Rugby Club Issue 79 | Page 92

Oxford The pragmatic John Brodley however, Director of Rugby at the club, described the club’s 2017-2018 season as one of two lost opportunities. Oxford’s bogey team was Risborough, who comprised mainly of disaffected ex-Chinnor players. The first league match at Oxford saw the home side throw away a 17-0 lead in the second half after losing two scrum halves to injury during the match but hung on for a 17-17 draw although a missed penalty in the last few moments would have won the match for them. The return in wet and slippery conditions on Risborough’s small clay surfaced school pitch saw Oxford concede early scores but, fighting back with momentum, the team just ran out of time in the 12-15 defeat. The late season play-off with Risborough was seen as a match for the league title between the two top sides. Sadly nerves played a part and Risborough had the upper hand. Once again, Oxford came storming back with a late try and a penalty to take the lead only to immediately concede a penalty in the last minute, the match and the league title in the 13-14 defeat. But there was still promotion to celebrate! The RFU Junior Vase, and the second opportunity with a Final at Twickenham beckoning, saw Oxford beat Risborough 31-15 before travelling to Puddletown in Dorset to win the Southern Final 36-13. In the South West Final Oxford drew a tough match at home 13-13 with Devon side South Molton but went out of the competition on a 1-2 try count. But all this belies a great season for the club. In the league matches the 1st XV amassed a huge total of 908 points while only conceding 222. This can be attributed to Brodley’s George Casserly of Casserly Structures recently spoke to Rugby Club Magazine about his positive association with Oxford Rugby Club, saying, “I have lived in Oxford for 40 years and when my son Ronan started playing for the clubs mini section I naturally got to know the club and the people down there. Oxford’s structural steel specialists. Fabrication. Erection. Crane or Lorry Hire. Whether you need one, or all of the above, we’re here to help. CALL: 07802401541 WWW.CASSERLYSTRUCTURES.CO.UK EMAIL: [email protected] 92 Issue 79 It’s been a great season for the club and I don’t think they have anything to worry about in the higher division next year. My business Casserly Structures has recently sponsored the club and we look forward to supporting the boys moving forward. They have a great team running the club and a very good coach also, best wishes to everyone at Oxford Rugby Club for the future.”