If only we'd had Godfrey

Buxton Third XV 17 Burnage 31

Buxton thirds, still looking for their first win of 2008 came close to pulling off a victory and but for a couple of errors in the second half the score could have been very different.

Buxton began slowly and despite establishing a strong platform in the set piece they were unable to convert possession into points, struggling to win the breakdown. Burnage, quick to turn defence into attack, turned over ball on the half way line and a series of sweeping moves put them in at the corner. Burnage had the better of the possession for the next five minutes and a sloppy defensive lapse close to their own line let Burnage in for their second try.

A nasty injury to the skipper Allen disrupted Buxton a little. But some reorganisation brought stability back. Dilworth took over the blind side duties and Cavanagh came onto bolster the second row. Though still struggling to establish territory Buxton began to make more of their possession and some strong running by Jardin and Nicholas showed what they were capable of. As usual Packer was solid at full back, and Dawson and Ritchie worked hard with him to organise the defence.

The thirds began the second half in storming fashion. Edge replaced Fussell to give some extra pace in the loose and the forwards began to exert themselves. Cavanagh began to make inroads in to the defence and with Bosley causing panic every-time he had the ball holes began to appear in the defence. After Bosley had breached the defence again, the forwards took control of the ball and after Uprichard and Henderson had set up the position, Cavanagh dragged three defenders with him and crashed over the line for Buxton’s opening try. This brought them back to within a score and they were in the ascendancy. The next five minutes took the game effectively away from them. Two poor pieces of kicking gave the initiative back to Burnage who took full advantage to score two quick tries. Buxton refused to lie down and dominated the remaining twenty minutes of the game. The forwards ran controlled possession at the Burnage defence, Bearman and Rose doing sterling work. A quick tap penalty by Edge saw a try disallowed. Another powerful Buxton scrum drove the Burnage eight back and it was Tim Charles who claimed the try from the ruck of bodies. Sneddon came on for his first game for six months and made an immediate impact. With the forwards creating opportunities, Preece and Stratford began to exploit the space out-wide. Several times they created overlaps only for these to be squandered. Eventually the pressure told and Bosley battered his way over the line for a well-deserved score. Preece, playing he promises will be his last game for the Thirds before retiring, almost scored himself but the weight of defenders was to much even for him.

Another improved performance, but these are the games that the Thirds are capable of wining. A little more self-belief and they could have taken the game.


Bearman, Uprichard, Fussell (Edge 40m), Dilworth (Cavanagh 20m) Rose, Allen, (Dilworth 20m) Charles, Henderson, Preece, Stratford, Ritchie (Lownds), Bosley, Nicholas (Sneddon 58m), Dawson (Jardin 40m), Packer (Procter 55m)

Apres Match

Man of the Match - Brendon, who then claimed the twat in the hat

Fuck up of the day - The traitorous Tom Edge for refusing to pass so that he did not let a rival score a try. (Apparently he is top try scorer)

The Waistcoat issue was settled by a judgement remarkable for its erudition and legal insight.

Captain our Captain returned from hospital stitched up but still bleeding and then managed to play the guitar and sing at his Birthday party. Well done.

League update - we are still bottom and now have no chance of catching Sandbach. But it would be good to win the last two games.