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.