With no knowledge of our opponents and some 15 minutes into the game it was apparent the Boar faced a well drilled RAF side. Despite the “home” team having something of a territorial advantage the Boar attack was either repelled by vigorous defence or ball spilled when going into contact.

With the backs unable to gas pass the defence stand off Matthews changed tactics with drop goal attempt just going wide, despite the miss his position kicking was flawless throughout the game. It was somewhat against the run of play that Brize (AKA Buccanneers) got the first score on the 20 minute mark. Their first incursion into Boar 22 was dealt with effectively by McRobert, Ross & Perry bundling the threat into touch. The resultant home line out gifted the visitors an attacking scrum from which they gained an unconverted try.
Boar 0 Buccaneers 5

As Ben Lay left the field (Back) the unlikely lads of Proctor, Frizzle and Harpwood undertook front row duties with all eyes focused on hooker. The combination of Dorset farm stock and Oxfordshire Ram coupled with a good turn of speed made for a interesting prospect at number 2! After a short bedding In period ( Alex’s words not mine ) the unlikely lads grew in stature and had relative stability in the scrum. While the business of serious contact sport continued repeated Boar thrusts came to little and with time running out Matthews slotted a penalty on the stroke of half time. Boar 3 Buccaneers 5

During the Interval DOR(D) Director of Rugby (Designate) Giles Blanchard gave his calm assessment of events as viewed from the touchline to the players, and with the arrival of scrum half Angus Philip, speedster Seb Perry was restored to the wing.

From the restart Buccaneer’s conceded in their half, Matthews stepped up and neatly slotted 3 points using the visitors tee (again) where are our tees?
Boar 6 Bucs 5

The subsequent restart ended with an RAF knock on and a grateful Jonny Kingdom found himself running (with the ball) through the midfield, as play progressed forward Matthews, unable to remove glue from hands, had no choice but to weave through the RAF defence and plant under the posts if only to make his conversion easier! Luck or genius?? Let his peers decide. Cue RAF tee, 2 more points and relief from the touchline. Boar 13 Bucs 5

Glamour aside, Boar were in a physical game as big hits started taking their toll. Charlie Ross became first of the Boar blood bin wounded having also survived a couple of crunching tackles earlier, Biggs nursing a stinger while DOR(D) Blanchard was tasked between Ice, Tee, substitution and coach duties. Boar then claimed their 2nd try of the night on 55 minutes. An smart box kick from Angus Philip landed well down field chased by Perry, the kicker and 2 defenders. In the resultant scramble it was Seb (The Splash) Perry that gathered for a sprint to the line and dive in the far corner . Conversion missed.
Boar 18 Bucs 5

Brize were extremely unlucky when a 50 metre solo effort was not awarded. Cutting through a tired Boar midfield and arcing round the defenders before going over the line, the ball deemed to be held up. The scramble defence of Perry and Cover combined to stop the try. Was it a case of the referee not able to keep up to adjudicate or brilliant defence ? We think it was the latter with referee doing a great job!

Boar’s final try was a highly entertaining maul which rumbled 40 metres or so. Weaving left to right and regrouping along the way it was a delight to watch the large boys do their stuff. We believe it was Steve Maryon’s try.
Boar 23 Bucs 5

Buccaneers had the final say taking a 5 pointer in the far corner at the death not before taking wing Perry to the blood bin while doing so.
Final score Boar 23 Buccaneer’s 10

A close hard fought game that could have gone either way

Thanks to :-)

Abingdon RFC’s Mick Hedges and Partner who open up especially for us.
Ben Brook RAF Brize Norton for the fixture.
Messrs Harpwood and Frizzle for their front row antics and positive spin.
Giles Blanchard DOR(D) for coaching the team...A much needed permanent position!
Brize for the use of their kicking tee facilitating 8 Boar points.
Flagless Sam Cover & Ben Lay running the line.
Tamsyn on shirt duty.

No thanks to :-(

No first aid kit or Ice packs
The Protracted match report as requested by the large boys.

Mentions

Ali McRobert, the only player wearing his club tie!
Oscar Matthews kicking from hand.
Large boys try.
Man of the match Harpy..... he asked if he could be !