Bletchley 1st XV continued their league campaign with an important bonus-point victory on the road, overcoming Chinnor Outlaws 24–12 in a competitive encounter that saw the visitors recover from a slow start to produce some excellent attacking rugby.

Facing a well-drilled Chinnor side, Bletchley initially struggled to find their rhythm, but gradually grew into the contest through improved phase play, quick distribution and a strong performance from the forward pack.

It was the hosts who opened the scoring at 19 minutes, crossing for an unconverted try to take a 5–0 lead.

Bletchley responded at 29 minutes when scrum-half Jack Sharp moved the ball wide to centre Callum Hudson, who found the space to run in and score. A missed conversion kept the scores level at 5–5.

Chinnor regained the advantage just three minutes later, scoring their second try at 32 minutes and successfully converting to take a 12–5 lead into half-time.

Bletchley returned for the second half with renewed purpose, increasing the tempo and beginning to put together some impressive attacking phases.

At 45 minutes, after the half time break, winger Josh Aris produced a clever chip over the top of the Chinnor defence. Sharp reacted quickest, racing past the covering defenders to dive onto the ball and score Bletchley’s second try. The conversion was missed, narrowing the deficit to 12–10.

The contest became increasingly physical, and at 57 minutes Chinnor were reduced in numbers, following a red card shown to a substitute who entered the field during play and became involved in a scuffle.

Bletchley continued to apply pressure, with their forwards providing a solid platform and the backs moving the ball at pace.

At 65 minutes, Bletchley were awarded a penalty just five metres from the Chinnor try line. Sharp spotted the opportunity, taking a quick tap before dancing his way through the opposition defence to score his second try of the afternoon. Woods added the conversion to put Bletchley ahead for the first time at 12–17.

Chinnor’s disciplinary problems continued at 67 minutes when another player received a yellow card for a high tackle.

With the match approaching its conclusion, Bletchley pushed for the fourth try that would secure the bonus point.

That decisive moment arrived at 76 minutes. Number eight Finn Hague produced a perfectly timed pop pass into the hands of prop Tom Hannell, who crashed over the line to secure Bletchley’s fourth try. Woods converted to extend the lead to 12–24.

During the conversion, a further Chinnor player received a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Bletchley saw out the remaining minutes to claim a deserved away victory, taking all five league points back to Manor Fields.

Prop, Dom Newland, was named Man of the Match following an outstanding performance in the front row.

Against a well-organised Chinnor pack, Newland was exceptional at scrum time, refusing to take a backward step and providing the stability that allowed Bletchley to build their attacking platform.

There were several other notable performances across the side. Hooker Jamie Rice was equally impressive in the front row, contributing to a strong collective scrummaging effort.

Finn Hague and flanker, Sam Ferrari were relentless around the field, putting in an exceptional defensive shift and tackling anything that moved.

Sharp also deserves particular recognition for his contribution, scoring twice and continually keeping the ball alive with quick distribution and an attacking tempo that helped Bletchley find their rhythm.

The match also marked a Bletchley debut for Josh Spearing, who joins the club having previously played rugby league. The club welcomes Josh and looks forward to seeing him on the pitch in the union game.

Although there were areas for improvement, particularly during the opening stages, Bletchley’s ability to respond, maintain their attacking intent and secure the bonus point was an encouraging sign as the league campaign continues.

Next Up
Bletchley return to Manor Fields on Saturday 17th October, when the 1st XV welcome Amersham & Chiltern II’s in Counties 2 Berks, Bucks & Oxon (East), with a 3:00pm kick-off.

Before the league fixture, supporters can enjoy an additional match as an Invitational Vets side take on Milton Keynes Vets, kicking off at 12:00pm.

With two matches scheduled, it promises to be a full afternoon of rugby at Manor Fields, and we look forward to welcoming supporters down to get behind both sides.