A lively Saturday afternoon at Manor Fields saw Bletchley deliver a composed, disciplined, and physical performance to defeat Northampton BBOB and book a place in the Quarter-Finals of the Lewis Shield.

With a strong home crowd behind them, Bletchley started brightly. At 5 minutes, outside centre Elliott Hales broke the defensive line with a powerful carry to score under the posts. Fly half Cameron Watkins converted to make it 7–0.

Bletchley extended their lead at 21 minutes when wing Tom Ludovico finished neatly in the corner after sustained forward pressure. Watkins was again on target to make it 14–0. Just two minutes later, in his retirement match, full back Alistair McKinnell marked the occasion in style - collecting a well-timed pass from Ludovico and sprinting in from the 22-metre line to score. Watkins converted to extend the lead to 21–0.

BBOB hit back before the break with a converted try at 39 minutes, closing the gap to 21–7 at half-time.

The visitors began the second half with intent, adding tries at 45 and 50 minutes, converting the latter to pull back to 21–19.

Bletchley regrouped quickly. At 51 minutes, flanker Joe Mundy finished a superb team move created by prop Josh Sprules, whose powerful break and unselfish offload put Mundy clear. Watkins converted to make it 28–19.

Momentum built again for the hosts. At 65 minutes, prop Tom Goy forced his way over after multiple phases to extend the lead to 33–19, before Hales crossed for his second try at 70 minutes following another strong midfield surge to make it 38–19.

At 76 minutes, wing Dean Williams sealed the result, finishing a flowing attack on the right flank. Watkins slotted his sixth conversion to make it 45–19. BBOB managed a late consolation at 80 minutes, leaving the final score 45–24.

Throughout the contest, inside centre John Waite impressed on both sides of the ball, combining powerful defensive tackles with direct, intelligent running lines. Hales and Waite formed an effective partnership that created several key breaks, while McKinnell, playing out his final match for the club after over two decades, showed composure and quality throughout - including his memorable long-range try.

It was a fiercely contested match, with Bletchley showing discipline and focus to keep control when the game grew heated. When the pressure came, the Maroon and White found their composure - turning control into points and taking the big moments.

The result sends Bletchley confidently into the Quarter-Finals of the Lewis Shield, continuing their strong cup form at home.

Next up, it’s back to league action for the 1st XV as they welcome High Wycombe to Manor Fields for a Remembrance Weekend special.