Bucks Cup - Tough Play

We were not exactly blessed with great weather for our first ever cup match. The wind blew and the occasional squall made for tough conditions, however no sooner had High Wycombe kicked off, the lads got to work on exhibiting a classical into-the-wind style of play. Our forwards drove hard and straight at the opposition half backs and after we had recycled the ball quickly three times we had already reached the half way line – it was a stunning start and within a minute High Wycombe knew that if they were to stay in this game they would have to make tackle after tackle.

After five minutes High Wycombe were not able to get their hands on the ball and as a result they began to infringe. We did not let up on the pressure, we ran straight into them again and again sucking in the defence. The rest of the first half followed a similar devastating pattern, with phase after phase of possession. It was one of best displays I have ever seen from the team. Everyone was involved – the forwards took their turns to recycle, accelerate from the fringes and run straight in the pods. Tom Ates used his strength and speed to score twice, almost stopping to have a chat with the High Wycombe full back before going under the posts. The straight running from the pods of Theo Weatherall and Harry West eventually took their toll on the High Wycombe defensive line, with Chris Grint exploiting that space to run in four fantastic tries in that first half. Toby Bradshaw kicked admirably in to the wind and by half time we were already out of sight. With no throwing of boots needed, it was not exactly the most difficult of half time talks!

If it were possible, the weather deteriorated in the second half, and it became more of an attritional affair. High Wycombe , to their credit, came back into the game and tested out our defensive skills. Our linespeed was good, the tackling strong and no linebreaks were allowed which was quite an achievement. Territory, however, was conceded through a succession of penalties and this created the chance for the High Wycombe forwards to bulldoze over from short range. Well done to them. In those sorts of conditions, it is important for us to show patience in defence, listen to the referee and wait for the right opportunity to retake possession.

There was still plenty of time to watch some excellent skills, both gritty and silky! Seb Porter’s superb commitment diving on the floor, led to a fifth try for Chris Grint, voted man of the match by High Wycombe for his awesome running. The passing of the halfbacks, Angus and Ryan, was a key feature all match, and Seb’s unselfish pass towards the end created a well-deserved try for Michael M-C on the wing. It was a tough day to be a fullback, but Alex Willox was excellent in defence and was unlucky not to snatch a try at the end for himself. All 18 of the players involved contributed to a magnificent team display in difficult conditions, and although we will face tougher tests ahead, we should remember the structure and patience that we showed in attack to break down High Wycombe in style!

Final score 52-5.

Players: Ates, Binding, Bradshaw, Cox, Eggleton, Finch, Geddes, Greggor, Grint, Sjoberg, Love, Mackenzie-Crooks, Porter, Treadwell, Treloar, Weatherall, West, Willox.

Written: D Treadwell