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