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!