Brave Buzzards take pride in defeat by semi-pro Oundle

The difference in standards stood out on Saturday as semi-professional side Oundle 2nds ran out 52-14 winners against Leighton Buzzard.

Despite the result, Leighton Buzzard can take considerable pride in a brave and committed performance away at the leagues’ only semi-professional side, Oundle. To put the score and the challenge in context, in their last two league matches, Oundle scored 213 points and conceded only 5.

Oundle kicked off in dry conditions with Buzzards having the advantage of a moderate breeze. The home side dominated early possession and territory but the Leighton defence held firm with Jacob Dove outstanding. It was, however, difficult to defend against a well-drilled lineout and driving maul, a combination that produced Oundle’s first try after six minutes.  Buzzards quickly struck back, Ewan Starling scoring two minutes later, intercepting a pass to score unopposed. James Brett’s conversion levelled the score at 7-7.

Whilst Oundle continued to dominate possession, Leighton were holding firm – the scrum doing well against a much larger pack, Ewan Starling’s tactical kicking relieving pressure and the commitment in defence unequivocal. Using the wide pitch to good effect and declining to kick the ball, Oundle were running from all areas. Whilst their speedy backs looked dangerous with ball in hand, the intensity of the Leighton defence was causing turnovers through knock-ons and dropped passes. However, Oundle added two tries, both from excellent moves from their own half, in the twenty-fourth and thirty-eighth minutes to lead 21-7 at half-time.

The second half started badly for Buzzards, conceding two tries in the first five minutes and leaving Leighton trailing 33-7. Whilst some sides might have capitulated, this Buzzard team is made of sterner stuff and managed to prevent a further score for fully twenty minutes. In fact, Buzzards almost added to their score with Cormac Clancy going close in the corner following a Jacob Davies break and excellent handling in the backs.

With fifteen minutes left, Oundle scored two tries in quick succession, the first from an excellent kick-pass from their fly-half to unmarked winger and the second making the score 45-7. Once again, Buzzards regrouped and James Brett almost scored following a chip towards the corner. Unfortunately, the captain injured himself in his attempt to score and had to be replaced shortly afterwards.

With ten minutes left the home side added a further try to stretch their lead to 52-7. Two events in the last couple of minutes illustrated the spirit and commitment of the team – firstly Cormac Clancy made a tremendous try-saving tackle when Oundle seemed certain to score and shortly afterwards Tom Maynard ran the length of the pitch to score Buzzards second try. Ewan Starling’s conversion made the final score 52-14.

Sometimes in sport, you find out more about a team in defeat than victory. It certainly felt so at Oundle. The Buzzard travelling support were delighted, impressed but not surprised by the team spirit, commitment and togetherness of all 18 players, who should be proud of themselves and their efforts.

Next week Buzzards welcome Bugbrooke to Wrights Meadow.