Devizes IIs 24 – 25 BoA
Another road trip for BoA; another try-fest; another nail-biter! BoA journeyed to the (previously unhappy) hunting ground of the Saddlebacks and yet again played their full part in a thoroughly entertaining and bruising points-riddled encounter. However, whilst the scoring virtually mirrored that of the previous week, it was BoA’s turn to be on the positive end of the result.
As the club-wide injury crisis continued [Father Time was even rumoured to have offered to un-retire for a week!!] and a number of players continued their forays into first team territory, BoA seconds yet again had a somewhat unfamiliar look to the line up, most particularly in the back line. Lewis “concussion” Somerville finally made his first appearance of the new season at 10, having eventually managed to recover from his altercation with a squash court (oh, and failing to be contactable due to being robbed of his phone in Spain! Kids eh?!!). There was also a full debut for Simon “Yorkshire grit” Heaton in making up the half-back pairing and together they proved to be an effective partnership, dictating BoA’s linkage between the forwards and the backs with aplomb. Brian “is it groundhog day?” Jefferies was on the wing against the same opposition (albeit different team) for the second week running and the other wing was occupied by new boy Chris “kiddie coach” Rookley.
The home side set out their intentions right from the off, relying on the considerable “bulk” which they possessed in most positions on the field to try to run over or through the relative physical minnows opposing them. However, as is BoA’s greatest asset, the visitors put in tackle after tackle, thereby rendering the hosts’ somewhat one-dimensional approach largely ineffective. That said, gaps were found in BoA’s redoubtable defence and the home side managed to forge ahead through a couple of well-taken tries. BoA responded with a try of their own – a third in three consecutive games for Paul “airwolf” Goddard. Further superlative defence from BoA prevented another Devizes score with the ball being held up over the line and the first half then continued as a very cut and thrust affair with both sides enjoying decent amounts of possession but Devizes looking the more threatening side.
As the second forty minutes got underway, the home side had a clear advantage and continued to threaten the BoA line. However, the visitors were still very much in the game and the belief that has pervaded much of our game-play this season came to the fore. Dan “laconic” Taylor topped off an outstanding performance at number 8 by showing pace which belies his physical stature, drawing a man beautifully and timing a pass to perfection for the Kiddie Coach to finish skillfully in the corner. With the deficit reduced, there was hope for BoA and this was amplified when ‘groundhog’ Jefferies snatched an interception pass from a Devizes attack and cruised 80 yards to finish under the posts.
This was not, however, the end of proceedings. Devizes responded in perfect fashion, contriving a further two tries of their own and with the final whistle literally minutes away, the visitors were left two points adrift and wondering whether it would be another humdinger which, whilst entertaining for the crowd, would ultimately end in heartbreak. But then, with a Devizes infringement 35 yards out and the last play of the game pending, up stepped Mr metronome and his almost “robotic” right kicking leg. Penalty slotted. Final whistle. BoA had been outscored 4 tries to 3, but thanks to superb defence and the ever reliable right peg of Coxy, victory had been carved out by a solitary point.
Another absolutely outstanding team display, with the grit and determination of previous weeks being demonstrated in spades. A thoroughly deserved week off now awaits before it is a return to the Dome and the visit of high flying Bath Saracens.
BELIEVE…