MK win 4 Quarters Against Mens Own

MK looking good in Pre Season

MK welcomed Mens Own to Stade:EV on Thursday evening for a pre season friendly, with both teams fielding large numbers.
It was decided that the match would be played in 4 20-minute bursts, which worked well for the MK coaches who each had a quarter to manage.

1st Quarter managed by Rich Hill
Both teams were looking to stamp their authority on the game from the get go, but both teams were looking rusty in the opening exchanges.
MK were looking the more dangerous through big runs from Harry Bissett and new comer Rich Herzog getting them over the game line and with centres Andy Poole and Lewis Seaton, MK were looking dangerous.
It wasn’t long before MK made a break through, after some good work from the MK backs, new 1st team captain Ash Targett ghosted through a gap in the Mens Own defence to score under the posts. Conversions weren’t being used so MK took the lead 5 – 0.
Mens Own were quickly back on level terms after an Ash Targett pass was intercepted by the impressive Mens Own outside centre who had a clear run to the line. 5 - 5
MK continued to press Mens Own at all opportunities and after a kick though the ball was gathered by Dan Pearson who made good yards down the wing, with the ball being recycled quickly a grubber through the defence allowed Dan Jones to touch down.
The remainder of the half ebbed and flowed with both teams working hard. the first 20mins ended as a 10 – 5 win to MK.

2nd Quarter managed by Dan Jones
With both teams making several changes, MK fielded a completely new 15 with debuts going to back rower Jacob Saddington, Zane Pittaway at scrum half and Joe Fitzgerald on the wing. Mens Own brought on several colts players for this 20 minute section, all of whom accounted themselves very well.
All 3 were in the thick of the action from the early stages with Pittaway looking impressive with ball in hand which got the entire team working hard and going forward. The good service he was giving fly half Tom Ray meant that Tom could dictate play very well.
It wasn’t long before MK were on the score sheet again after some fantastic inter changes between backs and forwards the ball was spun out to winger Bailey Williams, who made good yards, although being clearly high tackled, managed to offload the ball to Dave Samworth to roll back the years and crash over the line.
MK were now fizzing and looking very dangerous in almost every facet of the game, with Big Ben Eva dominating scrum time, Michael Fitzgerald making hard yards backed up by Saddington and Ben Pearson making some very hard solid tackles.
From a Mens Own lineout MK turned over the ball, and with some more incredible interlinking play between forwards and backs, Niall Mackenzie scorched through the defence to score.
MK 10 – 0 Mens Own is how the 20 minute period finished.

3rd Quarter Managed by Dan Pearson.
MK made several changes again with 4 colts starting, all of which had a telling influence on the game. Special mention to Graham and Ryan Wellings who got on the field together to mark Ryan’s senior debut.
The 3rd quarter was a scrappy affair with the scrums going down regularly and the ball not being protected at the back of the rucks at all which made life difficult for Jamie Selvester playing 9.
Mens Own were on top for 15 minutes or so but strong defence from Pearson again, Dylan Greenwood, Jordan Daniel and Frazer Cumming were thwarting all attacks coming their way.
MK now started to force their way into the game now by applying pressure to Mens Own, edging them backwards with each tackle going in. The penalties started to come MK’s way, and after a strong run by Barney Stables, the ball was recycled several times, but a loose pass to the backs made Ryan Wellings pick the ball up and dance his way to the line being stopped inches short, Stables was on hand to steal the ball and dot the ball down for an unlikely 5 – 0 win.

4th Quarter managed by Lewis Barnett
Both sides had agreed they would field a strong side to finish the match with and it was Mens Own who seemed to have the bit between their teeth, not wanting to lose all 4 20 minute periods. Strong runs from their forwards and some great creativity from the M.O 13 again, which only an amazing tap tackle by Rich Herzog, stopped him scoring, saw MO on top.
But as so often happens MK scored against the run of play when Targett stabbed the ball through for winger Adam Johnson to hack the ball on twice, and dot down for a 5 – 0 lead.
With the light fading and fatigue starting to set in both sides were creating chances but it was MK who took their chance, after working am over lap to put Andy Poole through a gap into space, switching with debutant Joe Fitzgerald for him to accelerate away to score under the posts.
MK were now tired and chasing the ball, Mens Own worked their own over lap to put the winger in space and run through to touch down. 10 – 5.
It was the last play of the game, which saw MK win 10 – 5 and take the glory once again.

Both sides were happy with the run out and have plenty to work on. MK will be slightly happier having won all 4 quarters, and with new faces playing very well, young players stepping up, and still a month to go until the new season starts, things are looking positive at MKRUFC.