RUGBY LIONS 29 – 26 LEIGHTON BUZZARD
Leighton Buzzard secured a maximum five league points as opponents Rugby Lions conceded the fixture, unable to raise a full team. However, as this was the home club’s sponsors’ day and an earlier planned match had already been called off, they were very keen to play. With Buzzards’ agreement, Rugby Lions supplemented their side with players from other clubs and a friendly was played. Perhaps the lack of league pressure slightly affected Leighton’s competitive spirit, losing a close match they could have and probably should have won.
Buzzards kicked off in dry conditions and were immediately on the attack. They almost scored after four minutes when they were held up over the line and then chose to run a penalty in front of the posts. Rugby Lions defended well but it was completely against the run of play when they took the lead after seven minutes, with the home side winning the race to touch down after a kick was charged down. The conversion put Rugby 7-0 ahead.
Straight from the re-start Buzzards suffered another setback when winger Finley Clancey had to leave the field with suspected concussion, to be replaced by veteran Wayne Chapman. Despite Leighton being dominant in both scrum and line out, it was clear that confidence was growing in the home side as Buzzards inaccuracies let them down. After twenty-three minutes Rugby doubled their lead with a converted try in the corner.
Finally, Leighton were spurred into action, scoring two tries in five minutes. Firstly James Brett touched down in the corner and shortly afterwards the forwards drove a maul following a line-out over from ten metres with Jack Adair touching down. With James Brett converting the second try, Buzzards cut the deficit to 14-12, although a penalty with the last kick off the half, extended the home team lead to 17-12.
Buzzards started the second half well with renewed energy and, whilst the penalty count was growing, there was increased confidence in the Leighton camp. However, after ten minutes of the half, Buzzards gifted another try to their doughty opponents with an interception and clear run to the line for a 22-12 lead.
Leighton were now playing with more speed to try and move their larger opponents around. With fifteen minutes left, the pressure told as James Brett scored his second try, which, with his conversion, brought the score to 22-19. This seemed to inspire Rugby Lions encouraged by their home crowd and the prospect of a rare win, they managed their best period of pressure. With eight minutes left they scored their best try of the game to go 29-19 ahead.
With time running out, Buzzards camped in the Rugby twenty-two. With the home side down to thirteen men as desperate defence resulted in yellow cards , Jacob Dove scored and James Brett converted, making the score 29-26. With time to re-start for one final play, Leighton moved the ball from deep but overeagerness led to knock-on and the final whistle.
Next week Buzzards welcome Northampton Casuals to Wrights Meadow.