RUSHDEN AND HIGHAM 8- 34 LEIGHTON BUZZARD
Leighton Buzzard remain second in the league after a hard-fought bonus point win away at Rushden and Higham. This result means that victory in their final two league games would secure a second successive promotion.
Despite scoring six tries and conceding only one with the final play of the game, this was a competitive game against large and determined opponents. Whilst Leighton scored some excellent tries and defended well, this was not a faultless performance with often poor decision-making and allowing the referee’s idiosyncratic style to frustrate them.
Leighton kicked off in dry conditions and with the slight benefit of the cross-wind. They were quickly applying early pressure and after three minutes took the lead with a Tom Maynard try following a lineout. Seven minutes later Jacob Dove added a very similar second try. James Brett converted to give Buzzards a 12 point lead, although midway through the half this was cut to 3-12 after a home side penalty.
Buzzards were trying to play a fast game, taking quick tap penalties to move their larger opponents around and emphasise their extra speed, whilst Rushden were using their large straight runners. Leighton’s set piece was performing well, the scrum achieving parity and the lineout was secure, where Jack Adair’s throwing was excellent in windy conditions. After twenty-three minutes Callum Creber scored Buzzards’ third try to make the score 3-17. This was to remain the score until half-time despite an extended period of pressure on the Buzzard line when the Leighton defence showed excellent commitment.
Leighton started the second-half conceding a number of penalties. Rushden twice attempted to kick for goal in the first five minutes of the half but fortunately both drifted wide in the stiff crosswind.
An increasing penalty count was a feature of the second half leading to the game becoming disjointed, causing frustration amongst the players and crowd. However, after fifty minutes, Buzzards extended their lead. Maintaining possession through numerous phases, the ball was spread wide for winger Jamie West to score in the corner. The difficult conversion was missed, leaving the score 3-22. Ten minutes later, the other winger , Raef Braithwaite scored a spectacular try avoiding defenders and the touch line to dive in at the corner. Six minutes later Jamie West showed his pace to round the defence and score under the posts. James Brett converted for a 3-34 lead.
Despite the result not being in doubt, Rushden and Higham proved doughty opponents. Helped by a succession of penalties, they dominated possession and territory for the final ten minutes. During this period the home side crossed the line but were held up. Finally the pressure told and Rushden and Higham scored with the final play of the game to make the final score 8-34.
Coach Phil Llewellyn congratulated colt George Martin on his encouraging debut and awarded man of the match to Matt Bloxham.
Next week Buzzards welcome St.Ives to Wright’s Meadow.