Leighton Buzzard Rugby Storm into next round of the Bedfordshire Cup
Bedford Swifts 7 Leighton Buzzard 97
Leighton Buzzard Rugby Club played in the Bedfordshire senior Cup this weekend The first Round Match against Bedford Swifts was the first time the Buzzards had played in the cup for nearly 20 years.
Traveling to the International Athletics Stadium in Bedford the Leighton side had a few young faces and quite a few changes from the last league match against Market Rasen and Louth. They faced Bedford Swifts who play 3 levels below the Buzzards in Midlands 4.
The home side started well and kept possession from the Buzzards but the visitors were quick to pounce on any mistake and were soon on the scoreboard after 4 minutes when stand-off Wheeler kicked through on a dropped ball and allowed Irwin to score the first of five tries. This was converted by Jordan Marshall. Leighton received the kick-off and with slick passing put Braybrook through to score a second try in as many minutes. Again Marshall converted and it was 0-14 with only 5 minutes gone. Swifts then tried to keep the ball tight and managed to get a series of penalties which pushed them deep into he visiting 22m area. A catch and drive at the line put them over to score, with the added conversion making it 7-14.
Buzzards though were not worried and started to turn the screw, not allowing the home side any chance to settle and forcing errors in all areas of the park. Tries followed for Bevan, Collins, making only his second appearance for the Buzzard firsts, another two for Irwin,, Harris-Smith, Kempster and man of the match Walsh made the half time score 7-52. Marshall concerted 4 of them.
The second half started much like the first with Swifts trying to keep the game tight but more unforced errors and allowed Braybrook, Stacey, Taylor Roberts, another two for Irwin and a final try for Kempster, with four conversions from Marshall. The final score was 7-97 to Buzzards. All credit to Swifts who kept playing to the end despite being on the wrong end of a high scoring game. It was great to see the mixture of youth and experience for the Buzzards with young Ben Johnson making his first appearance, along with youngsters, Kempster and Turney. While Collins made a good impression in the front row.
Next week Leighton head to Melton Mowbray for the next League game against a side below them in the league but with only a few pints separating them.