Bugbrooke’s run in the National Cup ended at the Quarter Final stage this weekend with a frustrating defeat to Old Laurentians, in close encounter at Camp Close. Bugbrooke started against the wind, and the game seemed a tight affair throughout, however Bugbrooke were rocked by injury to Fly-Half Tom Davies early in the game, causing a break in flow and fluidity in Bugbrookes attacking game. Nevertheless, Bugbrooke took a slender one point lead into the break, a clever move down the short side saw winger Adam Pepper scoring, Shaun Boyson, filling in at Fly Half converted. OL’s attacked with the wind in the back, but only their points were two penalties.
In the second period, saw a critical turning point, the Referee gave penalty after penalty to the visitors, and when only five yards out the OL’s Tighthead Prop took a quick tap whilst the Ref talked with skipper John Holding, in bizarre fashion the try was awarded. It took Bugbrooke a while to bounce back from the score, and the visitors clocked up another three points via the boot, before Bugbrooke started to build pressure and attack. However, with injuries plagued the Badgers, losing Jay Smith and KieFewster hobbling with no forwards replacement on the bench, they couldn’t get the score the so desperately needed.
OL’s to their credit were organised and defiant in defence, combined with some good tactical kicking, Bugbrooke were left scratching heads as to how they didn’t convert some good territory and possession into points, and made too many mistakes in key areas. Elsewhere, Bugbrooke 2nds were cancelled due to a lack of referee, and the All-Stars lost for the first time this season on the monthly jaunt on the pitch, against a Daventry 3rd XV that, unlike the All-Stars, were accustomed to playing every week. Next week, Bugbrooke travel to Stockwood Park in a return to league action.

Report by Rob Pardon