Having not played any rugby since 12 December 2009 due to the cold weather and snow, Bletchley 1st XV were very eager to play their first league game of the new year last Saturday. Trowbridge were travelling up to Bletchley and the home side was determined to turn the tables on the visitors after only losing by 4 pts earlier in the season.
Bletchley were able to field one of their strongest sides as the long lay off meant that some key players had returned from injury.
Bletchley kicked off the first half and immediately put pressure on the visitors through their forwards. After a few minutes a quick penalty to Bletchley saw outside centre George Harman cross the line for a try with his brother, flyhalf, Phil Harman converting to give the home side 7 pts.
From the restart Bletchley kept on the pressure and stayed mainly in the Trowbridge half but the visitoirse were awarded a penalty in their own 22 metres area and Trowbridge kicked to touch to clear the danger. Bletchley came back at them and a lovely move along the back line out to Matt Nobes on the wing should have seen him score in the corner but the ball was dropped. Bletchley were playing well making some good kicks with home players following up to put pressure on Trowbridge. Finally the pressure told when flyhalf Harman converted a drop goal to take the score to 10pts to nil.
Trowbridge came back into the Bletchley half but the home side regained possession and were awarded a penalty. Fly half Harman made a beautiful 50 metre kick to touch for the Bletchley lineout which they won and drove on for second row Adam Dempsey to score. Phil Harman again converted and Bletchley were now 17 pts to nil ahead.
Trowbridge were not going to give up and immediately put pressure on Bletchley through some good kicks which resulted in a penalty against Bletchley and a subsequent lineout to Trowbridge. It was the visitors’ turn this time to win the ball and drive towards the line to score and unconverted try. At half time the score was 17pts to 5pts to Bletchley.
Trowbridge kicked off the start of the second half with the excellent Dempsey claiming the ball and charging forward before offloading. A penalty was awarded to Bletchley but surprisingly Phil Harman narrowly missed.
Bletchley kept up the pressure and following some lovely running involving forwards and backs and interpassing between the two, flanker Jason Buckley dived over the line for the best try of the game. Harman converted to give Bletchley 24pts. The Bletchley players were throwing the ball around well and almost scored again a few minutes later but the ball went to ground. Shortly afterwards Phil Harman attempted another drop goal which narrowly missed and then after continued pressure, inside centre also attempted a drop goal which again narrowly missed but at least Bletchley were varying their game and looking for all scoring opportunities.
However, Trowbridge never gave up and kept prodding until their hard work resulted in a fine try in the right had corner which was converted. A few minutes later the final whistle went and Bletchley had deservedly taken the match by 24pts to 12pts, although on possession and territory the winning margin to Bletchley should have been wider. A good performance by Bletchley has now put them in the mood to take on Wootton Basset this Saturday. Coach Pat Jerram expressed his delight with the team immediately after the match.
Report Don Griffiths
Other Results
- Bletchley 24- 2 Trowbridge
- Marlow 9-28 Buckingham
- Oakmeadians 2238 Reading Abbey
- Olney 50-0 Wootton Bassett
- Salisbury 19-3 High Wycombe
- Swanage & Wareham 39-13 Wallingford
- Walcot 3-16 Cheltenham
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