Leighton Buzzard Colts 17
Buckingham Colts 43

Buzzards made the short trip to play Buckingham, in this rearranged East Midlands Colts league fixture. Buzzards had a number of injuries and non availabilities in several key positions, however the squad were looking forward to the match, as it provided an ideal opportunity to look at some new combinations.

Buzzards won the toss and elected to play into the strong wind. Buckingham kicked off deep and Buzzards counter attacked, only to give a silly penalty away in front of the posts, which was duly slotted by B's on-form kicker.

Buzzards tried to move the ball, but the new half back and centre combinations were both a little off key. A couple of half chances were missed and then an unfortunate interception from what looked like an off side position saw B's under the posts from the half way line to move the score to 10-0.

The next 10 minutes saw Buzzards implode, as they failed to tackle and made poor decision after poor decision. Buckingham could hardly believe their luck. The harder Buzzards tried, the worse it got. B's, on the other hand, seemed to do no wrong, as they racked up three quick converted tries from a number of unforced errors.

B's were now looking confident, as they looked to attack from all areas of the pitch. Buzzards looked as if they were about to score when they were victim to another questionable interception. B's didn't
argue and took full advantage with another crisply taken try.

Buzzards battled hard, but it was just not their day, as every error was punished remorselessly. B's, on the other hand, seemed to be having levels of good fortune well beyond the laws of probability, as every error they made seemed to result in the ball return to their possession immediately. The old sports adage "the harder I practice, the luckier I get" is perhaps appropriate.

The final 10 minutes of the half saw Buzzards pressing and they looked as if they would score on a number of occasions, but B's defended well and cleared their lines with the boot whenever required.

Buzzards were desperate to get on the scoreboard before half time, but in their haste they allowed B's yet another opportunity which they gratefully accepted.

The 43-0 score at the half was a shock for the Buzzards and they had a huge challenge on, if they were to salvage any pride from this encounter.

The second half was all Buzzards – three tries and a conversion saw them rack up 17 points in fairly quick time. Kempster bagged two and Braithwaite one, with a conversion from Evans.

Both sides looked to attack and move the ball, and the large crowd were frustrated at the fractious nature of the game for the whole of the second half. Players from both sides were unnecessarily penalised and both sides had players sin binned, when the nature of the game suggested that there were no issues requiring such draconian action.
They second half continued for what seemed an age, as it got darker and darker, neither side was allowed to generate any phases of play, as the game tailed off from an exciting first half spectacle, to a very dour second.

B's ran out well deserved winners as they ruthlessly exploited Buzzards mistakes in the early stages of the match. Buzzards have much to work before next week.

Well done to Colts Sam Janes and Mark Lingard, who both played for the victorious 1st XV in the fine league win also against Mansfield. Next Sunday they join Guy Hunt in the final East Midlands County championship game at Broadstreet RFU Coventry.

Saturday, October 31, sees the Colts at home in a friendly fixture against Olney. KO 2.15pm, meet 12noon. Supporters welcome. Training Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm to 8.45.

New players of all abilities are very welcome. www.buzzardrugby.co.uk