Can He Kick It?

A penalty scored by the Milton Keynes’ kicker in less than 5 minutes and the game looked like it could be a walkover, however accurate kicking from Jack Jones gained ground for Slough until he eventually equalled the lead with a penalty. (3-3)

The game quickly became about which team had the most talented kicker with clearance kicks and defensive kicks from Kev Dunne and Joe Sole whilst Jack Jones went for an ambitious penalty kick after a high tackle. The 30m kick sailing over the bar to put Slough in the lead (6-3)

The kicking game continued as the ball went from end to end before a penalty was given to test the visitors’ fly half’s boot. The kick went over to level the score again (6-6)

A further long distance kick from Milton Keynes put them ahead seconds later (6-9)

With Milton Keynes ahead, they began playing phases and testing Slough’s defence. Good tackling from Dunne slowed the attack but the pressure proved too much and Milton Keynes scored the first try of the day. After a successful conversion a fight kicked off, quickly sorted by the ref (6-16)

With feelings running high the game became very competitive, however Slough’s defence couldn’t handle a slick handling move from a line-out which allowed Milton Keynes to cross the whitewash again. (6-21)

The kick and chase game continued before a high tackle gave Slough a penalty and sent one of Milton Keynes’ players to the bin.

HT: Slough 6 – 21 Milton Keynes

The second half began with more long kicks and mazey runs from both teams, however in the wet conditions it had become difficult to catch the ball so frequent scrums were given, mostly won by the team putting in.

Slough won a scrum in their own 22 but a pass from the back was intercepted and Milton Keynes crossed for their third try (6-28)

A creative Matthew Fenwick fooled a few defenders with a dummy pass however was high tackled for his efforts. The penalty was kicked to touch but nothing came from it. A further high tackle from the same player sent a second Milton Keynes player to the bin.

An early push in a scrum led to yet another tussle that resulted in a third yellow for Milton Keynes and a yellow for Sid. The penalty after was popped to Fenners which allowed him to break the line and score Slough’s first try, converted by Jack Jones (13-28)

Milton Keynes replied with a chip over Slough’s defensive line to score. Conversion missed (13-33)

Consistent phase play from Slough( 17 phases) got them closer to the line but an unexpected turnover put Slough on the back foot and Milton Keynes scored again (13-38)

Joe Sole caught Jones' kick off and weaved between players to cross the line. Converted by Jones. (20-38)

FT: Slough 20 – 38 Milton Keynes
MOTM:

Callum Gray