COUNTIES 1 CHAMPIONSHIP CUP

FINAL SCORE: Bletchley 11 – 3 Vipers

It was Cup Rugby fever at Manor Fields and anyone who’s been involved will know that cup rugby is a very different beast to the league, with the knockout format raising the stakes and sharpening the edge of every contest. Saturday’s clash at Manor Fields captured that spirit perfectly as Bletchley 1st XV went head-to-head with Vipers in a feisty, physical battle where neither side could afford to blink. Both teams knew the consequence: win and progress, or lose and the cup journey ends.

Bletchley got off to the perfect start. Barely three minutes in, Vipers’ defence cracked under pressure with a deliberate knock-on, earning a yellow card for them. Fly-half Cam Watkins punished the infringement from the tee, coolly putting Bletchley 3–0 ahead. It was an early statement, and one that set the tone for a fierce contest.

The remainder of the half was a war of attrition. Both packs thundered into each other, with collisions that were hard hitting around the pitch. Vipers fought to claw their way back, but Bletchley were composed, soaking up pressure and steadily working the ball upfield. 35 minutes into the first half, another Vipers penalty offered Watkins a chance to extend the lead – and he obliged, making it 6–0. The half closed with Bletchley on top, their defensive structure refusing to break under sustained pressure.

The second half saw the defining moment of the game arrive early. Just five minutes after the restart, a Bletchley lineout turned scrappy after Vipers fumbled the ball inside their own 22. The loose ball was seized upon by Matty Ross, who reacted fastest and crashed over for the only try of the game. Though the conversion was missed, the score stretched to 11–0, and the home crowd roared in approval.

At 54 minutes, Vipers finally got on the board with a place kick from a penalty, narrowing the gap to 11–3. With the margin cut, the physicality only increased. Vipers fought back hard, slotting a penalty of their own to reduce the deficit, but their efforts were hampered by a second yellow card as frustration crept into their play.

One of the standout moments of the afternoon came with the introduction of Stuart Tomkinson, making his 1st XV debut at the age of 52. Coming on as a front-row replacement, Tomkinson immediately added solidity to the scrums, put in some thunderous tackles, and proved that it’s not all about the young players – experience and determination still count for in Cup Rugby.

Bletchley, meanwhile, held their nerve. The defensive display was immense – Bletchley Captain Hugo Govett leading the charge with dominant tackling that epitomised the team’s determination. He was joined by the tireless efforts of Scott Aspinall, Elliott Hales, and James Manktelow, whose collective commitment ensured that Vipers never came close to crossing the whitewash.

As the final whistle sounded, Bletchley’s hard-fought 11–3 victory was secured. It was a performance full of grit, control, and cup mentality – proving that knockout rugby demands something extra, and Bletchley had it in abundance.

The Comedy Cow Man of the Match was awarded to James Manktelow for his relentlessness in defence and uncompromising abilities in the tackle; Manktelow embodied the spirit required to win on cup day.

This win books Bletchley’s place in the last 32 of the Counties 1 Championship Cup, with the next round scheduled for 25th October. The opponent is still to be confirmed, but one thing is certain – Bletchley will be ready for another battle.

NEXT UP The 1st XV enjoy a well earned weekend off from playing, but will fork part of the large Bletchley Contingent who will support the 2nd XV, on the 27th September as the 2s travel across the city for a huge local derby against Milton Keynes 2nd XV at Emerson Valley Sports Pavilion. Kick-off 3pm – make sure to head down and get behind the boys in Maroon and White!