Bloodied but unbowed.

Buxton 3rd XV 0 v Aldwinians 46.

A brief respite from the league saw the Thirds in cup action, travelling to Aldwinians. Despite injuries and absences, the thirds managed to travel with 18 but were up against an Aldwinians side that were clearly bolstered by the fact that their seconds had had their game cancelled. Late arrivals mean't that there was little time to go through any pre-match preparations. Despite this the opening exchanges were even with both sides making errors. Aldwinians made progress into the Buxton 22 and some sterling defence kept them at bay with Rose putting in big hits. Eventually the pressure told and Aldwinians opened their account. The game was by no means a procession for Aldwinians. The thirds fought hard, edging the scrums and with the line out functioning much better this week the additional possession gave Preece options with the ball. Poole made a well timed break through the traffic, but despite the support the ball was knocked on. Gardin made some strong runs from the back, and Hoodie was a constant menace. Too many errors and turnovers however ceded the initiative to Aldwinians and by half time Buxton were 24 nil down and tie was lost. Aldwinians replaced their front row and the scrums became scrappy.

Injuries to several players meant some reorganisation. Buxton had been penalised heavily in the first half but with the game lost the penalty count evened up and with Poole finding some distance and Fussell finding Charles in the line out more should have been made of the possession. The forwards began to make more runs, Henderson picked up on the loose ball and Cavanagh drove into the heart of the defence with six tacklers hanging off him but was unable to off load. Pollitt and Ford both showed good presence on the wings. Buxton battled hard all afternoon, and never gave up. The effort they showed will be rewarded as the season goes on.

Next week the Thirds entertain Old Bedians at home. Training is on Thursday at 7.00pm.


Buxton were: Rose(Chapman 40m), Fussell c, Austin, Henderson, Cavanagh, Woodward, Charles, Chapman (Taylor 40m), Preece, Poole, Ritchie (Pollitt

40m), Stratford (Ritchie 65m) Nichols (Ford), Hoodie, Gardin

Apres Match

We did not hold court in the end as there were too many absentees however I have a few nominations that perhaps we can take forward to next week.

The Ranulph Fiennes prize for Navigation goes to Tay. Eventually when he realised that his sat nav needed a post code he found his way to the ground.

Mentioned in dispatches Seth and Gaz, but then they always get lost. Together. Geoff gets a mention for following the wrong car out of the ground and arriving at the pub 20 minutes late.

The Ballet Rambert gold award goes to Ian Henderson for his dive across the ruck. The referee appreciated it anyway.

To the Aldwinians player who Ian hit, allegedly, who waited until all his players were around him before "wanting to have a go back"

FUOTD - Seth for letting go of the ball on our line and letting them in for a really soft try, Mr Fussell for getting confused about the new calls, there were more but it would be tedious to mention them.