Thirds deserve more in physical contest

Aldwinians 20 Buxton 7

Another improved performance away from home saw the thirds battling all the way against a strong physical Aldwinians fifteen. In the end the scoreline flattered the home side who used nine substitutes to subdue the thirds. Buxton began by playing into the elements and the opening exchanges were nip and tuck. Both sides had scoring opportunities. Aldwinians were quicker to the breakdown however and they began to establish territorial dominance. Using the tactic of picking and driving from the rucks they launched a series of attacks on the Buxton line. The thirds close quarter defence was up to the task. The back row of Bosely, Allen and Charles worked tirelessly to stem the flow, helped by some shuddering hits by Cavanagh, whilst Poole and Weston scythed down anything outwide. Eventually though they threw the ball wide and found space to score a well worked try. With Buxton shading the battle upfront they began to gain possession. Ball retention though not good enough was greatly improved and Edge and Dilworth did sterling work on the floor securing loose ball. The lineout remained an enigma for most of the afternoon as Aldwinians seemed able to second guess the calls but some cunning linguistic alterations improved things and Charles got a flow of ball going. Some great organisation and driving work by the forwards made big gains as they drove up field only for the momentum to be lost by some unlucky decisions. A new half back combination saw the young and the old combine as Preece linked up with the youthful Hancock. The added pace gave the backs an edge and Poole and Weston took advantage of the space but could not create the overlap. A penalty before half time eased Aldwinians further ahead but the game was still for the taking. A number of substitutions including a new look front row was countered by Buxton’s resolve. Despite Uprichard and Fussell both carrying injuries they used their experience to disrupt the Aldwinians scrum and give Buxton a clear advantage in the scrums. Another penalty to Aldwinians seemed to have put the game beyond Buxton but they came out fighting. With Bosley acting as a one man battering ram, he smashed a hole in the defence. The wily Charles drew his man and put the flying Bennison in space. He burnt off the cover and scored beneath the posts. Charles calmly slotted the extras. A reinvigorated Buxton, sensing a win threw everything at Aldwinians. Dawson replaced the hard working Ritchie. Tarbuck who had an excellent debut on the wing pulled of a great tackle to turn defence into attack but despite the endeavour it all came to nothing as Aldwinians won turnover ball at the breakdown and a good piece of interplay took them sixty metres to score the decisive try. Buxton battled to the end and can be justly proud of the way that they played. The thirds played with pride and passion and deserved more. Things are improving game by game and with a little self belief and improved fitness the wins will come.

Buxton were: Edge, Uprichard, Fussell, Dilworth, Cavanagh, Bosely, Allen, Charles, Preece, Hancock, Ritchie (Dawson 45m) Weston, Poole, Tarbuck, Bennison

Apres Match

Twat in the hat - Well it had to be Mr Dilworth, though it would have been a joint award if Mr Bosley had been in court.

Man of the Match - Ex Captain my Ex Captain. Because its funny when he is very drunk.

Literacy Hour - Mr Charles and Mr Dilworth, for both not knowing how Enigma is spelt thus cocking up their jumping in the lineout.

Scrooge of the day goes to Sleepy for bringing 2 biscuits wraped in cling film as his contribution to the hamper we are collecting for for charity.

The whole team send their best wishes to Mr Bearman who was struck down by Man Flu hours before kick off and had to be rushed from the golf course to his bed. (Probably)