Barnes star Keller kills off OAs push

By RICHARD HOMER

Old Albanians…….. 21

Barnes………………….28

Barnes edged to victory over Old Albanians by one score in a very competitive game between two of the best teams in the division.

Barnes started the stronger and put pressure on the OA line-out, leading to the first try through hooker Alexander March.

OA began to dominate territory and field position, creating a try in the corner for wing Wilson Ijeh. Fly-half Harrison Legg converted from the touchline.

Barnes replied with a try from first phase off the back of a strong scrum, with centre Jordan Souter touching downing. Simon Keller missed the conversion, but soon made amends with a penalty.

On half-time, OA hit back with a second try for Ijeh that Legg converted for a 14-13 lead.

Barnes came out strongly in the second half and scored tries through Alexander Mc-Lean-Nelson and wing Paul O’Dell after some missed tackles from OA. Keller converted the second for a 25-14 lead.

OA forwards were looking good in the loose and replacement hooker John Kenwood scored from a rolling maul. At 25-21, OA looked as if they would take the game, but the referee continue to penalise them, leading to a crucial penalty by Keller on the whistle.