Match Report v Reading Abbey 30 Nov

Bicester 26 v Reading Abbey 0

The foul weather was easily ignored with the added excitement and uncertainty of facing another Club for the first time. The loyal supporters were rewarded by an entertaining and well disciplined match with a high level of sportsmanship displayed by both teams. Bicester put in a confident team performance involving a high level of skill and resulting in another fine win.

The boys played for each other throughout, always looking for and providing support which created good continuity. The forwards were in fine form, worked hard as a unit, rucked strongly and quickly and found domination in the scrum. Some fine loose play had the opposition on the back foot. The backs were always looking to attack, taking quick options wherever possible and looked calm and assured in defence. Good decision making and tactical kicking punctuated play.

Bicester settled quickest and spent much of the opening period on the attack, a few early opportunities were knocked on. Abbey showed their intent by running a couple of penalties but met with stern defence and some big hits in the tackle. Abbey finding themselves under constant pressure, were penalised 5m from which Cameron F-S attempt was well defended. Dan Rowland had a kick and chase touched down by the fullback. The deadlock was finally broken when a quick penalty saw Henry break the line and offload to James Grosvenor who crossed for his first try for Bicester. Abbey rallied and enjoyed some good play in midfield but could not get into Bicesters 22. Pressure on the Abbey try line resulted in James going over from close range for his second try. HT: 14-0.

The second half saw controlled rugby by Bicester with very few errors. Abbey kept working hard at the task but Bicesters pressure in defence and swift counter attacks were relentless. One strong Abbey run was met with a big hit from Henry, Tim Price calmly dealt with anything kicked at him and when Abbeys kicks found touch the quick throw option out them back under pressure. From a scrum on halfway, Chris Nourse kicked over and Mats Venning was first up to turnover in the tackle. Mats found James in support then on to Henry who took it up the line before finding winger Tom Burrell on a great line to finish behind the posts.

The final score came from a scrum taken against the head, moved along the backs to Dan who with Robson outside him cut between the last two defenders to score in the corner. Late runs from Ben, Ollie Cassidy (at centre) and Robson were thwarted.

Well done to all.

Try Scorers: James Grosvenor (2), Tom Burrell and Dan Rowland

Conversions: Ben Jenks (2) and Dan Rowland

Players and Coaches Man of Match: James Grosvenor