Dragon's Teeth set their standard at home

Keen to develop some momentum after last week’s 5-pointer, the Dragon’s Teeth set to the field with a clear plan. Win.

Whether that plan involved Buckingham scoring first, we won’t know. However, it was Buckingham who started the scoreboard rolling and a prompt wake up for both the backs and forwards. 0 - 5

With a good restart, the Teeth were in the Buckingham half for the first time. Through a mis-communicated but thoroughly well-executed line out, Sam Longley carried forward and space was created on the blind side for Keith Robinson to tear through the Buckingham defence. 5 - 5

A period of possession in the Buckingham half followed, but in a niggly game, opportunities were not converted until Roddy Clark capitalised on a penalty in front of the posts. 8 - 5

Both teams were holding each other quite well, with tight defences and solid scrummaging. The deadlock was finally broken once again when a 5-metre scrum powered towards the try line. However, in an uncharacteristic event, the backs were released and Tom Ansell slipped through, under the posts. Converted. 15 - 5

The first half was seen out with various injuries for both sides and the half-time score at 15 - 5

After a half-time talk and water taken on, the mood was positive.

The Dragon’s Teeth machine was running well. The forwards were competing and winning ball up front, the backs were being released and running some great lines. No. 8, Keith Robinson gained ground with brutal runs. George Butler and Lewis O’Meara broke through numerous times and when Chris Hodgson was in support, he crossed the line with a fine run in from 15 metres*. Converted. 22 - 5

With three tries in the bag, the bonus point soon became the focus. Unfortunately, Buckingham decided they wanted some of the scoring action and cut through the defence to slide under the posts. Unconverted, thanks to Phil Rushton’s rush on the kicker**. 22 - 10

Right, bonus point. The backs were still capitalising on loose ball in the middle of the field and placing the forwards into the corner. It was only a matter of time before the pressure would result in a forward’s try. It eventually came through the 9th forward, Matt Flannigan, who slipped through alongside a ruck to dot down for the bonus point try. Missed conversion 27 - 10.

With the game petering out through multiple injuries and changes, the Teeth kept playing as they had all day. Tough up front and running lines from the back. Through some broken play and cutting lines through the defence, Lewis O’Meara was pushed wide but had support in Jack Scott, who crossed the line for the final score of the day. Unconverted 32 - 10.

Full-time score: 32 - 10

Another 5 point win for the Dragon’s Teeth who have set their own marker for standards and expectations now.

Captain Matt Flannigan said, “The team showed a real desire to put all the hard work that’s happening in training into a big performance on Saturday. There’s still more to work on, but there is a real, strong buzz around the squad and a determination to keep improving”.

Next league fixture for the Dragon’s Teeth is away at High Wycombe IIs on Saturday, October 21st. See you there.

Tries: K. Robinson, T. Ansell, C. Hodgson, M. Flannigan, J. Scott
Conversions: R. Clark (2)
Penalties: R. Clark

*distance subject to increase with time
**speed subject to increase with time