Leighton Buzzard Colts 75
Stockwood Park Colts 0

Buzzards embarked on their first competitive fixture of the season, in the National Colts Cup first round, against local rivals Stockwood Park from Luton, with the painful memory of the previous week's poor performance very much to the fore.

Stockwood arrived with a squad ravaged by injuries and as a consequence were struggling for numbers – hardly the best scenario for them, as the Buzzards had been prowling around the training ground like a proverbial wounded tiger all week.

Buzzards were ruthless in their execution from the off, savaging the valiant Stockwood lads at each and every opportunity, as they attacked with ball in hand, from all areas of the pitch.

Stockwood dug deep from the off, their forwards worked manfully in the set phases, but Buzzards clearly had the better pack and were much quicker in support than their opponents.

The first half saw Buzzards scoring at will, with the backs having just too much of everything for opponents.

Seven tries were scored, with six being bagged by the backs, Braithwaite 2, Adams 2, Janes, Keating and the rampaging Byard, the sole forward to cross the white wash.

One area of concern was the six missed conversions, by a number of kickers; this could prove very costly in a tighter match, Evans bagging the only conversion, giving a scoreline at the half of 37-0.

The second half was a carbon copy of the first. Stockwood were struggling and suffered injuries to a number of players. Buzzards were able to help out, and it's fair to say that the Leighton lads who changed shirts were immediately in the forefront of Stockwood defensive efforts.

Buzzards were now 'back in the groove' and were looking slick and efficient in possession.

Six backs' tries were racked up in relatively short shift, Kempster 2, Brooks 2, Pratt, and Adams, notching his third for the day.
Earl chipped in with four conversions.

The final score of 75-0 didn't reflect Stockwood's Herculean defensive efforts throughout and they certainly never gave up, in spite of chasing the Buzzard shadows all afternoon.

The referee ended proceedings early, as Buzzards were in an unassailable position, and in order to save the valiant Stockwood team any further embarrassment. A welcome return to form for the Buzzards, but clearly not the sternest of tests.

Stockwood are to be thanked for turning up in spite of their injury difficulties – many sides would have stayed at home and conceded the result.

The squad are to be congratulated on their quick turnaround. Tom Byard was outstanding throughout and was by a clear margin Buzzards' man of the match.

Buzzards will undoubtedly receive a much more challenging test next weekend as they open their league campaign with the visit of Daventry, in the East Midlands league – a side renowned for their robust forward-orientated style of play.

Kick off 3pm at Wrights Meadow. Supporters welcome.

Training Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm to 8.30pm.

New players of all abilities are very welcome.

>> U15s and U16s would also welcome new players. Training is at 7pm on Wednesday at Wrights Meadow, Leighton Road, Stanbridge.
See www.buzzardrugby.co.uk for more information.