A close encounter slips away from the Dragon’s Teeth

After a long Christmas break and a long drive up to Buckinghamshire, the Dragon’s Teeth stepped out into the cold January air for the first return fixture of the season and the first game of 2018.

Buckingham had the early possession and put the Teeth into their own half. The defence was clinical and the lines were cleared easily enough. A scrum centre-field saw some lovely backs work and James Dias running through for the opening try. Roddy Clark converting, 0-7.

Buckingham restarted with what could be described as a unique restart. After much confusion and dumbfounded looks, the ball was taken by Buckingham and run over the try line. Converted, 7-7.

Time for the Teeth to focus and play the game they were here to play.

The first half played out fairly evenly, with both sides sharing possession and defending well. Lineouts and scrums were both competitive and eventually, the Teeth crossed the line with Ben Barrows storming over in typical style. Unconverted, 7-12.

Halt time called and the Teeth definitely felt they had more gears to go through and that the game was there for the taking.

The second half developed with little in the way of excitement. The Teeth defending well and when they managed to gain possession and go forward, looked threatening only to be unstuck. Meanwhile, the Buckingham fly-half kept pulling the strings and continuously put the Teeth back three under pressure.

Eventually, the Teeth defence was broken and Buckingham took the lead. 14-12.

Ill-discipline was costing both sides and Buckingham conceded a penalty within range of Roddy Clark. However, having broken yet another tee, John Raspin stepped in to hold the ball. No worries though, 3 points nicely in the bag. 14-15.

With the clock ticking down and the scoreline tight, Buckingham forced a penalty out of the Teeth. The unfaltering fly-half slotting the 3 points to take the lead and the game.

Full time score - 17-15.

Unfortunately, another loss for the Dragon’s Teeth but not for lack of heart and effort. A little rusty after Christmas perhaps, at times playing a game outside of the normal game plan.

Next week sees the first home game for 2018 and the Teeth will be looking to return to winning ways.

Tries: Dias, Barrows
Cons: Clark
Pens: Clark