Match report Bicester 'A' v Cheltenham 'A' - 23 Nov

Bicester ‘A’ 19 v Cheltenham ‘A’ 17

A keenly contested match by two equally matched sides saw Bicester win by the narrowest of margins.
Following last season’s game, Bicester were fully aware that they faced perhaps one of their toughest encounters of the season. In what proved to be a bruising and sometimes ill tempered affair, marred at times by ill-discipline particularly by the home side, little quarter was asked or given.
The game started at a high tempo, with both sides displaying excellent skill levels with both defences standing firm during the opening exchanges. The stalemate was finally broken by a superb solo try by Dan Rowland, put into space by his fellow backs, Dan used his pace and strength to break two tackles, avoid two more and beat the Cheltenham full back in the foot race to score virtually under the posts. Dougie Haynes added the conversion.
The next fifteen or so minutes were dominated by Cheltenham, with only great defensive work, particularly by Tim Price at fullback keeping them at bay. Harry Court left the field due to injury and Bicester were forced to re arrange with James Nellis filling in at flanker and James Grosvenor moving out to the wing. Eventually a telling individual break by the Cheltenham scrum half and one missed tackle saw the visitors deservedly regain parity.
Half Time Score Bicester ‘A’ 7 V Cheltenham ‘A’ 7

The second half began poorly for Bicester who were offside at the kick off. The resulting scrum allowed Cheltenham to continue the pressure they had built up towards the end of the first half and the home defence began to creak. Once again fine reading of the game and excellent tackling by Tim Price prevented more scores. With around five minutes of the half gone, Bicester cracked, a sweeping backs move saw Tim again in the last line of defence, but reckless use of the boot by Dan Rowland saw the first yellow card produced and Bicester reduced to 14. From the ensuing penalty, cleverly used, Cheltenham moved into a 7 - 12 lead and Bicester were reduced to 13 men when Dougie Haynes petulantly argued with the referee.
Bicester were lucky that Cheltenham were only able to add one further try 7 - 17. Clever tactical kicking by a resurgent Mats Venning at scrum half, who showed some of his old form, hard work by Cameron, Henry and James G, the ever destructive tackling of Tim and a cohesive and disciplined showing by the forwards, particularly in the loose, led by Ollie Cassidy and Jordan saw the damage limited.
Despite the lack of numbers Bicester attacked and when quick ball from Mats allowed Chris Nourse to find Henry, on a yet another superb angled run, the Cheltenham defence was left flat footed as he sprinted clear to score under the posts, before coolly converting with a nonchalant drop kick 12 – 17.
When Bicester were back to full strength with around eight minutes remaining the stage was set for a spectacular finale. Playing down the slope Bicester dominated, with Cheltenham only sporadically able to get from their 22. Again clever kicking saw the visitors hemmed in, and when one quick throw in too many was taken, a crunching tackle by Henry signalled Bicester’s resolve.
Unfortunately, once again the blood was up and a further episode of handbags resulted in Henry and the Cheltenham second row seeing yellow. With only 3 minutes remaining and both sides down to 14 players, Bicester continued to press. Finally, with less than a minute left the home side were able to capitalise and after a series of well managed phases, Dougie Haynes crashed over in the corner with inches to spare. The touch line conversion was missed but the final whistle sounded.

Final Score Bicester ‘A’ 19 V Cheltenham ‘A’ 17

Tries: Dan Rowland, Henry Gayler, Dougie Haynes

Conversions: Dougie Haynes, Henry Gayler

Coaches Man of the Match: Tim Price

Match report Bicester 'B' v Cheltenham 'B' - 23 Nov

Bicester 'B' 20 v Cheltenham 'B' 10

Bicester started brightly with Harry Bishop creating some good phases of play, the team drove forward with some good quick rucking and ball movement, breaks from Tom Burrell and Ben Saltzer giving the Cheltenham defence a few early tests. A burst from Antony Iveson was stopped by his opposite No8, the first of many clashes between these two who emerged as the key players for each side. The period of pressure paid off when Antony finished off the good work of his teammates to ‘bustled over from 5m for the first try’ near the corner (the term ‘bustled’ courtesy of Jude Bensley). Cheltenham got themselves into the game with their No8 picking off the back of successive scrums and their lively scrum half making a few half break, and came close to scoring from a cleverly placed kick from their fullback which caught out winger Joel Miller. The boys forced play back into the oppositions half and piled on the pressure again. Ben saltzer showed some good running lines and off loads to Tom Burrell who threatened at centre. Antony received a warning form the ref for being over aggressive with his new found friend, but to his credit calmed it down from then on. Cheltenham defended well but eventually were penalised 10m out, Bicester opted to run it using Antony who powered over for his second try nicely converted by Ben Jenks. Cheltenham pulled one back before half time with another kick over the defence by the fullback this time chased through for the score exposing Bicesters lack off pace at the back. Bicester defended their line well to deny the visitors before the break. HT 12-5

Cheltenham started the second half well, pinning Bicester back for 10 minutes or so. Using the option of kicking over the wingers heads to the corners, and with Joel and Reece Gonella caught napping, they were close to scoring. But Bicester showed excellent spirit in defence and keep their lead throughout the period of pressure. Having weathered the storm, the boys again took the game to Cheltenham with some notable hard work from Scott Povey in the loose creating turnover and nearly scoring from one of his carries. Having opted to run a penalty in front of the posts to no avail, Ben Jenks stepped up when given a second opportunity to kick the 3 points and extend the lead beyond a converted try at 15-5. Cheltenham built again, with their scrum half and flankers putting PJ Gardiner under a lot of pressure which led to slow ball for Ben Saltzer, and were rewarded when the ball was moved quickly wide with their second try in the corner. At 15-10 with 5 minutes remaining, decision making would prove key to holding out for the win as Bicester sensibly held onto possession and slowed things down. Antony was unceremoniously floored by the No8 as he made another searing break, but toughed it out to stay on. In the last minute, George Myers broke form a maul on halfway and raced in for a score to seal the victory. George had shown strong leadership as he captained the side for the first time and was rewarded with the players vote for MOM.

A very entertaining, and on the whole cleanly fought match, with Bicester turning round last seasons result to run out deserved winners.

Try Scorers: Antony Iveson (2), George Myers

Conversion: Ben Jenks

Penalty: Ben Jenks

Players Man of Match: George Myers

Coaches Man of Match: Antony Iveson

Match report v Newbury 09 Nov

With both Clubs having their squads depleted with players on Remembrance Sunday parade duties, it was agreed to turn the morning into a development fixture comprising 3x20 minute sessions enabling certain players to be tested out of their normal position. The decision proved a huge success with the mornings rugby being played within a spirit of good sportsmanship and discipline from all. Thanks to Newburys players, parents and coaches for their part in that.

Before play commenced, the players, parents and coaches joined with the U17s from Bicester and Witney to proudly observe 2 minutes silence.

Bicester 27 v Newbury 12

A scoreless first 20 minutes was punctuated by excellent rucking from Bicester and some equally fine defence from Newbury to repeatedly deny the forwards dominance in front of their try line. Henry Gayler came close when he kicked loose ball through and claimed a try, a 22 drop out was awarded. Antony Iveson, playing at wing, did exactly what was asked of him by putting in several hard hitting tackles, he had a couple of runs but was stopped well by Newburys defence. Tom Burrell competently covered at outside centre. Harry Court showed well again at scrum-half getting ball away dispite being under pressure. The front row were solid, with Jordan Hirons having a great 20 minutes, Ollie Cassidy being dynamic and James Nellis hooking well and showing improvement with his throwing. Cameron Fortin-Smith was very sharp at openside flanker, supported by Robson Connor at blindside putting in his usual high tackle count. Newbury looked like scoring from a decisive interception but for a try saving chase back and tackle from Henry.

In the second 20 Newbury opened the scoring through their backs with a lovely timed inside pass back to break the line. Bicester took the game to them through the forwards who worked well as a unit with notable contributions from Dougie Haynes at openside and James Grosvenor at No8 on his debut. With Newbury pegged back through some good phases of play, scrum-half Isaac Bensley found a gap supported by James N who offloaded to hooker Harry Bishop who went over for his first try of the season. Dougie nailed a difficult conversion to put his side ahead. James G broke form the back of a scrum and offloaded to Dougie who scored in the corner. Bicester attacked again through Antony who did well to pass out of the tackle, PJ took it on found Tim Price out wide who stepped inside and fed Dougie who powered over for his second try. Newbury pulled back with a converted try.

Bicester controlled the final 20 minutes during which their line was not threatened. George Myers played well at No8 making several turnovers and one superb lineout jump and catch, Will Allen-Miles and Cameron put their hands up to prop, giving Cass the chance to play at flanker, Henry taking over at 10 and a vocal James G led the pack. Cameron finished off a multi phase attack to extend Bicesters lead. The final score came when Harry Court quickly broke, passed out Charlie Bethell on the left wing who changed the direction of attack back inside to Henry who finished off a nice move.

To those not mentioned above, I would add that every player put in a very good performance contributing to 60 minutes of proper team rugby, well done.

Try Scorers: Harry Bishop, Dougie Haynes (2), Cameron Fortin-Smith and Henry Gayler

Conversion: Dougie Haynes

Players Man of Match: James Grosvenor

Match Report v Shipston 02 Nov

Bicester 19 v Shipston 21

Shipston showed their forwards strength in the opening exchanges forcing Bicester back into their 22, they gave a way a couple of penalties from which Bicester failed to find touch as they tried to go for too much distance rather than securing the lineout. Shipston ran these back at us and through some very good rucking pushed up to the try line. They were dominant in a series of 5m scrums from which they opened the scoring with a well worked try which was converted for a 7-0 lead. Bicester were awarded a string of penalties but with unsupported runners really did not make the most of them. Bicester put in some important tackles as Shipston threatened with good straight running lines. Through improved effort and teamwork, Bicester forced themselves back into the match and equalled things up in the tight. They enjoyed some time in the opponents half, and their opening score came when Ed Mawdsley picked up of the back of a scrum and dived in low to make sure of the try, the conversion was missed and the half ended 5-7 with all to play for.

The referee, having already been forced to have words with the captains, made his intentions clear at half time as both sides were warned that the sin bin would be used if things were not calmed down, both responded to provide a hard fought but clean second half.

Bicester upped their game, lead by Dan Rowland whose aggressive tackling and chasing down spurred on the whole team for a period in which they were the better side. Repeated pressure forced an overlap and Dan sprinted onto a lovely placed cross kick from Charlie Bethell to get the touch and take the lead at 10-7.

Dan added his second with a typically strong individual effort from 25m out rounding the defence into the corner and with the last tackle being missed ending up under the posts. Callum added the extras and at 17-7 Bicester should have closed out the game. They had plenty of possession but were not getting quick ball away from the breakdown and were also guilty of some sideways running. Shipston to their credit were able to force a second converted try. With only a couple of minutes remaining, Shipston kicked downfield. Two opportunities to get the ball into touch were not taken, instead the ball was kicked open and Shipston finished in the opposite corner, a superbly taken conversion and Shipston were ahead 21-17. With seconds to play, Bicester turned over from the restart and Dan raced down the line to attempt to score in the corner, he was tackled short and the Shipston fullback got his arm under the ball to deny a winning score.

The boys had put in huge effort and the team spirit was good, however were left to ponder how they could have done things differently for the win was surely in their hands.

Try Scorers: Ed Mawdsley, Dan Rowland (2)

Conversions: Callum McCulloch

Players Man of Match: Dan Rowland

Coaches Man of Match: Dan Rowland (for his aggressive play and high tackle count)

B's lose out to High Wycombe

02 November 2008
High Wycombe 27 v Bicester B 19
Despite arriving with only 14 players, Bicester began the game strongly (thanks to George & Nathan from Wycombe for volunteering to play on the wing) with the majority of the first half played inside Wycombe territory.

The Bicester pack was dominant in the tight, with all but one scrum being taken against the head in the first half and all but three in the second half. Unfortunately the cohesion of the tight play was not matched in the open with several chances to put pressure on Wycombe wasted due to players thinking they could simply breeze through the opposition defence or failing to work hard enough especially around the ruck.

Bicester’s first try came following a scrum taken against the head. Wycombe were off side at the scrum and from the ensuing penalty a great bullocking run from Anthony Iveson was stopped just short of the line. The ball was quickly recycled by James Nellis who put Jordan Hirons in to Score. Ben Jenks converted and Bicester lead 0 – 7.

Bicester continued to dominate up front and good ruck work allowed Isaac Bensley who was busy throughout at scrum half to release James Nellis who found support from Ben Jenks who was in turn supported by George Myers who crossed for the second try of the half.

Wycombe were determined not to be out done and raised their game a notch with a searing break by their excellent winger making their first meaningful foray into the Bicester half. Continued pressure by Wycombe saw them cross the line for a try, just when Bicester looked like they might keep a clean sheet to half time.

The first half was marred with an injury to Ellis who took no further part in the game, leaving Bicester a man short for the remainder of the game.

Half Time High Wycombe 5 – Bicester 12

The Second half was a complete reversal of the first half with High Wycombe in the ascendancy. What pressure Bicester did create was thrown away by poor handling and passing and too much individual play, Wycombe played with a much more team focussed style, which, coupled with weak Bicester tackling allowed the home side to pile on the pressure.

Wycombe began to use their backs well, with good running lines stretching the Bicester defence before an arcing run from the Wycombe winger exposed the undefended right wing. Although the conversion was missed, Wycombe had the bit between their teeth and returned the kick-off with interest, scoring below the posts. Again the conversion was missed, again the Bicester kick off alignment was poor. Quick movement of the ball by Wycombe again saw their electric winger score, almost unchallenged under the posts as the Bicester defence had gone walk about.
Bicester responded and great pressure first by the forwards and then with some route one crash centre work by Ben J and Anthony saw the ball eventually recycled by James for Jordan to crash over for his second try. Ben J again converted and with 5 minutes remaining the score was 20-19.

Wycombe came out strongly and not for the first time Bicester failed to claim the restart putting themselves under more pressure, only stopped by determined tackling by Isaac. Wycombe were not to be denied though and the pressure eventually told with another try under the posts, this time converted to leave a final scrappy few minutes of play during which Bicester almost managed to give another try away with James just managing to touch the ball down ahead of several Wycombe players.

Final Score 27 – 19 to High Wycombe
Players Man of the Match - Ben Jenks
Coaches Man of the Match - George Myers.