive performances from Charlie Cox and Alex Pike often stopped a lot of the Oldfield attack but where the home team really dominated was at the break down. When in possession they were quick to recycle ball and when defending they were very effective at slowing Tadley possession and on several occasions turning the ball over.

Oldfield scored a try that was converted just before the break and along with a penalty kick brought scores level at the break.

Whether the Tadley pack still had the journey in their legs they seemed to struggle to get players in sufficient numbers to the break down and the second half continued in similar vein to the first. Credit to the Tadley back line when they were given ball going forward they always looked dangerous. The back division was further bolstered by Andy Williams coming off the bench with ten minutes gone of the second half. His strong running did provide a target for the Tadley pack who were able to put together enough phases to stretch the Oldfield defence allowing Rob Morrison to cross the line. This was converted by Chris Dennison.

Oldfield replied quickly with another forward dominated try taking the scores to 15-17 in favour of Tadley.

The last 20 minutes of the game were arguably the best period of the game for Tadley but they were unable to maintain discipline and conceded a penalty that gave Oldfield a 1 point lead. Despite a massive effort from Tadley this is how the score would remain.

Very disappointing for the Tadley team who will need to be firing on all cylinders when the take on league leaders Oakmeadians next week.

Men of the match goes to all the players that managed to look ridiculous in their fancy dress outfits and in particular to Andy Williams who turned 40 over the weekend.

Tadley- Gavin Dampies, Chris Dennison, Rob Morrison, Alex Pike(Andy Williams 50), Gareth Cripps-Jones, Charlie Cox, Tom Bailey, Gordon grierson, Colin summers, Paul collins(tom wood 50), Duncan Harris, Rob Murray©, Simon wightwick(Boats 50), Darren Staley, Mike Keeley