If you're struggling to find that perfect little Christmas gift for someone special in your life (you of course!) then have a look at the Canadian Women's Rugby Team Calendar. What better way to ease those ache and pains after a particularly hard training session? Can't think of one.
Buxton Thirds 0, Sandbach 10
Buxton travelled to a foggy and frosty Sandbach hoping to kick start their season with a win. In a desperately close game they lost narrowly to tries at the start and the end of the game, but won enough possession and had enough territory and chances to have taken the points themselves. The Thirds took to the field wearing the new shirts sponsored by Simply Thai, full of intent. The opening exchanges were hard fought with Buxton's man of the match Ford producing a shuddering tackle, but Sandbach worked themselves in to a strong attacking position and with the Buxton defence lacking precision them breached it to cross the line. Stung by that Buxton went up a gear. With Woodward winning plenty of possession at the lineout there was plenty of possession to work with and Bennison exploited the space to make a series of breaks. Chapman Charles and Allen supported the breaks but the subsequent phases produced slow ball and the game became bogged down in a series of scrums. The front row of Bearman, Fussell and Austin were becoming more and more dominant but handling errors cost Buxton scoring opportunities. A searing break from Bennison tore open the Sandbach defence, as he glided down the wing with Ritchie and Gardin in support he backed himself and appeared to have scored in the corner, only for the eagled eyed referee to disallow it for not grounding the ball.Buxton continued to take the attack to Sandbach, a series of kickable penalties were shunned in favour of lineouts but despite the possession the Thirds could not breach the Sandbach line. Always looking to counter Buxton had to be alert to the threat and Preece and Graham organsied the defence effectively and Rose produced a series of big hits before going off injured to be replaced by Cavanagh.
The second half saw more of the same. Increasingly Buxton were dominating the set pieces but Sandbach looked more effective in the loose. With Gyte on the field the intensity of the tackles went up and some excellent defence repulsed a series of Sandbach attacks close to the line. As the clock ticked away the pressure and tension spilled over. Stratford and Preece combined well and the ball was moved to the backs with increasing desparation. Dawson threatened with half breaks but these came to nothing as dropped passes and slow ball stifled attacking options. With the final scrum of the game Buxton drove the Sandbach eight back ten metres but as the ball spilled out Sandbach got the ball away and ran sixty metres to score in the corner despite the efforts of Purvis and Burton. It was a disappointing end to a game that the Thirds could so easily have won but a failure to maintain pressure at key moments and to nail their chances cost them the game.
Bearman, Fussell, Austin, Woodward, Rose, Charles, Allen, Chapman, Preece, Bennison, Ritchie, Burton, Graham, Ford, Gardin, Cavanagh, Gyte, Stratford,Dawson, Purvis.
Apres Match
MOTM Chris Ford
Next week we are at home to Congleton. We know what we need to do. Chris will send texts later in the week so let him know when you are available ASAP.
There was a moment during the first half when they had scored their third try and we were resembling the village of the dammed that I had an overwhelming urge to run away. (Well okay limp pathetically and collapse on the touchline)We had players lying around all over the place, Johnnies leg was gashed open and his knee looked like a balloon, Tay was writhing on the ground (though Lizzie says he does this a lot) Rob had a nasty head wound, Tom had undergone major reconstructive surgery, Ali B was being brave about his hamstrings, (have I mentioned my Groin?) It could have turned into a farce. Instead we do what we know we can do. Put a brave face on it and battle away regardless of what the opposition can throw at us. Only there were moments today when we looked really good and had them flailing around on the back foot, as we off loaded the ball out of contact and supported each other. Some of the tackling was poor but some of it (stand up Chris Ford and Dan Rose) was bone jarring. We are not far off being a descent side. Seriously if we can get to training on a Thursday and put a couple of things together it will make a big difference. Remember last season and how a few simple things turned the season round. So thanks for the past couple of weeks,lets make it a winning return for Chris, and get the season back on track.
For what its worth my MOTM was Geoff. You have a difficult job to do on the wing and you do it better with every game. And you also got wound up and put it to effective use. (Good captaincy?)
By the way don't miss Ali Bearmans lectures on "Why sat nav is crap and all you need to do is follow my directions for getting to and leaving Burnage RUFC" Its riveting stuff especially when you are behind him, oh no your're in front of him now!
Buxton Thirds 0 Hope Valley A few more than us. If anyone knows the final score let me know please. I am struggling to get a match report in but thanks to all of you who turned out and toiled away in the mud.
Don't forget Training on Thursday.
Back to League action with Burnage away this coming saturday. Will be sending texts out but we will meet at the club at 12.30 sharp.
Cheers
Simon
Not a great turnout (thanks Ali, Dan, Ian and Chris) We have to find that extra ten percent to start winning and we will only find it up at training. We have new moves to work on both for the forwards and the backs, the coaches are keen to help us and the first team players want to see us there. It is appreciated that it is difficult with work commitments but lets make an effort and get up there for the next two Thursdays. It will make a big difference to the results.
