Bletchley were left frustrated at Manor Fields as a competitive local derby swung Buckingham’s way, despite a committed performance and strong periods of pressure from the home side on a day that also featured a well-supported VP sit-down lunch.

Buckingham opened the scoring early with a penalty at 3 minutes to make it 0–3, before Bletchley responded positively. At 7 minutes, flanker Tom Perkins finished a well-constructed lineout and driving maul, grounding the ball to give the hosts a 5–3 lead.

The visitors replied with a try at 10 minutes (unconverted) to regain the advantage at 5–8, before extending it further with another unconverted try at 17 minutes, moving the score to 5–13.

Bletchley struck back at 20 minutes when Kelvin Dwumfuo finished strongly after sustained pressure, pulling the score back to 10–13.

At 35 minutes, Bletchley were reduced to 14 men when captain and fly half Cameron Watkins was shown a yellow card for a high tackle. Buckingham capitalised with a penalty shortly after, nudging the score to 10–15, which remained the half-time score.

The second half remained tightly contested, with Bletchley working hard to build momentum. However, Buckingham extended their lead with penalties at 43 minutes and 48 minutes, stretching the margin to 10–21.

Bletchley refused to fold and were rewarded at 69 minutes, when Buckingham crossed for their third try of the afternoon (unconverted), making it 10–26.

The home side responded late on. At 72 minutes, Perkins crossed for his second try of the match, again from sustained forward pressure, reducing the deficit to 15–26, but the comeback came too late to alter the outcome.

Throughout the contest, number 8 and vice-captain Archie Barrett led from the front and was deservedly named Man of the Match, producing a tireless display that saw him heavily involved across the pitch in both attack and defence.

Despite the disappointment, there were positives to take from the performance, particularly in Bletchley’s forward work and defensive effort during key spells. Ultimately, however, Buckingham were more clinical in taking their chances on the day.

Next up:
Bletchley face their final fixture before the Christmas break, travelling to Reading on Saturday 20th December for a 2pm kick-off