Buzzards secure second successive promotion

After a slightly nervous first half, Leighton were excellent after the break to defeat strong and committed opponents.

Buzzards kicked off in very warm and sunny conditions. It was clear from the start that this was going to be a competitive match as Leighton struggled for possession.

Early penalties were giving the home side territory and they took the lead after eight minutes, driving through from a lineout for a 7-0 lead.

Four minutes later, and with their first attack, Buzzards cut the deficit. Retaining the ball through numerous phases, Tom Maynard touched down from short range, With the difficult conversion missed, Leighton trailed 7-5.

Much of the first half was played in Leighton’s half. Whilst Buzzards kicked well, St Neots’ backs were excellent in running the ball back. However, a rare visit to the home territory, after 28 minutes, gave Leighton the opportunity to take a 7-8 lead with a James Brett penalty.

Shortly afterwards St Neots missed a penalty attempt of their own but re-took the lead when they crashed through to touch down for a 12-8 scoreline.

At the end of the half Buzzards finally managed a period of pressure following a break from centre Jacob Davies. Choosing scrums rather than penalties, the pressure told as Brett touched down from the last play of the half, leaving Buzzards 12-13 ahead at the break.

Following coach Phil Llewellyn’s half-time talk, Leighton started the second half well. Just two minutes after the break, Davies, who was an attacking threat all afternoon, pounced on a loose ball and powered his way over the line.

Three minutes later, Brett took a tap penalty, and following a quick interchange with Maynard, scored Buzzards fourth try. With Captain Brett converting both these tries, Leighton led 12-27.

St Neots’ responded three minutes later with an excellent try in the corner to leave the score 19-27.

Any nerves from the travelling support were quickly reduced as fleet-footed hooker, Jack Adair, made an excellent break for the arch-poacher, Maynard, to touch down. Brett’s conversion extended the lead to 19-34.

Whilst three converted tries in the first 15 minutes of the second half had effectively secured the victory, the game remained competitive. St. Neots continued to offer an attacking threat with the Buzzard defence fully committed.

Likewise, the home side’s defence was resolute against Leighton’s strong running, with Matt Bloxham, making his 100th first team appearance, prominent.

Finally with the last play of the match, good handling put Ollie Taylor clear in the corner for a 19-39 final score.

In a record-breaking season, Leighton scored more than 1,000 points in a league campaign for the first time. Tremendous credit should go to all the players but particularly to coach Phil Llewellyn and captain James Brett.