OUNDLE II 33-24 LEIGHTON BUZZARD
Leighton Buzzard were defeated for the first time in the league this season but can take pride in a brave and committed performance. This season second teams from professional clubs have been allowed into the league structure, pitting fiercely amateur sides like Leighton against paid players. Against the odds Buzzards dominated the game for much of the second half and ultimately tries conceded from interceptions and dropped passes cost them a famous victory.
Oundle kicked off in dry conditions with Buzzards having the slight advantage of the cross wind in the first half. Whilst Buzzards took a 3-point lead with a James Brett penalty after seven minutes, it was clear that Leighton were in for huge physical challenge. In early play, the Buzzard scrum was under pressure for almost the first time this season and Oundle’s driving maul was also causing problems. Credit to the Buzzard pack, which quickly improved, and particularly to loosehead Harry Nossiter whose opposite number had experience with Premiership club Sale.
Against the home side’s rush defence, Buzzards were using Jacob Murtagh and Ash Walsh as strike runners with Ewan Starling kicking for territory. Midway through the half James Brett dummied from a lineout, broke the initial defence to touch down. He converted his own try to extend the Buzzard lead to 0-10.
It took Oundle thirty minutes to open their scoring but then added two tries in quick succession. Leighton had been forced to carry over their own line giving the home side a 5-metre scrum. Whilst the scrum was defended the pressure was building and there was a sense of inevitability when Oundle drove over. Shortly afterwards Oundle spread the ball wide from their own half to score a fine try. With one try converted, Oundle led 12-10.
Buzzards appeared to be finishing the half well, but with last play of the half a pass was intercepted allowing Oundle to score under the posts for a half-time score of 19-10.
The second half started well for Buzzards with significant pressure on the Oundle line. Leighton thought they had an early try but play was brought back for a crossing obstruction. Play was almost entirely in the Oundle half with Dom Hammond, Harry Nossiter and Jacob Dove all prominent in attack. Buzzard pressure was resulting in an increasing penalty count against the home side which led to three second half yellow cards.
Despite Buzzards efforts, and against the run of play, it was the home side who scored next. Deep in the Oundle twenty-two, Buzzards knocked on. There was a slight lapse of concentration allowing Oundle to pick the ball up and sprint the length of the pitch to score, despite Jamie West’s covering tackle. The conversion extended the lead to 26-10.
Despite this set-back, Leighton were quickly on the attack and the team’s monumental efforts were rewarded with two James Brett tries in the last ten minutes. With both converted, Buzzards trailed 26-24 with three minutes left. However, in a repeat of their earlier second half try, Oundle swooped on a dropped ball to break clear to score their fifth try and leave the final score 33-24.
Buzzards drop to second in the league but should be proud of their efforts – their defence, commitment and ambition was outstanding. In scoring all 24 points, James Brett equalled the club record for most points in a game when only one player scored. But this was a team performance that all eighteen players can be proud including league debutant Will McAndrew. Next Saturday Buzzards welcome Rushden and Higham to Wrights Meadow.