Leighton Buzzard RFC U17s, led by captain Louis Beer, ran amok at St Ives scoring 5 tries in the first half with no reply. From the kick-off, the ball went through the hands to LJ who drove over the line to get Buzzards off the mark. St Ives then woke up and there was a period when Buzzards had to defend vigorously. The attack ended when the St Ives try was disallowed due to a double movement. Good rucking by the forwards, Hayden, Julian, Max, George, Harry, Reece, Harry E and LJ, led to a breakout from the Buzzards 22 and a try by Ollie.
Solid all round Buzzards defense and attack led to a breakaway and touchdown by new signing Ellis. He was instrumental in the next attack, being brought down on the 5m line, with Julian in close support, but being knocked-on. Buzzards then won a penalty in the St Ives 22 from which Louis drove through to score. Buzzards were under some pressure in the scrum but quick ball to scrum half George onto the backs, Archie, Sam and Dane in the Buzzard 22 led to another Ellis run and offload to Louis to score.
In the second half, a spirited St Ives defence reduced the scoring opportunities, despite a breakout from the 22 by Louis. Buzzards last try started from an innovative lineout call by scrum captain Harry, with ball finding it’s way through the backs to Ellis who scored in the corner. Good tactical kicking by Ollie and Louis (3 conversions). Final score 0 – 36.
Man of the match was given to the trio of Hayden, Julian and Max who comprised the aggressive Buzzard front row, against the bigger St Ives pack and who made key runs and tackles. New players are always welcome to join the Academy at their regular Tuesday or Thursday training sessions at Wright’s Meadow, Stanbridge road.