Under 14's

Handsworth RUFC

Handsworth 23 - 22 Moseley Oak

After 2 successive promotions Handsworth are now finding life in Midlands West 4 a much tougher challenge than what they've been used to in recent years. The step up in standard is a steep one and they must fight to get a foothold in what is already proving to be a testing season.

After 2 narrow defeats for Handsworth against Bishops Castle and Newcastle the home side knew that Saturday's visit of Moseley Oak would be a crucial game in which their season potentially hinged upon despite being so early on in the season.

The going looked very good for the hosts with Mike Weale grabbing penalty to settle the nerves early on.

The first period showed more of what Handsworth can play like and as the half progressed as did their confidence. Following some sterling work by the home forwards the second phase platform was set up allowing a flowing passage of play out wide which resulted in a well worked try for centre, Carl Drummond.

With attacking prowess of their own Moseley Oak brought the scores to within a point with a well worked try under the posts, which was duly converted.

This didn't hamper Handsworth's endeavour as they surged on again with a brace from centre, John Macey.

His first was a chase of a clever chip through from fly half, Dave Slack, which Macey won the race to ground the ball first. Macey's second was some polished finishing after some fine work out wide from the Handsworth three-quarters which took the home advantage to 18 points to 7 going into the interval.

The writing was on the wall for Moseley Oak as they trailed by 2 scores but this deficit was soon written off with a quick fire double strike early on into the second half which set up for a thrilling finale.

Both sides battled to gain further point without leaking in any at the back and the scores remained at 18-19 to Moseley Oak until they extended their lead to 4 points with a penalty kick midway through the half.

Down but certainly not out the home side rallied together in a perpetual drive towards the visitors try line. Every piece of possession needed to be attack minded but as the time ebbed away it looked like Handsworth had thrown away what could have been 2 vital league points.

Last ditch tackling kept Handsworth at bay with Carl Drummond being stopped just inches from the try line being one of Handsworth's best chances.

With the referee announcing the final play in the game Handsworth threw everything they had at Moseley Oak to try and snatch a victory. An amalgamation of forwards and backs surged towards the line but once again they were stopped just inches short. A succession of quick rucks eventually saw the ball spread wide and Weale was at hand to score a late winner in the corner with Handsworth winning by the narrowest of margins.

Although the victory was only by 1 point in the last second of the game the 2 league points gained could prove crucial in the latter stages of the 2008-09 season.

Handsworth take a break form league action as they travel to Harbourne in a friendly encounter.

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