LEIGHTON BUZZARD 45 – 0 St NEOTS
Leighton Buzzard started the league season with a convincing seven-try win.
This was an impressive team performance, particularly as St. Neots proved
doughty opposition remaining competitive throughout. However, the Buzzard
pack dominated the scrum and line-out, the back row was excellent in the
loose, the backs showed speed and dexterity, whilst the defence was rock
solid. There were also excellent league debuts from Ethan Gell and Dom
Hammond, who both scored two tries.
On a warm and breezy afternoon, Buzzards kicked off, playing down the
slope. Immediately, there was pressure on the St. Neots line with Buzzards
retaining possession through numerous phases. The decision not to kick an
early penalty was quickly justified as Dom Hammond opened the scoring with
his first try after three minutes. James Brett, who kicked well all afternoon,
converted. Three minutes later Tom Maynard added a second try which, with
Captain Brett’s conversion, gave Buzzards a 14-0 lead.
Despite these early setbacks, St Neots proved themselves to be worthy
opponents and enjoyed a sustained period camped in the Leighton twenty-
two. After almost ten minutes of pressure, Buzzards broke out to score their
third try. Archie Dandy swooped on a loose ball, which was transferred to
Raef Braithwaite and a combination of speed and good handling involving
James Brett resulted in Ethan Gell touching down in the corner. Brett’s
conversion attempt hit the post leaving Leighton 19-0 ahead.
Once again, St. Neots fought back with strong running both from their large
forwards and in the centre, testing the Buzzards defence. Leighton were not
helping themselves, conceding far too many penalties particularly at the
breakdown and, midway through the half, the referee’s patience ran out
showing a yellow card to Tom Maynard.
The rest of the first half was closely fought with both defences holding firm.
Buzzards continued to be hampered by the increasing penalty count and a
knee injury to Archie Dandy after twenty-seven minutes. Right at the end of
the half, Dom Hammond was shown a yellow card for what was adjudged to
be a dangerous high tackle. However, as the ball carrier had slipped to almost
ground level, this appeared to be an extremely harsh decision.
Coach Phil Llewellyn’s half time talk was clear – cut the penalty count by
staying out of breakdown, secure possession by aggressive defence and up
the tempo. His words had an immediate effect – in less than a minute of play
resuming, the ball was spread wide to Jacob Murtagh whose long inside pass
allowed James Brett to score under the posts. The captain converted his own
try.
With a considerable change in tempo, the back row of Jacob Murtagh, Ash
Walsh and Jacob Dove were now rampaging in the loose. Six minutes into the
half and still a man down due to the yellow card, Buzzards scored again; Raef
Braithwaite scoring after a fine move. Once again Brett converted putting
Leighton 33-0 ahead.
Credit to St. Neots, who, despite the score, showed skill and resolve
throughout the second half. However, Buzzards, having resolved their
penalty-count issues, were now in control with Dom Hammond and Ethan Gell
both scoring again after excellent handling. James Brett converted the first of
these two tries to leave the final score 45–0.
St. Neots made Buzzard no. 8, Jacob Dove, a well-deserved man of the
match but in truth it could have been several players including the whole back
row and many of the backs. Amongst many positives, Coach Phil Llewellyn
will be particularly pleased that the defence prevented a strong opposition
from scoring.
Next week Buzzards welcome Old Laurentians to Wright’s Meadow.