Under 16 Match Report
Sunday 2nd December 2007
Long Buckby 14pts v Lutterworth 39pts
Long Buckby RFC 14 v 39 Lutterworth RFC
The weather conditions for the first half of this match couldn’t have been much worse with a howling wind and driving rain, a real hardship for the parents watching!
The game kicked off with the wind advantage in Lutts favour (more about taking advantage of the wind later!) Sustained pressure saw Alex Dann over the try line after only four minutes and duly converted by Stone, 7 – 0. Lutts continued their assault in Buckbys’ half, a period which produced some powerful drives and runs from forwards and backs alike which were countered by some good tackling from the opposition. One of these runs forward saw Barker halted within 5 metres of the line, the ball was set up again and after a short period of slick handling and driving forward play, saw Hargreaves reach out and cross the line on 14 minutes, the conversion was missed, 12 – 0. Lutts next score came 5 minutes later from a scrum inside Lutts half, Alex Steventon received the ball and ran for the line, he was caught with 10 metres to go but managed to offload which resulted in Ingham being driven over for try number three, the conversion was missed 17 – 0. Buckby were in no mood to give up and battled hard which resulted in Pell being replaced by Chan on 20 minutes after injury, however Lutts hadn’t relaxed either and the fourth try was scored when Callum was driven over, the conversion was taken and the half time score was 24 – 0.
The weather for the second half saw the sun out but the wind as strong as ever so now in Buckby’s favour. Lutts started as they had finished the first half and were making headway into the opposition half before giving away a penalty, here the wind advantage came into play and the resultant kick took play all the way back to Lutts 5 metre line, Buckby won the lineout and drove over for their first score of the day, the conversion was scored 24 – 7. Lutts hit back in the best way possible and a minute later Barker crossed the line after some beautiful interplay and powerful running, the conversion was missed (not surprising in the powerful wind) 29 – 7. Buckby were not done yet and only four minutes later crossed the line for the second time with a pick and drive, the conversion was scored 29-14. Again Lutts hit back within two minutes and this time the wind worked for Lutts after Barker kicked forward, the wind caught it and the ball landed behind and fell nicely into Lutts hands (I’m sure this bit of play was intentional!), the result, Alex Steventon crossing the line for his try and Lutts sixth try of the day. Conversion missed 34 – 14. Lutts were penalised for offside and won the scrum against the head, the ball was carried powerfully forward and the game ended with Ellis crossing for the last try of the game.
Final score 39 – 14 to Lutterworth RFC.
Coaches Man of the Match.
Forwards… Mikey Ingham
Backs… Alex Steventon.