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Sat 04 Jan 2020 · Division 3
East London II
1st XV
27
7
Defeat to east london
james Dempsey7 Jan 2020 - 12:26
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Xmas hangover proves costly
Bancroft First XV vs East London
After a strong first half of the season, the Bancroft 1st XV looked to continue to quest towards a potential home finals day. The first match after Christmas saw the boys come up against difficult opposition in East London 2s who put a good account for themselves in the reverse fixture at the Croft showing physicality and good set plays.
Some ‘post-holiday ring rust’ was clear as Bancroft were slow to start and conceded an early try. However, rather than let their heads drop the boys rallied and took the game to EL. Smart positional play from halfbacks Craig Dempsey and Daniel James helped the B’s take up position in the EL half, from here the lineout marshalled by Alex Dempsey asserted its dominance mounting powerful driving mauls pummelling the EL forwards. This pressure eventually paid off following a try from captain Ayo Akinfenwa, followed by a conversion from Alfie Wigley. EL replied building attacks of their own but solid defensive work from Bancroft slammed the door on them on multiple occasions. Numerous tackles from Bill Mostyn and Tony How chopping down opposition twice their size set the precedent for the Bancroft defence. However, unfortunate penalties saw EL extend their lead to 13-7 at half time.
The game was not lost, and Bancroft looked to mount a comeback. More solid work at the lineout with key man Ed Jones being instrumental and having his opposite number ‘in his back pocket’ at lineout time. However, aspects of complacency and lack of conviction started to cost Bancroft. Chances went begging and were ultimately punished by more converted penalties by EL. This was then compounded by EL scoring another try making the score 21-7. With 10 minutes let the boys started to through the kitchen sink at the situation looking to salvage what they could but this was to no avail and a last-minute breakaway try ended any hopes form Bancroft.
An admission from the referee after the game, “the score was not a fair reflection on the game, I think Bancroft tried to do too much too soon at times”. A tough result for the boys to take and a bit of a wake up call in that no game is ever easy and if they want to get that home finals day that everyone is staving for it will have to be earned no given. Bancroft will look to get their pursuit back on track starting at squad training on Tuesday then at home on Saturday vs Eton Manor 4ths.
#StrengthAndHonour
MoTM – Ed Jones
WoW – Ayo Akinfenwa (for breaking the rules and attempting to pass)
After a strong first half of the season, the Bancroft 1st XV looked to continue to quest towards a potential home finals day. The first match after Christmas saw the boys come up against difficult opposition in East London 2s who put a good account for themselves in the reverse fixture at the Croft showing physicality and good set plays.
Some ‘post-holiday ring rust’ was clear as Bancroft were slow to start and conceded an early try. However, rather than let their heads drop the boys rallied and took the game to EL. Smart positional play from halfbacks Craig Dempsey and Daniel James helped the B’s take up position in the EL half, from here the lineout marshalled by Alex Dempsey asserted its dominance mounting powerful driving mauls pummelling the EL forwards. This pressure eventually paid off following a try from captain Ayo Akinfenwa, followed by a conversion from Alfie Wigley. EL replied building attacks of their own but solid defensive work from Bancroft slammed the door on them on multiple occasions. Numerous tackles from Bill Mostyn and Tony How chopping down opposition twice their size set the precedent for the Bancroft defence. However, unfortunate penalties saw EL extend their lead to 13-7 at half time.
The game was not lost, and Bancroft looked to mount a comeback. More solid work at the lineout with key man Ed Jones being instrumental and having his opposite number ‘in his back pocket’ at lineout time. However, aspects of complacency and lack of conviction started to cost Bancroft. Chances went begging and were ultimately punished by more converted penalties by EL. This was then compounded by EL scoring another try making the score 21-7. With 10 minutes let the boys started to through the kitchen sink at the situation looking to salvage what they could but this was to no avail and a last-minute breakaway try ended any hopes form Bancroft.
An admission from the referee after the game, “the score was not a fair reflection on the game, I think Bancroft tried to do too much too soon at times”. A tough result for the boys to take and a bit of a wake up call in that no game is ever easy and if they want to get that home finals day that everyone is staving for it will have to be earned no given. Bancroft will look to get their pursuit back on track starting at squad training on Tuesday then at home on Saturday vs Eton Manor 4ths.
#StrengthAndHonour
MoTM – Ed Jones
WoW – Ayo Akinfenwa (for breaking the rules and attempting to pass)
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