A Close Encounter But Still A Towcester Win

Towcestrians RFC Development XV 22pts vs. Milton Keynes 2nd XV 19pts

With the lack of regular players it’s a big thank you to the third team and the four players who turned out for the development squad.
The half started with both sides probing for that first opening.
It took 30 minutes before the first points were scored as both defences held strong.
A breakdown after a huge hit from Benjamin Roe unsettled the MK defences, they kick the ball long allowing Jamie King to scythe his way back into the oppositions half a hole opened in the centre as Towcester surged forward. Stepping well and evading tackles the points were scored out wide.
MK hit back straight away and pressure from their forwards resulted in a sin bin for Matt Huck which was an accumulation of technical offences from the team.
Down to 14 men for the last 9 minutes of the half saw huge thumping tackles coming in, but the pressure for the visitors never relented and eventually the lack of numbers showed as MK scored.
The score didn’t change as half time approached and Tows just behind at the break continued to battle well.
Encouraging words from the senior players spoke of the intensity of the defence and of the attacking ability out wide all of which can to the fore in the second half.
As the second half started and with 14 men Tows had to soak up pressure from the visitors.
It took 20 minutes for Towcester to get back into the game. Ronnie Speakman fizzed a quick ball out to Ben Roe as Matt Huck now back on the field bust through the defence. The attack pushed the defence back who never had a chance to realign and again the points were scored out wide.
Benjamin Roe was next on the score sheet as he managed to evade a couple of tackles and score by the posts. Jamie king took over the kicking duties and slotted the extra points.
Mk were not finished as they exerted pressure for the final ten minutes and for their effort scored 2 more tries the final one just in the last minute.
Next week Tows are away at Biggleswade