Buxton Thirds 14 Old Bedians 3

Buxton thirds served up a feast of solid winter fare as they recorded their first win since November last year and scored their first try in 240 minutes of rugby. Built around the efforts of the forwards this was a superb team performance. The front row of Bearman, Uprichard, and Simpson bossed their opposite numbers and caused so much pressure that Buxton had to lend Bedians Austin for the last twenty minutes, to shore up their creaking front row so that the scrums would stay contested. Any ball that Bedians got from the set piece was scrappy and the backrow, Allen in particular, lapped up anything loose. Fussell and Austin locked the scrum effectively and were ever present in the loose, getting through plenty of work. Defensively this was an excellent effort. Bedians came close to scoring on a couple of occasions as their pacey backs found some space, but there was always someone covering back. D Gyte again was exceptional, putting in some big hits, and Allen not be left out added a few of his own. In the first half Kidman was outstanding in the line out, wining his own ball and taking a decent slice of the oppositions ball, and although the lineout did not function with the same aplomb in the second half, Barber, S Gyte and Charles harried the scrum half spoiling the flow of possession. Preece and Poole continued to develop their half back partnership. Preece like a fine Pont l’Eveque belies his age. His passing was pinpoint accurate and he got stuck into the rucks and guided the mauls with authority. Poole’s decision making improves with every game and his touch finding was excellent. With the return of Graham the three quarters had a more solid look to them. A few trade mark breaks and a sort of off load completed his afternoon’s work. He made way for Scott who made his presence felt with a couple of shuddering tackles. Weston and W Preece made use of the few opportunities well and Dawson replacing the injured Stratford, made one crucial break dancing his way through half a dozen tackles to take Buxton out of trouble.

Buxton scored a try in each half. The first came after a series of scrums close to the Bedians line. A huge effort drove Bedians back but at the point of scoring the ball spilled forward. Bedians were penalised however for collapsing and Buxton opted for a scrum. This time there was no doubt. They shunted the Bedian pack back over their line and Allen emerged from the pile of bodies to claim the score. Charles with Wilkinson like calm slotted the conversion to edge Buxton ahead.

With the scrum equally dominant in the second half, a ferocious series of drives took the thirds to the Bedians line. Another scrum, another bulldozing drive and this time it was the turn of Charles to claim the try. He converted to take Buxton clear. Bedians launched a series of attacks. The thirds defence was equal to the challenge. Ross replacing Poole knocked his opposite number back, and Ritchie made a try saving tackle at the death.

A massive team effort, with everyone playing their part. The win takes the thirds to twelfth in the table ahead of Sandbach and Knutsford. Their next game is away to Wilmslow and they can travel with confidence.

Buxton were: Bearman, Uprichard, Simpson (Gyte 50m), Austin (Barber 40m),Fussell, Allen, Charles, Kidman, (Beeley 40m), Preece, Poole (Ross), D Gyte (Ritchie 55m), Graham (Scott 60m),Weston, W Preece, Stratford (Dawson 35m)

Man of the Match - The Team (Charles and Allen were mentioned in dispatches)

Twat of the Day - There wasn't one. Well Wayne Dilly is on holiday which explains it.