2nd XV
Matches
Sat 30 Mar 2019
Market Bosworth 2nd XV
28
12
Aylestone Athletic RFC
2nd XV
Tries: D Camm (2)Conversions: G Lloyd
Bos 2s 28 - Ath 12

Bos 2s 28 - Ath 12

Mark Corley31 Mar 2019 - 09:49
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A superb game of competitive rugby

This weekend saw the 2s play their final league game of the season. This season has been a mixed bag with some sides playing in an inappropriate league for their level of ability, some teams putting out sides bolstered by players from higher teams, and then several who put out genuine teams and play outstanding rugby where it is a level playing field, fair and hard competition, and (to a certain degree) you come of feeling happy no matter what the final score says. This game was definitely one of the latter.

We turned up with a slightly weakened side due to the high levels of unavailability that have plagued the club over the last 3 or 4 weeks. Weakened not by the players being of lesser ability, but due to them having to play out of position and with other players have played little with before and so are unfamiliar (this was particularly the case in the backs). Out team was also a lot of old(er) men with a smattering of youth. Bos turned up with a lot of young men and a smattering of old(er) men. It was definitely going to be a game where the teams playing styles differed.

Before KO we were directed that we needed to keep possession of the ball at all times and at all costs. Kicking was to be a final final FINAL resort, loose passes were a no-no, and using the physical strength of our side over the youth, speed and enthusiasm of the opposition was going to be the order of the day. As was mentioned during the warm-up, it would take us several minutes of sustained play to get a try whereas they’d be able to score one in 15 seconds if they got the ball from us – and how prophetic that statement was, but more on that shortly.

From the KO Bos started brightly. They were fast and fit, as we had predicted, and it wasn’t long before we were 3 tries down. It was stated, when under the posts for the 3rd time, that we needed to take the game one play at a time. We mustn’t let our heads drop, and circumstances of great comebacks from earlier this season were quoted. This seemed to work because the second ¼ saw sustained pressure from Ath. We charged in close to the forwards again and again. All credit to Bos for the defence they put in and many of them probably have sore shoulders today. Eventually they broke and we got a try with the final play of the half. Try Damo, unconverted.

At half time we changed some personnel to ensure everyone got a game, and started on the same tact as we finished the first half. The shift the forwards put in was no less than Herculean. In the end the half finished 1 try a-piece, and the final score was, I think 28-12. Our try came as predicted, following a long period of sustained pressure and scrums that saw Bos lucky to only lose one to the bin and not give a penalty try. Their try came from a KO straight after ours. The ball was kicked VEEEERY high and although we were perfectly positioned to catch it, their 15 leapt like the proverbial salmon and plucked the ball out of the air. Our scramble defence caught him but he managed an offload to their 10 who scored.

All-in-all it was a superb game of rugby. Bos were excellent on the field, and the game was played in really good spirits (despite the initial anger from their 8 when we said we would not voluntarily go to uncontested scrums when their pack started to drop like flies – in the end he saw the reasoning and we ended up giving them a prop to keep us in the game). Our pack were outstanding. Our front 5 in the set piece were we dominated, and our back row when working in pods. Swift, Andy G & Alex were all out on their feet by the final whistle (Alex, literally). The backs didn’t get much ball, but Tom Lloyd and Ed Harris both got stuck in with some forceful runs.

Many MANY thanks to Mick & Len from South. They’ve played for us a few times this season when South have not had a fixture and have been a useful and greatly appreciated boost to the team. Many thanks guys. We will always do our best to return the favour if needed, and to make sure you and any other South guys get a game when your side isn’t playing. Thanks guys.

MOM I would guess was Andy Grange. Damo, 2 tries, Camm will also never forgive me if I don’t tell you that our second half try came from a Damo ball. I was standing next to Andy G when it was called and whispered “This move NEVER works” and am glad to have been proved wrong.

Tour next, then a couple of friendlies, then Fat Boy 7s, the Dinner, and we are done.

Skips will text you soon for your Player of the year nomination, so get those thinking caps on, chaps.

Match details

Match date

Sat 30 Mar 2019

Kickoff

15:00

Meet time

13:15
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Technology Sponsor - Classic & Sports Car Transport Ltd
Hospitality Sponsor - The Old Horse
Match Ball Sponsor - Corley Estate Agents
Pitch Sponsor - MG Joinery Contracts Ltd
Club Accountants - Sturgess Hutchinson
Shirt sponsor - G Lill pump and tank engineers
Shirt Sponsor - Econix Ltd