Buzzards convincing league form continues in shortened format
Leighton Buzzard remain top of Counties 2 Midlands East (South) with their sixth convincing league victory. However, with Rugby Lions only able to field ten players, the game was shortened to 10-a-side and twenty minutes per half.
With fewer players, more space and excellent conditions for running rugby, the game was played at a hectic pace. Buzzards did well to retain their focus, scoring excellent tries and defending so well that, once again, they prevented the opposition from scoring.
It took Buzzards less than one minute to open the scoring – securing possession straight from the Rugby Lions kick-off, they went through many phases before Jacob Davies touched down. Raef Braithwaite added a second two minutes later, before Jacob Davies added his second try, bulldozing his way over. The bonus point for four tries was secured within ten minutes when Iestyn Hopkin scored in the corner.
Iestyn Hopkin then turned provider when combining with Raef Brathwaite, who scored his second try before James Brett scored the sixth and last try of the shortened half. With Captain Brett converting five of the first-half tries, Buzzards led 40-0 at half time.
Unlike their visitors, Buzzards had a full squad allowing numerous substitutions at half-time. It took just thirty-six seconds for one of these replacements, Dom Hammond, to add his name to the list of try scorers. Shortly afterwards Jack Cullen touched down to take the Buzzard score to 50 and two minutes later, man of the match Jacob Murtagh touched down Leighton’s ninth try. Ollie Taylor added a further try after good work from James Brett and Matt Bloxham and, having taken over the kicking duties, Taylor converted these two latest tries.
Leighton could have added a further try, but Dom Hammond inexplicably dropped the ball when clear and unopposed but there remained time for one further try. Following a kick-and-chase from their own half, Jack Cullen stopped and precisely side-footed the ball football style twenty-five metres crossfield to the unmarked Sam Dove to score the final try and leaving Buzzards 69-0 victors.
Rugby Lions played their part in a match played in good spirit and without a single penalty and showed commitment in difficult circumstances throughout.
With no league fixtures next weekend, Buzzards travel to Northampton Casuals in a fortnight.