Bonus Point Win in the Wind

First home game in the new year results in Own getting a bonus point win. With the title race and promotion on the card for 4 teams a vital bonus point was just what Own needed. With only playing 2 games this side of Christmas and with 7 games left to go until the end Own needed to pull back the momentum they had at the start of the season.

With very strong winds heading straight down the pitch everyone knew it was going to be a tough affair.

Own started with the wind at their back and started strong using the wind to their advantage Own tried to pin Aylestone back deep into their 22. With the wind being so strong the Line outs were always going to be hit and miss. With no leniency from the Referee and both sides struggling to hit the line out because of the wind it was going to be a long day for the forwards with so many scrums. The wind was so strong Aylestone would have to try and run the ball out from their 22 but Owns defence wasn't going to give way. With massive hits round the park and some great defending round the fringes own kept aylestone at bay. Own kept the pressure high and received a try for their efforts.
With more defending around the break down a big hit came in and the ball was spilled. Stainton gathered posesion with a great pick up off the floor and ran towards the Aylestone back line drawing in the defenders, with a quick pop pass to the ever eager Louis James it created the space for James to slide through the back line and dive over the line for the first points of the game. Converted James 7-0.

Own continued to put the pressure on but Aylestone weren't budging. With constant changes in possession both teams were working hard in attack and defense but with no reward. Own came closest to scoring with great phase play but the slippery ball and the wind made it hard to make the passes stick.

Half Time.

With the wind now against Own the hard work was about to start. 2 Changes at half time saw Evans come on to into the front row and Pocklington come back from injury into the back row. Own knew that they would need to put as much hard work in the second half as Aylestone did in the first, and they came out firing from all cylinders. Aylestone gave away a penalty and James kicks well against the win. Own secured the line out and drove well. A hit up the middle from Eeles made yards and it was recycled well. A quick change in play and a reverse down the near side gave a chance for Evans to stick the ball up his shirt and charge his way over from 5 meters out. Kick missed 12-0.

With Own getting a taste for the line they went up through the gears, running the ball out from deep in the Mens Own half was always going to be tough, but Own stuck to their structure and game plan and it payed off with Aylestone not being able to keep up with the pace of Mens own the penalties started coming. Own managed to keep Aylestone in their 22 for a majority of the second half despite the wind. Own kept the phases going and worked hard to support the ball carrier.
The third try came once again after the hard phase play and support work. Own kept driving forward and after being just a couple of meter s short of the time Baby Rhino Jones managed to pick and go from 2 meters out and smash his way over the line. Kick missed 17-0.

Own knew that the bonus point was in reach and that was the motivation they needed to keep the pressure on. Line breaks started to come from and some amazing runs from debutant George Lefroy-Brooks, started to cause havoc to the aylestone defence. Johnny Rust continued to run the game from 10 and the forwards ran hard off him. With the chance to go wide Kerr managed to dig the ball out and spin it wide to Rust. Louis James picked him hole and stepped through with Rust finding his man. James was 1 v 1 with the covering defender and he put the burners on and ran to the line diving over in the corner to touch down for his second of the game. Kick Missed 22-0.

It didn't take long for the next Try to come, with more carries from the forwards it put aylestone on the back foot. Rust saw the space and and James noticed it as well in sync the ball was nudged perfectly over the top of the Aylestone back line from 40 yards out the race was on James was on the chace and kicked it through along the floor, showing his footballing skills one more kick was enough to get the ball 5 meters away from the line, with the defender closing it James dived on the ball and slid over for his 3rd of the match. Converted James 29-0.

With not long left to play Own didn't let off, With more hard runs coming from every man on the park and Aylestone struggling to keep up it was only a matter of time for the next Try. Own worked the pitch well playing from side to side and supporting each other well. A miss match opened up on the blind side and Own spotted the gap. With quick hands down the line it left Ray and Conor frost with a 2 v1 on the touch line Ray held the ball well and dragged the defender in to him, with a perfect pass it gave Frost the chance to open up his legs and like a baby giraffe he ran down the line to go over in the corner. Kick Missed 34-0.

Full time.

A great squad performance from Own with every man putting in an amazing shift. A massive well done to Ciaran Eeles who made his first team debut against Stamford a few weeks ago and started again today and also to 17 year old Colt George Lefroy Brooks who not only made his debut but started the game as well.
A Huge Congratulations to Louis James who has been selected for England Counties Under 18's. We are looking forward to watching you play against Ireland in a few weeks.
Own continue their league campaign at Home to Thorney this weekend. Kick off Times have changed to 3pm Kick off, Look forward to seeing you all their.