Colts in East Midlands League Final
Sickness-hit Colts still win important semi-final
Leighton Buzzard Colts 39
Kettering Colts 15
East Midlands Colts League Semi Final
Buzzards travelled to Kettering with a bare minimum of 22 fit players, as the squad were ravaged by a bug picked up on their tour to Perpignan and Barcelona. This, along with a number of longer term injuries to key players, would severely test the real strengths of this large and talented squad.
Buzzards started the game as if they were still sunning themselves on the Mediterranean beaches, as they failed to even attempt to gather a simple kick off. They won the ensuing line-out, but failed to distribute and knocked on, when under no pressure, a penalty from the reset scrum gave Kettering a gift lead 3-0 after barely a minute.
Buzzards restarted and set about restoring the balance, but it was clear to see that the rigours of three games in three days and "the bug" had taken its toll, where great ambition, was not matched with the normal level of precision of execution, normally associated with this side.
However, the home side were dismayed to see their monster pack demolished at almost every scrummage, by the smaller but technically superior Buzzards. The Buzzards' line out was equally dominate, as they disrupted opposition possession, or won good ball themselves. With a flood of possession, Buzzards were certainly playing all the rugby, but unfortunately, they were also making all the mistakes. The Kettering try line seemed to be leading a charmed existence, as several good chances came to nothing, as players fell, dropped the ball, knocked on, or made wrong decisions, when it was often easier to score. Buzzards spurned a number of easy kicks at goal and were rewarded for their endeavour, when, number 8, Messum, went over in the corner from a scrum 25m out, 5-3.
The pattern of play continued for the rest of the half with Buzzards dominating, but failing to cross the white wash. Flanker Lingard was the next to score, as he burst through from close range, with the Kettering defence clearly flagging 10-3. As the half drew to an end, centre Morgan scored under the posts, conversion Byard, as Buzzards turned around with a deserved 17-3 margin.
Kettering were extremely grateful for such a close margin, as they had barely managed to cross the half way line, for most of the half.
Buzzards rolled on the bench in the oppressive heat and Kettering were subjected to a real lesson in scrummaging, running and support play, as at last Buzzards turned on the flair with the execution button depressed. Hooker Jenkins tip-toed down the touch line, to score an excellent try in the corner, following yet another quality line out from the Buzzards. 22-3.
Kettering realising that they were in trouble, stepped up their intensity and strung a number of excellent phases together. Their direct running was however relatively easy for the Buzzards' defence to deal with. They were awarded a penalty 20 metres from the Buzzards line, a quick tap and go and some lacklustre defence, saw them score a deserved converted try 22-10.
Kettering's hopes were up and the large shirt sleeved crowd bayed massive encouragement to them. Buzzards had other ideas and set about Kettering with a vengeance, as they attacked with ball in hand from all parts of the field. Fly half Adams raced in from 30 metres, following some outstanding running from both forwards and backs alike, as a kick was returned from 70 metres 27-10.
Kettering reacted by trying to play a more expansive game themselves, but the Buzzard defence drove them back relentlessly, as the fitter, faster Buzzards exploited the home side's lack of mobility ruthlessly. Morgan easily intercepted an extremely speculative pass in his own 22 and ran the length of the pitch to score. 32-10.
Kettering were determined to go down fighting, but had to kick away hard won possession, in order to make ground. Buzzards counter attacked from deep and were unfortunate not to add to their advantage on several occasions. Buzzards then made a huge faux pas, as they totally miscued a simple clearance kick on their own try line and the ball dropped to a whole posse of Kettering players with not a Buzzard in sight. Kettering walked over for a bizarre score 32-15.
The last five minutes were all Buzzards and Hamper returned a deep Kettering clearance and raced in from 40 meters, beating the whole Kettering team in the process, his conversion finished the scoring for the day at 39-15.
An excellent result for the Buzzards and if they had had a kicker and been their usual clinical selves, they could have won by a very substantial margin indeed. Much to work on before next week's final away to Bedford Athletic.
East Midlands Colts League Final, Bedford Athletic Away, Saturday, kick off 3pm, all supporters very welcome.
Training Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm to 8.30.
New players of all abilities are very welcome. http://www.buzzardrugby.co.uk
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Weather for Leighton Buzzard
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -0 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -4 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
