12/10/08 Match Reports from Stratford

Bicester ‘A’ 12 v Stratford ‘A’ 0

A well executed win for Bicester in their first meeting against a very good Stratford side. The two equally matched sets of forwards fought throughout. Bicesters backs created strong defensive pressure forcing Stratford to kick, committed tackling throughout the line, and were more incisive in attack. Overall Bicester were the better side on the day, but a strong new opposition has been found for future seasons.

Bicester started well with solid rucking and some variation in attack with good handling through the backs, the first 15 minutes were spent in the hosts half but their defence held strong. Tom Burrell had a 25m charge up the left wing. The first clear scoring chance came when Henry Gayler kicked over the defence which Dan Rowland chased and secured possession, PJ Gardiner moved the ball left from the ensuing ruck to leave Dougie Haynes clear. The try looked on but Dougie chose to kick through and the opportunity was lost. The situation was quickly remedied when Anthony Iveson set off on a storming run from midfield, he found Callum McCulloch outside on the right wing who did well to move inside set up a ruck, the ball was moved left through the backs making ground with each pass being taken at pace with Henry finishing the move off cutting in from the left wing to score under the posts. Dougie added the extras.
HT: 7-0

In the second half Stratford played more through the forwards and with some success, a lengthy period of pressure saw Bicester defending both on and behind their try line. Cameron Fortin-Smith made a crucial steal to turnover a driving maul, and Stratford were unlucky with an attempted charge down. Callum McCulloch made an aggressive clearance run under pressure only to be penalised for handing off to the face, it was good to see the lads discipline as they politely queried the decision through the captain and got on with it. Stratford ran the penalty but lost possession in contact. The storm had been weathered and we finally got back down their end.

When Stratford were once again forced to kick under pressure from the rush defence of the Bicester backs, they failed to make touch and fullback Martyn Eilertsen collected on the oppositions 22 near the left wing. Tim Price was back to support and moved the ball inside to Henry who made the decisive break and found Dan on a good line and at pace to score Bicesters second try in the right hand corner.

Try Scorers: Henry Gayler and Dan Rowland

Conversion: Dougie Haynes

Players Man of Match: Tom Burrell

Coaches Man of Match: Cameron Fortin-Smith (great tackling and that crucial turnover)

Bicester ‘B’ 17 v Stratford 24

An excellent first half from Bicester saw them take the game to Stratford. PJ, Harry Court led a lively attacking line, and hard work throughout the pack from really disrupted the opposition. Ben Jenks and Robson Connor led the tackle count. Marcus Linfoot showed well again at No 8, Ollie Cassidy was busy and made some good carries, and George Myers also had a good game.

Bicester scored first when Marcus picked up from the back of a scrum and popped to PJ who at full pace and on a great line cut through the defence for a fine try. Ben slotted the conversion. Bicester then turned over a scrum on their own 22, quick ball out to Chris Nourse at centre who kicked up-field. Hooker harry Bishop was first up, tackled the fullback and popped the ball up to Marcus who in turn found Giles Baldwin in support who powered to the line to score. Stratford pulled back with a converted try, before Ollie Cass added Bicesters third try stealing their ball off the front of a lineout to finish in the corner. HT 17-7

The second half was a different story, with Stratford boosting their team with a couple of their stronger A team forwards they were able to dominate the rucks. Bicester were on the backfoot. They created patient attacks and moved the ball well with good lines of support to score three well taken tries.
FT 17-24.

PS expect to see JN with a handbag next week!

Try Scorers: PJ Gardiner, Giles Baldwin and Ollie Cassidy

Conversion: Ben Jenks

Coaches Man of Match: Marcus Linfoot (good No8 play)