Bletchley returned from High Wycombe with a well-earned losing bonus point after a hard-fought and competitive encounter that remained finely balanced deep into the second half.

The visitors made a confident start. At 6 minutes, flanker Jordan Murray powered over from close range following a series of direct carries, giving Bletchley an early 0–5 lead.

High Wycombe responded at 37 minutes with a converted try, bringing the score to 7–5 in favour of the hosts.

Before that, however, Bletchley had extended their advantage. At 23 minutes, following a High Wycombe yellow card at 19 minutes for failing to release after the tackle, prop Wade Twiselton finished strongly from repeated pick-and-go phases to score. Fly half Cameron Watkins converted at 24 minutes, pushing Bletchley ahead 0–12.

After Wycombe’s converted try at 37 minutes narrowed the margin to 7–12, Bletchley responded immediately. At 39 minutes, slick handling moved the ball wide for centre Elliott Hales to finish confidently in the corner, restoring the lead to 7–17 at half-time.

The second half saw momentum begin to shift. At 47 minutes, Bletchley suffered a setback when Watkins was forced off with a hamstring strain, prompting a reshuffle across the backline.

High Wycombe capitalised at 52 minutes, crossing for a converted try to close the gap to 14–17.

Bletchley maintained composure, and at 67 minutes, Hales stepped up to slot a penalty kick, extending the advantage to 14–20.

However, the hosts edged back in front. A penalty at 71 minutes reduced the deficit to 17–20, before a further converted try shortly afterwards gave High Wycombe a 24–20 lead.

A final unconverted try at 77 minutes extended the home side’s advantage to 27–20, which ultimately proved decisive.

Bletchley were reduced to 14 men late on when scrum half Jack Sharp received a yellow card at 78 minutes for an attempted interception. Earlier in the contest, flanker Ed Findlay had also been shown a yellow card at 34 minutes for a scrum binding offence.

Despite the defeat, there were significant positives. The lineout was dominant throughout, providing a reliable attacking platform. Hard carries in midfield repeatedly punched holes in the High Wycombe defence, with Archie Barrett, operating at inside centre, delivering a relentless defensive and attacking display.

On the wing, Ollie Comery impressed in both attack and defence and was deservedly awarded ‘The Comedy Cow’ Man of the Match. Jack Sharp worked tirelessly at scrum half, maintaining tempo at the breakdown, while the forward pack laid the platform for Bletchley’s two forward-driven tries.

There was also a proud moment for Ben Clarke, who made his 1st XV debut from the bench at prop and contributed strongly in a demanding fixture.

Although the result was frustrating, the performance showed real character and cohesion, and the losing bonus point shows the narrow margins in a fiercely contested match and reflects the effort and cohesion shown by the group.

Next Up
Bletchley return to Manor Fields to face Oxford on Saturday 7th March, with a 2:00pm kick-off.