Full Time: Sharnbrook 55 – 21 Bletchley

The 2nd XV travelled to Sharnbrook for a well-contested friendly, and despite the scoreline, the boys showed huge heart, patches of real quality, and the kind of togetherness that sums up what the Maroon & White are all about.

The game sparked into life early when Sharnbrook capitalised on a turnover on their own 5m line, running the length to make it 7–0. Despite strong defensive passion on our own goal line, a knock-on under pressure handed the hosts another opportunity, and they took it clinically, stretching the lead to 28–0.

Bletchley hit back superbly. A penalty on the 5m line saw Alex Grogan whip the ball to Wade, who recycled well and put Toby Short over for our first of the afternoon. Dean Williams added the extras to settle the lads. Sharnbrook responded with another score through the hands to move out to 35–14.

A special moment came before the break as Mathew Canty made his senior debut, stepping up from the Colts to replace Biggie Njovana — a great milestone for a young player making his way into senior rugby.
Half-time: 35–14

The second period continued at pace. A missed tackle in midfield allowed Sharnbrook to run through for 42–14, before their No.5 saw yellow for a high tackle shortly afterward.

Another missed one-arm tackle gifted the hosts a further score for 49–14, and a clever kick wide to their quickest winger extended it to 54–14.

But Bletchley weren’t done.
A brilliant, powerful run from Dan Iles down the wing saw him hauled down just 5m short. Sharnbrook then illegally ripped the ball on the floor, giving us the penalty. Quick thinking from the tap led to Aaron Hughes crashing forward before Alex Grogan dotted down. Williams converted again to round off our scoring at 55–21.

Full-time: 55–21

Special Mentions
The Grange Man of the Match – Adam Downing
A huge shift from Downing, who put in an unbelievable all-round defensive performance. His tackling output was relentless, shutting down space, stopping momentum, and setting the standard for the boys throughout the afternoon. In a tough game, he was consistently the calm, committed presence in the line — fully deserving of the accolade.

Dan Iles – Outstanding all round.
Not only did he produce one of the best attacking moments of the match, but he also cemented his reputation as a true clubman after the final whistle.

On the way in, Toby Short hit a pothole. On the way out, in true Toby fashion, he tried to avoid it…and hit the same pothole again. Puncture. Game over?

Not with Dan around.
He steps up with: “I used to work at a tyre gaff.”
Next thing you know, wheel changed, car sorted, lads back on the road. No fuss. Smart, quick, and the kind of bloke every club needs.

Despite the defeat, the squad showed fight, development, and glimpses of quality to build on. Plenty of positives, plenty learned, and plenty to look forward to next week.