Close but no cigar

Buxton 15 Sandbach 27

After being on the receiving end of a couple of thrashings over the past few weeks, the Thirds travelled to Sandbach needing to put in a big performance to stop the rot. Though they did not manage a win they produced their best performance for some time and had it not been for three lapses of concentration could well have won the match.

Sandbach started the stronger and dominated the early territorial exchanges, despite the Buxton tight five taking control. The Sandbach no 8 proved to be a thorn in the Buxton side and it was a break by him in midfield that supplied their first try. This seemed to galvanise Buxton and through the effective boot of Stratford battled their way into the Sandbach half. Henderson returning after a long layoff was in outstanding form and with Charles and Dilworth foraging for anything lose, Buxton forced Sandbach onto the back foot. Allen competed for everything and when he wasn’t leading by example he was organising the defence and motivating the team. Keeping the ball close to the forwards Buxton drove up field and with Sandbach unable to hold the drive it was Henderson that came up with the ball to claim the try. With the scores level Buxton began to exert pressure. Bearman, Uprichard and Fussell began to get the upper hand in the scrums and though the lineout was not firing on all cylinders Taylor proved adept at disrupting the Sandbach throw. Buxton were beginning to gain some dominance when a defensive lapse in midfield provided the Sandbach centres with acres of space to run in their second try. Just before half time another lapse exposed some frail defending and Sandbach stretched their lead at a crucial time. Sandbach burst down the flank and poor tackling gifted them another try. The half time score of 15-5 did not reflect the effort that Buxton had put in. Ritchie who gave a hundred percent as always, was rested and Proudlove took over on the wing. Buxton hit back with a solo effort from Bennison, running and weaving his way from fifty metres out. Sandbach extended their lead again despite some valiant defence from Nicholls and Leigh. Buxton hit back though, as Dawson who had been an effective target all afternoon brought the ball back to the forwards and Graham fed Allen who powered his way to just short of the line. The ball was secured and Dilworth was driven over from close range for the try.

Buxton refused to give up even though time was ebbing away. Twice Buxton failed to exploit an overlap and Proudlove was hauled down with the line beckoning. Despite the defeat the thirds can be justly proud of their efforts. They showed great strength of character and if they can take certain key lessons forward they will start winning again.

The team send their best wishes to Leigh who had to leave the field in the opening minutes with a nasty knee injury. We all wish him a speedy recovery.

Club training on Monday and Thursdays at the club at 7.00pm. All welcome.

Bearman, Uprichard, Fussell, Taylor, Allen, Proudlove, (Charles 10m), Dilworth, Henderson, Graham, Stratford, Ritchie, (Proudlove 40m),Dawson, Nicholls, Leigh (Handcock 5m) Bennison

Apres Match

Man of the Match - Master Tactician and aging rock star Mr Stratford

Twat in the Hat - The prop that can't kick and spills his Guinness Mr Bearman.