MK off the Mark

Milton Keynes 34 Gosford All Blacks 29

Under normal circumstances this would have been a grudge match both teams having gained promotion last season with MK winning 2 out of the 3 games including the Bucks Shield final but Gosford arguably winning the one that counted to secure the league title. After MK's humbling by Buckingham a fortnight ago and given that both teams were without a win from their first 2 games this was about more than pride.

MK were without 9 regular first team players and handed first team league debuts to Jack Skinner on the wing and Owen Ledger on the bench. It was also a chance for Clubman of the year Robert 'Barney' Stables to join the squad.

MK made their intentions clear from the start with a good take from the kick off going straight to Brian Purcell who kicked down field for territory so the MK pack could put some pressure on the opposition . The MK forwards were dominant from the off showing the kind of control they had only shown in glimpses in their first two games, and were rewarded wth a penalty 8 minutes in which was struck over by Brian Purcell. 3-0

They were rewarded again on the 24th minute when a strong line out ball allowed Freddie Tomlins starting at 10 for the missing Nathan Thomas to spread the ball wide and some slick hands to Tim Parkinson on the left wing 30 yards out. With a bit of work to do, the Deaf Wales international cut inside his winger before stepping round the advancing fullback to score. Purcell slotted the extra 2. 10-0

MK were straight back in the Gosford 22 from a deep re-start and some strong defensive work from Henry Cross and Harry Bissett, back in at hooker after missing the first 2 of the season through injury, Gosford were forced Into a defensive scrum 15 yards from their own try line. The dominant MK pack buoyed by the return of veteran prop and former skipper Richard Hill drove them off the ball and allowed Rob Lasbrey to launch a quick counter attack. A basketball style pass from Niall MacKenzie allowed Parkinson to gather well and run into the corner for his second of the day. Conversion missed 15-0

MK were warned in the run up to half time though when talented Gosford fly half Harry Sutton attacked the MK line at pace before throwing a miss pass to Jack Briggs who burst through the heart of the MK defence and fed centre Will Watts to score their first points of the game. Conversion missed Half Time 15-5

The second half started with much of the same MK trying to use their bigger stronger forwards and not allow Gosfords powerful back 3 too much time and space with the ball. Big carries from Captain Ben Fisher and the aforementioned Bissett meant MK were back on the attack, and were granted a penalty, 40 yards out 10 in from the touch line. Purcell struck it well and it bounced of the upright only to be gathered by Niall MacKenzie who ran it in for an easy score. Converted by Purcell 22-5

With the game slipping away Gosford seemed to grow with Sutton seeing more of the ball and allowing their backs to get more and more into the game. MK were under pressure defending their own line Purcell with not enough space to clear tried to carry the ball to safety only to be held up and have it ripped off him by Gosford skipper Dan Bullimore for an easy Gosford try. The conversion was added followed by a penalty just minutes later to make it 22-15 with 15 to go and set up a nail biting finish.

Gosford had exerted some pressure and to play in the right areas was the message in the field. Just inside the Gosford half another display of good hands meant Parkinson was one on one wth his winger and stormed into the corner for his hatrick. Ensuring that whatever the final result, the jug of beer was on him. Conversion Missed. 27-15. Gosford answered back with their own try almost immediately with Jack Briggs. Converted 27-22

MK continued to kick for the corner trying to ensure that Gosford were forced to attack from deep if they got the ball. MK using their bigger pack to barrel forward at every chance. A switch of the play from Rob Lasbrey saw Richard Hill on the blindside (because what's MK without a Hill on the wing) and with 3 players in front of him and it was route one all the way as he trundled it over to score. Expertly converted by Purcell 34-22

Still 5 minutes to go and Gosford were not done trying to get it wide and attack at every opportunity. This time it was powerful fullback Ben Bodinham who burst through and scored under the posts. Converted 34-29

The biggest cheers of the day came when veteran Robert 'Barney' Stables came on the field for injured Niall McKenzie with minutes to go. Bodinham was still trying to find space for the winner only to have the door slammed shut by Stables the wise old owl, a vital contribution as Gosford tried to nick all the points. They had to settle for 2 though and despite MK dominating up front for most of the game it could have gone either way in the end.

This was about the Win though and getting off the mark. The first points of the season see's MK off the foot of the table and up to 9th. The lads know they will have to keep improving but a much needed confidence boost and lads returning to the fold they should be able to build on this and kick start their season, as they re-adjust to life in Southern Counties North . Next week they travel to High Wycombe for another tough encounter.

Man of the match, a quality performance from Tim Parkinson for completing a hatrick but Harry Bissett's workrate in attack and defence on his return to the team carried the sort of fight the day was won on.