Sheffield 34 – 38 Bakelock

Bakelock travelled to Sheffield to play their first match since the sad loss of friend and team mate Will Musgrove. Before the game there was an emotional and immaculately observed minutes silence in memory of Will.

Straight from the kick off the Bakelock centres Peachey and Brooks let the opposition know they were in for a tough game with some bone crunching tackles. But playing with the aid of the slope and the conditions Sheffield continually pressed the Bakelock line. Great defence from Fitzsimmons, Butterworth and Brough combined with superb box kicking from Cruise kept the opposition out until the ball went through the scrum to a Sheffield player who gladly took the opportunity to score.

A good run took the ball close to the Sheffield line where the Bakelock forwards took control culminating in Brough smashing over for a superb try. Sheffield continued to dominate, however, scoring again just before the break. The period ending Sheffield 12 – 5 Bakelock.

The second period began with Bakelock now enjoying the benefit of the conditions, Stevenson in particular, taking advantage with some vigorous ball carrying. Despite this and some valiant defence from Mayhew, bravely putting his body on the line, Sheffield began to take control of the game. Missed tackles and perhaps a degree of mental tiredness took their toll as Bakelock conceded four unanswered tries. Sheffield going into the break with a seemingly unassailable 29 point advantage.

After some stirring words and perhaps a little soul searching Bakelock came out for the final period in determined mood. Morley, excellent throughout, gathered a high ball and shot down the wing to within a few feet of the Sheffield line. Quick as a flash Brough and Elchin secured ball as the forwards piled in sucking in the opposition defence. Sensing an overlap Brooks and Orridge shipped the ball wide for Peachey to notch the easiest try he will ever score.

Soon after Sheffield kicked the ball up to the Bakelock goal line but unfortunately for them Peachey gathered and stormed the full length to touch down between the posts. The visitors continued to press as Brooks made a tremendous break offloading to Peachey who floated a lovely ball out to Morley who, still with plenty to do, cut through the opposition to register a brilliant try.

Now with the bit firmly between their teeth Bakelock pressed home the advantage as Peachey carved open the Sheffield midfield with apparent ease to score his third. With only a slender 3 point lead and with a real possibility of losing the game Sheffield rallied starting to put Bakelock under pressure.

The recovery was soon quashed as Orridge put in two unbelievable head on tackles that any back row forward would have been proud of. With Bakelock on the front foot once again Swindell picked from a ruck and tore through the Sheffield defence stepping round and fending off as he went. Soon after Waller-Long took a pass and headed straight for the posts. No sidestep, no deviation, in fact no evasion what so ever, he simply trampled over the defenders to score a brutally executed try. Incredibly Bakelock took the lead for the first time in the match!

With just minutes remaining and with a narrow lead to protect the cool head of Orridge took charge cleverly kicking for field position to keep Sheffield penned in. As the final whistle blew players and supporters alike vented their emotions with some rapturous celebrations and more than a few tears. Final score Sheffield 34 – 38 Bakelock.

A magnificent performance full of character and determination, each and every player can be proud of themselves.