Sat 23 Nov 2019
Northampton BBOB's 7- Huntingdon RUFC 24
Stags travelled to BBOB's hoping to build on their good performance in a losing cause against Stockwood Park the previous week. A number of injuries meant a start for Colt's Captain Oscar Proietti. The weather was poor and looked to suit a large BBOB's pack. It was Stags however who started brightly playing some good rugby going through a number of phases and not being afraid to spin the ball wide. After 15 minutes Stags efforts were rewarded with No 8 and player of the day Wayne Bradley crashing over from 5 yards 5-0. A few minutes later, winger JJ Ward was released and outpaced two cover tacklers, delaying his pass beautifully to supporting winger Olly Jones to score, Jack Skidmore converting 0-12. The conditions prevented Stags threatening backs cutting lose and BBOB's scored a try of their own after hacking down field. 7-12. Stags now looked the better side, but were under pressure in the scrum, Bradley earning his player of the day award in part for the way he controlled the ball in such difficult conditions.
At the start of the second half, Stags lost influential skipper Roger Shakespeare to injury. In a way this galvanized the side, with second rows Cai Oram and Jake Tuxford making strong carries and tackles, Proietti adding youthful energy, giving Bradley space to be creative. From a series of drives Stags won a penalty, a quick tap from centre Reid to Bradley allowed him to crash over for his second try. The lineout was functioning well and Stags played intelligent rugby kicking deep and defending well to keep the pressure on BBOB's. With 10 minutes to go Centre Richard North went over for a well deserved try earning the team a bonus point 7-24. Stags then saw out the match in some comfort, helped by a full contingent remaining on the pitch for 80 minutes. Coach Reggie Reid said ' It was a good performance by the boys, they are improving week on week and we are looking forward to Oakham in a fortnights time.
