Sat 19 Oct 2024
With a somewhat rearranged team, Stags made the trip over to bottom placed Northampton BBOB for their fifth league fixture of the season. The early rain had cleared, the sun was shining, and an entertaining game was in store for Stags and their travelling supporters.
Stags were slow off the mark, perhaps due to a changed lineup, and any early possession was lost through either fumbles or not committing enough men to the breakdown.
Stags broke the deadlock through a trademark Barnie West hand-off and runaway down the left flank, which was converted by Cam Redpath. They quickly followed up with a try from a driving maul to Nick Saunders.
BBOB thought they were on the board when some comical referring saw a try awarded, then reversed. However, from the follow up play and unlucky bounce of the ball saw BBOB awarded a try which was converted.
Before the half was out, Stags ran in two more tries to Richard North and a second for West, one of which was converted by Redpath. BBOB managed to score another too, to make the halftime score 24-12 to Stags.
Despite scoring four tries and securing the bonus point it was a far from convincing display in the first half. Stags knew that a strong start to the second half would be required, but found themselves back under their posts from the kickoff as BBOB scored a well worked try to bring the deficit back to seven.
Stags Captain Jack Skidmore must have inspired his troops at this point, as the next 38 minutes were one way traffic as Stags ran in seven unanswered tries; two more to West, two to Rog Shakespeare, and singles to Wade Schoeman, Redpath and Skidmore, six of which were converted by Redpath. Final score 71-17 to Stags.
Coach Simon Leader was thrilled with the big win, saying “I am thrilled with the big win.
“It is fair to say that we haven’t had the best week with injuries and unavailability, but to come away with a convincing win like this while giving some fringe players valuable minutes is great.
“Rugby isn’t just a sport, it’s a teacher: We are instilling the power of teamwork, discipline and mental toughness. These are values we are integrating into training, ensuring we get the results we deserve” concluded Leader.
Captain Skidmore added that “the game didn’t really flow; the first half was pretty bad but the second was much better and we scored some good tries.
“When they closed to within seven early in the first half, I thought that it could turn into a long slog of an afternoon, but from my Kenpo martial arts background I explained the concept of ‘Musha Shugyo’ or warriors pilgrimage and they took it onboard and ran riot, which was great.”
Stags are back at the Racecourse next week, when they host Brackley. Stags will be looking to avenge their two losses from last season against this team. All support very much welcome.
