Sun 12 Nov 2023, 11:00
In a late re-arranged fixture The Bears hosted Bicester (combined with a few Oxford boys) for the first time in a few seasons.
With the predicted rain no where in sight The Bears kicked off and a fumble by Bicester allowed The Bears to regain posession and even with some good Bicester defence the ball was worked down the line with Zach being able to run in for the first score after 3 mins 5-0. Alfie adding the extras 7-0
2 mins later following a solid scrum win against the head Alfie came into line from full back and despite a 3 man overlap the ball was passed to Stanley in the centre (making a welcome return followimg injury) who stepped past a couple of would be defenders for the 2nd score 12-0. Alfie again adding the conversion 14-0.
Despite the quick start The Bears were not having it all their own way with Bicesters defence holding out well and having some strong runs themselves. It was also abit scrappy from The Bears with high tackles and off sides being rightly pinged by the ref.
With play back and forth it took some quick thinking from Alfie who took a quick lineout to Harry W catching Bicester napping as the ball was taken on by Henno with Connor in support and followng a quick "one two" between them Connor was able to go over. With the conversion missed, 23 mins 19-0.
5 mins later and another solid scrum, The Bears were able to take the Bicester ball and following some good hands by the backs it was passed down to the wing for Piers to go over for a well deserved try after 28 mins. Alfie adding the 2, 26-0.
Half time and The Bears in total control, but we have seen this before...
With The Bears making the changes it became a little disrupted however it didnt take long for them to score again as a quick tap penalty was off loaded to the often unrewarded workhorse Hugo who went over for a well deservered try. Alfie adding the conversion 33-0
The Bears were well in control but credit to Bicester as their heads were not dropping and they were making The Bears work hard and it took a good break from Piers and then Ryan making some good ground before the ball was shipped out to Troy who fortunatley despite the 3 man overlap outside him he was able to step in and cross the line himself. Alfie converting. 42 mins 40-0
2 mins later and The Bears were in for what would be their last score as the ball was worked blind from the scrum and a good burst from captain Henno saw him go over the line. missed C 45-0
With still 15 mins to go, the coaches put some conditions on to The Bears players and whilst they failed to score again it was pleasing that with allowing Bicester some front foot ball their defence held out depsite a couple of close rumbles from the Bicester pack.
Full Time 45-0
Overall a satisfying morning and despite the scoreline this was not a fair reflection of the game as Bicester had their opportunities and credit to them for playing right until the end.
Congratulations to Piers who was named this weeks player of the match.
