The new year saw Orlando off to a fast start and trying to build on a 2-2 record they carried into the break. The setting was the Central Florida Fairgrounds and the visitors Jacksonville the opponents. Orlando got off to a quick start dominating in the forwards and putting pressure on their counterparts. Making Jacksonville uncomfortable result in an early penalty attempt for Orlando which was pushed right of the posts. Once again great pressure from the Orlando defense secured turnover ball and saw a penalty given to Orlando for opposition hands in. This time the penalty was converted, 3-0 Orlando. Right off the kick off Orlando pinned Jax back in their half where a backline handling error lead to running room for Orlando. Great support from Adam Hyche saw Orlando score the games first try and with successful conversion a 10-0 lead for the home side. As was the theme for the first 35 minutes Orlando pinned Jax in their half and forced turnover after turnover. Stand-off Al “Night train” Lane chip kick over his opposite and into open area where an offload to Blake was all that was needed to secure a second converted try extending the lead to 17-0. Late in the first half Jax found there form and drove what would be there only visit into the Orlando 22 the first half. Repeated Orlando penalties and gave jax great field position and a try off the left side before the halftime whistle. Orlando 17-5.

The second half Jax used a combination of forward and center crashes to create overlaps for their fullback and wingers which created their second try of the match. A missed conversion left Orlando on top 17-10. Orlando’s fitness level seemed to drag throughout the second. The fast and aggressive start was gone and what was solid body tackles and aggressive counter rucking turned into arm tackles and poor positioned rucking. These lapses gave Jax another clear shot in which the score and converted tying the game at 17. Orlando fought hard to drive back and a great run by Frazier “Bacon” Kerrigan gave Orlando its deepest second half drive in Jax territopry but stalled about 20 meters out. A drop goal and late try by Jax created the final score 25-17 Jacksonville. Orlando drops to 2-3 for the season. They will travel to Tampa next week to take on Krewe at 2pm. A speedy recovery to all who were injured and see you on the pitch soon.

Men of the Match:
Forwards: Frazier “O’ boy its Bacon” Kerrigan
Backs: Al “Night Train” Lane

Saturday’s Orlando First 15:
Props: Zach and English Darren
Hooker: Brown Ben
Locks: Ben Law and Mike Fuller
Flankers: Guinea and Bacon
8 Man: Captain Adam
Scrumhalf: Mike
Flyhalf: Allen
Inside Center: Shane
Outside Center: Blake
Wings: Welshie and Michigan
Fullback: Matt Wise

Injuries: Matt Wise (shoulder)
Pat (hamstring)
Ben Law (Shoulder)
Welshie (Ankle)

Reserves:
Anthony - Came in at Prop
Sully - Came in at Wing
Pat - Came in at Wing
Haji - came in at Wing
Clinton Van Der Berg - came in at Lock
Hick Rick - Came in at fullback

The next game is away against St Pete on Jan.17th.
Thanks to all the Orlando Women for supporting us on Sat. We would love to see more of the Old boys come out and support us and get to know the players that are playing in their name.

Practice is at Cady Way Park this week, Tues and Thurs, starting at 7:30pm.

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