Bicester 40 – Buckingham 5
Following last week’s Cup Final Victory, the boys’ spirits were understandably high. The squad strength once again showed itself, with 9 changes from last weeks starting 15 having no effect on the high standard we have come expect.
Bicester were slightly sleepy from the kick off when the ball was allowed to bounce before being dealt with, an uncharacteristic start that peculiarly carried on for much of the game.
Bicester we dominant in all phases and the first try was scored by James Grosvenor after a kick ahead by fly half Charlie Bethel. Soon after, Will Brett-Harding charged down an attempted clearance, the ball was retrieved by Buckingham and another attempted clearance found Tom Burrell in the centre who charged for the line to score.
Last week’s kicking nightmare continued with all of the days conversions missed – by full backs, scrum halves, No 8’s, props and hookers!
The third try was scored by Robson Connor following what was to become a characteristic break by Callum Robertson who ran great lines all day.
Tom Burrell scored his second and the games fourth try following a scrum won against the head by Ollie Cavey. Great defensive work throughout the half, typified by the hard working George Myers meant that Bicester went into half time 20 – 0 to the good.
Numerous changes were made at half time, with Chris Nourse, who had played the first half for Buckingham slotting in at 10 and James (I love kicking) Grosvenor being replaced at full back by Charlie Bethel. James G then pulled on the green of Buckingham. (Thanks Chris & James – great sportsmanship!)
The second half opened with a beautifully crafted try early on. PJ Gardiner crossing in the corner following great work by both forwards and backs – the final pass by Harry Court putting PJ in for a well finished try. More tries soon followed. Ollie Cassidy, playing at No 8 picked up from the base of a scrum on the Buckingham 22 and seemingly strolled through to score.
The Bicester players were now a little complacent and they failed to deal with a clever kick off, which was collected by the Buckingham wing forward (who looked eerily like the Bicester full back from the first half) who ran in almost unopposed to bring the score to 30 – 5.
At this point a few more changes were made with PJ Gardiner moving to scrum half – Harry Court moving out to the centre where he continued his fine performance and Will Brett Harding returning from the bench to replace Tom ‘two tries’ Burrell. Claims of Jug avoidance against the stand in team manager were later dismissed as unfounded.
Callum Robertson capped a great game finishing off another great passage of play where both forwards and backs linked seamlessly, with Robson Connor and Harry Court linking to put Callum away – his pace seeing him under the posts.
Will Brett Harding finished things off, linking well with Callum to finish wide on the left.
Final Score Bicester 40 – Buckingham 5
Players Man of the Match – Callum Robertson
Coaches Man of the Match – Callum Robertson
Tries
Bicester - James Grosvenor; Tom Burrell (2); Robson Connor; PJ Gardiner; Oliver Cassidy; Callum Robertson; Will Brett-Harding
Buckingham – James (that’ll be minus 5 points then) Grosvenor
Conversions – not a one. Next week I’ll supply a banjo and a cow’s backside – see if anyone can hit that!
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
County Cup Winners - 4 in a row
Oxon U14s KO Cup Final – Bicester 20 v Banbury 15
Four in a Row for Bicester
Bicester U14 recorded their fourth consecutive Oxfordshire title, just edging Banbury U14 at Stratfield Brake on Sunday. Congratulations must go to both teams who put on a great display of rugby for a sizeable crowd.
Both teams started the game nervously, with a knock on by Banbury from the kick off, under pressure from Ollie Cassidy and Tom Burrell allowing Bicester to spend the first five minutes of the game in the Banbury half. Bicester, playing into the wind dominated territory in the opening exchanges, but it was the Banbury forwards who had the edge in both loose and tight phases and they held Bicester.
Bicester broke the deadlock when the ball was moved quickly away from a scrum on halfway, centre Henry Gayler broke the line and outpaced the Banbury defence to score.
Banbury looked sharp from the resulting kick off and a period of continued pressure saw Bicester infringe, going off their feet in the ruck, the Banbury Kicker, with the wind at his back calmly slotted to make it 5 – 3.
Bicester finally began to exert some control in the forwards and following a strange kick, luckily fielded by Dan Rowland Bicester once more saw themselves in the Banbury Half. A subsequent scrum to Banbury was pinched against the head by James Nellis, quick reactions from the half backs saw the ball spread wide, a half break by Henry was taken on by James Grosvenor and fed to Dan who showed his speed down the left wing, rounded the defence and finished under the posts. Again the simple conversion was missed 10 – 3.
The second half started much as the first half, this time Bicester making errors at the restart, allowing Banbury to put on the pressure. An exciting period of play saw both sides playing great rugby, nullified by great defence by their opponents. Eventually the Banbury pressure told, and from a series of rolling mauls, they were eventually awarded a try in the left hand corner 10 – 8.
Once again Bicester took control from the restart forcing Banbury to concede a lineout in their 22. The ball from the line out was spread wide and great handling from the Bicester centres saw the ball quickly to the right wing where Anthony Iveson was well tackled by the Banbury wing. Banbury came in from the side at the ruck and the resulting penalty allowed Bicester to draw in the Banbury forwards following a typical bullocking run from Jordan Hirons, Banbury had not retreated 10m and the subsequent penalty was taken quickly, allowing Tim Price to put Tom Burrell in for the third Bicester Try. 15 – 8.
Bicester continued to press and in a moment of individual skill, James Grosvenor beat several would be tacklers and calmly chipped the ball over the full back. James was first to the ball, hacked on and won the foot race to score, seemingly inches before the dead ball line. 20 – 8.
The remaining 8 or so minutes were a tense affair and a spirited Banbury were clearly not beaten. numerous breaks were made by their ever present back row and pacey backs. One such break looked odds on to produce a score when their right winger appeared in the centre of the pitch, one on one with the Bicester Fullback. Tim Price, as solid as ever made the tackle and thwarted the attack. Banbury however were not going to be repelled easily, with five minutes remaining they crossed under the posts for a converted try 20 – 15.
The remaining minutes seemed to be all Banbury. The only foray into the Banbury half being cut short following poor discipline leading to the referee reversing a penalty for back chat. The resulting penalty was run quickly by Banbury and several phases of play saw them into the Bicester 22, looking very likely to score. Quick hands found the ball moved again to their left wing, unfortunately the pass was a difficult one to take and was knocked on. Game over – Bicester 20 – Banbury 15.
other members of the 36 strong age group who did not. Without such a strong squad the fourth win in four years would not have been possible.
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Match report Bicester v Wallingford - 15 March
Bicester 32 v Wallingford 0
Wallingford proved to be strong opposition, their defence was very good and they threatened to score on a number of occasions. Bicester put in a good whole team performance with committed tackling and well executed tries to secure victory.
Bicester started brightly again taking the game to Wallingford and building patiently. Having worked calmly through several phases of forwards play, they spun the ball out wide through good hands for Tim Price to open the scoring. Unfortunately Tim hurt his leg in the act of scoring and took no further part in the game.
Wallingford reacted well, the next 10 minutes being end to end play, and had chances to pull back putting their hosts under pressure with their kicking game.
Oliver Cassidy had a couple of good carries into their 22, unfortunately the final pass to Tom Burrell on the overlap going astray on both occasions. Tom made a break himself down the left flank but checked his run when perhaps he should have gone for the corner. Bicester again attacked down the left, were stopped short but Wallingford were penalised for a high tackle. Mats Venning picked out Jordan Hirons as the runner who buried in low for a well executed try.
Wallingford continued to test Bicesters backs with kick and chase, but when Callum McCulloch returned one breaking the line, he found Antony Iveson at pace who took the ball on across the halfway line, Ollie Cass took it on and found Henry in support who burst for the left hand corner, great cover defence forced him to pass inside just before being forced into touch, Wallingford knocked on and James Grosvenor reacted quickly to pick up the loose ball and find the gap for a try. HT: 15-0
The second half saw Wallingford understandably tire due to the amount of defensive work they had put in, Bicester improved their rucking and raised the pace of attack as the gaps opened up putting on some entertaining running rugby.
Quick ball was fed out to Harry Court who raced to the corner and looked certain to score but for a creditable cover tackle with the Wallingford player doing well to get under him and the ball. Bicester scored from the 5m scrum that followed with Henry on the crashball taking them within a couple of metres short and offloading to James Grosvenor who crossed for his second try converted by Callum McC.
A decisive break for the corner was again well defended as Henry was slammed into touch. Soon after James Nellis took a 5m scrum against the head, James G picked up at the back to feed Henry out wide who stepped through the gap to score.
Bicester’s last try was a cracker, another good break from Henry who fixed the last defender with a nicely delayed pass to Harry Court on the perfect support line to form the overlap and score.
Late and spirited efforts by Wallingford were thwarted first by a good tackle on the wing by Mats, followed by a try saving tackle by Chris Nourse in the dying seconds to put the Wallingford player into touch and keep the clean sheet.
Try Scorers: Tim Price, Jordan Hirons, James Grosvenor (2), Henry Gayler and Harry Court
Conversion: Callum McCulloch
Players Man of Match: Henry Gayler
Coaches Man of Match: Henry Gayler
Wallingford proved to be strong opposition, their defence was very good and they threatened to score on a number of occasions. Bicester put in a good whole team performance with committed tackling and well executed tries to secure victory.
Bicester started brightly again taking the game to Wallingford and building patiently. Having worked calmly through several phases of forwards play, they spun the ball out wide through good hands for Tim Price to open the scoring. Unfortunately Tim hurt his leg in the act of scoring and took no further part in the game.
Wallingford reacted well, the next 10 minutes being end to end play, and had chances to pull back putting their hosts under pressure with their kicking game.
Oliver Cassidy had a couple of good carries into their 22, unfortunately the final pass to Tom Burrell on the overlap going astray on both occasions. Tom made a break himself down the left flank but checked his run when perhaps he should have gone for the corner. Bicester again attacked down the left, were stopped short but Wallingford were penalised for a high tackle. Mats Venning picked out Jordan Hirons as the runner who buried in low for a well executed try.
Wallingford continued to test Bicesters backs with kick and chase, but when Callum McCulloch returned one breaking the line, he found Antony Iveson at pace who took the ball on across the halfway line, Ollie Cass took it on and found Henry in support who burst for the left hand corner, great cover defence forced him to pass inside just before being forced into touch, Wallingford knocked on and James Grosvenor reacted quickly to pick up the loose ball and find the gap for a try. HT: 15-0
The second half saw Wallingford understandably tire due to the amount of defensive work they had put in, Bicester improved their rucking and raised the pace of attack as the gaps opened up putting on some entertaining running rugby.
Quick ball was fed out to Harry Court who raced to the corner and looked certain to score but for a creditable cover tackle with the Wallingford player doing well to get under him and the ball. Bicester scored from the 5m scrum that followed with Henry on the crashball taking them within a couple of metres short and offloading to James Grosvenor who crossed for his second try converted by Callum McC.
A decisive break for the corner was again well defended as Henry was slammed into touch. Soon after James Nellis took a 5m scrum against the head, James G picked up at the back to feed Henry out wide who stepped through the gap to score.
Bicester’s last try was a cracker, another good break from Henry who fixed the last defender with a nicely delayed pass to Harry Court on the perfect support line to form the overlap and score.
Late and spirited efforts by Wallingford were thwarted first by a good tackle on the wing by Mats, followed by a try saving tackle by Chris Nourse in the dying seconds to put the Wallingford player into touch and keep the clean sheet.
Try Scorers: Tim Price, Jordan Hirons, James Grosvenor (2), Henry Gayler and Harry Court
Conversion: Callum McCulloch
Players Man of Match: Henry Gayler
Coaches Man of Match: Henry Gayler
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
U14s in County Cup Final for 4th year in a row
Bicester 30 v Chinnor 12
What should have been the highlight of the season so far, for two talented sides playing under floodlights for the first time for a place in the Cup Final, resulted in a match which was to large degree spoiled by the referee. Both teams were prevented from creating more than a couple of phases at a time due to the constant stream of penalties and stoppages, resulting in a fairly anti-climatic game which was a big disappointment to all involved and the large number of enthusiastic supporters. The players from both teams were exceptional in maintaining such good discipline throughout under difficult circumstances, attempting to get on with the game. The best thing to come out of the evening is the improved strength of the already good relationship between these two clubs and we thank Chinnor for their part in that.
Bicester started brightly forcing play into Chinnors half. Good pressure in defence from the centres forced loose ball which Chris Nourse was first to, his kick through was picked up by Dan Rowland who finished in the right hand corner for the first score. Bicesters second came shortly after when a quickly taken penalty was moved across the centres out left, Chinnor were able to stop the attack but were short of numbers as Bicester recycled quick ball for Ed Mawdsley to finish from close range.
Chinnor responded well to going 10-0 down so early to build pressure of their own, enjoying a sustained period of attack. A kick and chase was well dealt with by fullback Tim Price but the 22 drop out that followed was sliced, Chinnor collected on the left wing and scored a well finished try by stepping inside the last tackler to put themselves right back into the game. However Bicester were quickly able to extend their lead, the move started when a big hit by Henry Gayler led to turnover ball, William Allen-Miles took the ball on and set well, the ball moved out wide where Tom Burrell collected on the 22 and showed great pace down the left wing to score, Dan added the conversion. Henry made a decisive break cutting inside twice before feeding winger Antony Iveson who sprinted for the corner, a good cover tackle forced Antony into touch 5m short. As Bicester stole at the lineout, Chinnor were penalised, Mats Venning took the quick option and fed James Grosvenor who crashed straight through the defence for a try. HT 22-5.
Chinnor rallied after the break taking the game to Bicester with a lengthy period of play in our 22. Bicester were repeatedly penalised during this period, and suffered with 2 players being sin binned. Chinnor scored immediately after the second yellow card and converted to pull back to 22-12. Bicester showed great character coupled with good decision making whilst down to 13 men. Ed Mawdsley led the defence tackling anything that moved, Henry covered the centres and when a penalty was awarded elected to kick making sure Antony used the full minute to add the 3 points. With the sin bins over, Bicester controlled the closing period and were able to add another score through James G off the back of a scrum from 22m out. They now wait to find out whether they will meet Oxford or Banbury in their fourth consecutive County Cup Final.
One more individual mention, Ollie Cassidy put in seasons best performance which was not lost on the watching County Coach who has since approached Ollie. On the subject of County, for anyone interested the first full blown County match is to be played on Wed 04 March v Warwickshire at Chinnor again under floodlights with a 6.30 kick-off, Henry has been selected to start at openside flanker and we wish him a good game.
Try Scorers: Dan Rowland, Ed Mawdsley, Tom Burrell, and James Grosvenor (2)
Conversion: Dan Rowland
Penalty: Antony Iveson
Coaches Man of Match: Ed Mawdsley
What should have been the highlight of the season so far, for two talented sides playing under floodlights for the first time for a place in the Cup Final, resulted in a match which was to large degree spoiled by the referee. Both teams were prevented from creating more than a couple of phases at a time due to the constant stream of penalties and stoppages, resulting in a fairly anti-climatic game which was a big disappointment to all involved and the large number of enthusiastic supporters. The players from both teams were exceptional in maintaining such good discipline throughout under difficult circumstances, attempting to get on with the game. The best thing to come out of the evening is the improved strength of the already good relationship between these two clubs and we thank Chinnor for their part in that.
Bicester started brightly forcing play into Chinnors half. Good pressure in defence from the centres forced loose ball which Chris Nourse was first to, his kick through was picked up by Dan Rowland who finished in the right hand corner for the first score. Bicesters second came shortly after when a quickly taken penalty was moved across the centres out left, Chinnor were able to stop the attack but were short of numbers as Bicester recycled quick ball for Ed Mawdsley to finish from close range.
Chinnor responded well to going 10-0 down so early to build pressure of their own, enjoying a sustained period of attack. A kick and chase was well dealt with by fullback Tim Price but the 22 drop out that followed was sliced, Chinnor collected on the left wing and scored a well finished try by stepping inside the last tackler to put themselves right back into the game. However Bicester were quickly able to extend their lead, the move started when a big hit by Henry Gayler led to turnover ball, William Allen-Miles took the ball on and set well, the ball moved out wide where Tom Burrell collected on the 22 and showed great pace down the left wing to score, Dan added the conversion. Henry made a decisive break cutting inside twice before feeding winger Antony Iveson who sprinted for the corner, a good cover tackle forced Antony into touch 5m short. As Bicester stole at the lineout, Chinnor were penalised, Mats Venning took the quick option and fed James Grosvenor who crashed straight through the defence for a try. HT 22-5.
Chinnor rallied after the break taking the game to Bicester with a lengthy period of play in our 22. Bicester were repeatedly penalised during this period, and suffered with 2 players being sin binned. Chinnor scored immediately after the second yellow card and converted to pull back to 22-12. Bicester showed great character coupled with good decision making whilst down to 13 men. Ed Mawdsley led the defence tackling anything that moved, Henry covered the centres and when a penalty was awarded elected to kick making sure Antony used the full minute to add the 3 points. With the sin bins over, Bicester controlled the closing period and were able to add another score through James G off the back of a scrum from 22m out. They now wait to find out whether they will meet Oxford or Banbury in their fourth consecutive County Cup Final.
One more individual mention, Ollie Cassidy put in seasons best performance which was not lost on the watching County Coach who has since approached Ollie. On the subject of County, for anyone interested the first full blown County match is to be played on Wed 04 March v Warwickshire at Chinnor again under floodlights with a 6.30 kick-off, Henry has been selected to start at openside flanker and we wish him a good game.
Try Scorers: Dan Rowland, Ed Mawdsley, Tom Burrell, and James Grosvenor (2)
Conversion: Dan Rowland
Penalty: Antony Iveson
Coaches Man of Match: Ed Mawdsley
Match report Bicester v Banbury - 01 March
Bicester 33 v Banbury 14
(Report by Henry Gayler)
Bicester looked strong off the start with good phases pushing deep into Banbury territory, then the ball was spread well to Callum Robertson who broke a tackle and sped through to score under the posts. Bicester carried on good pressure with a few scrums and holding the ball well and securely through the phases. Jordan then went into the pocket of the ruck and took a pop from Isaac Bensley on a great line to cut through the opposition to score the second try. Callum McCulloch converted once again loosing the ball!
From here Bicester let it slip, missed tackles let Banbury form quick ball, then a bad kick straight to Banbury hands resulted in quick passing along the backs forming an overlap and their fast winger broke through the last man to score. The bad tackling still didn’t improve and after a few cover tackles and breakdowns Banbury’s prop picked up the ball and about 4 missed tackles allowed him to stroll in for an easy score.
Bicester then switched on after a few pointless scrums we ended up with a penalty on the half way line. Isaac decided to run it popping it to Jordan as he charged through swerving between the defenders and sidestepping the fullback to go all the way himself with no help needed.
Will A-M jumped elegantly to pick the ball off the top of the lineout and majestically pranced through the forwards and smoothly passed the ball to Scott who buried it for a score. Half time 26 – 14.
The second half was mainly defence from both sides, the rugby played in the centre with no real danger. Once again we got a penalty on the half way line and once again we ran it. This time through Antony with great effect, he crashed through a group of defenders and ran off almost hitting the posts as he scored. There was almost one more score in the game as a Banbury centre broke the line and was clean through, Ed Mawdsley put his head down and raced back with an excellent cover tackle metres from the line saving the score, this resulted in a Bicester penalty as he did not release the ball when Bicester support swiftly arrived.
Try Scorers: Callum Robertson, Jordan Hirons (2), Scott Povey and Antony Iveson
Conversions: Callum McCulloch (4)
Coaches Man of the Match: Callum Robertson
(Report by Henry Gayler)
Bicester looked strong off the start with good phases pushing deep into Banbury territory, then the ball was spread well to Callum Robertson who broke a tackle and sped through to score under the posts. Bicester carried on good pressure with a few scrums and holding the ball well and securely through the phases. Jordan then went into the pocket of the ruck and took a pop from Isaac Bensley on a great line to cut through the opposition to score the second try. Callum McCulloch converted once again loosing the ball!
From here Bicester let it slip, missed tackles let Banbury form quick ball, then a bad kick straight to Banbury hands resulted in quick passing along the backs forming an overlap and their fast winger broke through the last man to score. The bad tackling still didn’t improve and after a few cover tackles and breakdowns Banbury’s prop picked up the ball and about 4 missed tackles allowed him to stroll in for an easy score.
Bicester then switched on after a few pointless scrums we ended up with a penalty on the half way line. Isaac decided to run it popping it to Jordan as he charged through swerving between the defenders and sidestepping the fullback to go all the way himself with no help needed.
Will A-M jumped elegantly to pick the ball off the top of the lineout and majestically pranced through the forwards and smoothly passed the ball to Scott who buried it for a score. Half time 26 – 14.
The second half was mainly defence from both sides, the rugby played in the centre with no real danger. Once again we got a penalty on the half way line and once again we ran it. This time through Antony with great effect, he crashed through a group of defenders and ran off almost hitting the posts as he scored. There was almost one more score in the game as a Banbury centre broke the line and was clean through, Ed Mawdsley put his head down and raced back with an excellent cover tackle metres from the line saving the score, this resulted in a Bicester penalty as he did not release the ball when Bicester support swiftly arrived.
Try Scorers: Callum Robertson, Jordan Hirons (2), Scott Povey and Antony Iveson
Conversions: Callum McCulloch (4)
Coaches Man of the Match: Callum Robertson
Match report Bicester v Brackley - 22 Feb
Bicester 119 v Brackley 0
Stuart was impressed with the way that the lads kept focussed on their execution to amass such a high score, achieved with a real cutting edge.
Statto’s observations: Congratulations to Scott on his first try for Bicester, and Ben Jenks set a new squad record for individual points in one match with his total of 29.
Try Scorers: Ed Mawdsley (3), Dan Rowland (3), William Brett-Harding (2), James Grosvenor (2), Tom Burrell, Cameron Fortin-Smith, Ben Jenks, Antony Iveson, Chris Nourse, Callum McCulloch, Scott Povey, Jack Stone and Conor White
Conversions: Ben Jenks (12)
Stuart was impressed with the way that the lads kept focussed on their execution to amass such a high score, achieved with a real cutting edge.
Statto’s observations: Congratulations to Scott on his first try for Bicester, and Ben Jenks set a new squad record for individual points in one match with his total of 29.
Try Scorers: Ed Mawdsley (3), Dan Rowland (3), William Brett-Harding (2), James Grosvenor (2), Tom Burrell, Cameron Fortin-Smith, Ben Jenks, Antony Iveson, Chris Nourse, Callum McCulloch, Scott Povey, Jack Stone and Conor White
Conversions: Ben Jenks (12)
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