In a vital game to decide who would host a semi final, Oslo showed heart as they clawed their way back from 17 - 13 down with 10 minutes remaining

Oslo’s first try came through Hooker Ewan Adair in the 38th minute. Through strong forward play build up , Adair capitalized on the Stavanger’s lack of defense around the ruck to bulldozer his way over under the posts. The smile couldn’t be wiped from the big units face. Asked how he felt about his effort ‘’ I can’t bloody remember last time I scored a meat pie (try)’’ said Adair.

After the break Oslo Fullback Francis Hunt converted a penalty to take the score to 13 - 7. Stavanger lifted their game and started to take full advantage of some Oslo errors. They scampered over for their second try of the match to take a 1 point lead over the home team. A further penalty awarded in front of the posts gave the visitors a handy lead 17 - 13.

With a strong impact from the bench in the last 20 minutes, most notably Eric ‘’Sonny’’ Mellor, Oslo sealed the victory with 2 well deserved team tries through Mellor and Fredrick Skovly. In the 80th minute Skovly scored after gathering a well weighted chip kick from Man of the match Glen Collins.

Coach Adam Harrington praised his teams passion and heart to come back and take a deserved victory. ‘’ We started strongly over Stavanger and contained them well in the first 20 minutes but we were our own worst enemies by letting them back into the match. The boys dug deep and found that something extra to seal the win’’ said Harrington.

Oslo will meet Stavanger again in two weeks at Ekeberg for a place in the final.

Adam Harrington

September 28, 2009