BEDFORD QUEENS 3 – 44 LEIGHTON BUZZARD
Leighton Buzzard made a successful return to league rugby overcoming a spirted Queens side in their first Midlands Counties 3 East (South) fixture.
The home side kicked off in warm, dry and still conditions. Buzzards had most of the possession and territory in the early exchanges but the Queens defence was committed and well organised. Unable to cross the line in these early exchanges, Leighton took a 0-3 lead after eleven minutes through a penalty from new captain James Brett.
There was a new look to the young Buzzards’ team including five league debutants, but they were combing well. Opportunities were being created from the speed of George Rabbitt and the power of Jacob Dove who both came close to extending the lead. However, it was midway through the half that the pressure finally told when Matt Bloxham crashed through. James Brett converted to extend the lead to 0-10. Six minutes later there was celebration as Callum Creber scored his first try for the club following a fine break and evading a number of attempted tackles. The conversion was missed, leaving the score 0-15.
Having established the lead, Buzzards appeared to relax slightly – a couple of handling mistakes and unnecessary penalties gave Queens territory from which they exerted pressure. A penalty reduced the lead to 3-15 and Buzzards were perhaps fortunate not to concede further. With almost the last play of the half, a Queens forward knocked on close to the line, leaving the score 3-15 at the break.
Leighton started the second half with renewed focus. After just two minutes Jacob Dove was stopped just short of the line, but the ball was recycled allowing veteran Ollie Taylor to jink his way through the Queens defensive line. Again, the conversion was missed, leaving the score 3-20.
The home side were visibly tiring from their committed defensive efforts as Buzzards scored three tries in a eight-minute period. Firstly, an excellent break from inside Buzzard territory with Sam Dove prominent, led to a try on debut for George de Voogt. Matt Bloxham added his second try four minutes later before James Brett crossed the line. Jack Cullen, who had taken over the kicking duties, converted two of these tries to make the score 3-39.
Enough time remained for probably the best try of the afternoon, with a well-executed handling move from first phase possession allowing Jamie West to be the second league debutant to score, resulting in a 3-44 final score.
Coach Phil Llewellyn was delighted with the team’s performance as he congratulated the five league debutants and awarded James Brett man of match.
Next week Buzzards welcome Aylestone Athletic to Wright’s Meadow.
Pictures Courtesy Chris Bateman more here