Sat 2 Feb 2019, 14:15
The 2s started full of confidence despite having only one sub and forwards for centres. Playing down the hill they offloaded and achieved a tempo that forced ON’s into conceding multiple penalties. The ref finally produced a yellow card. Harvey was cruelly denied for a foot in touch and several opportunities were spurned before Lloyd crossed for a fine try. Sam Evans at 8 cleverly dealt with a retreating scrum by picking up from the base and 2 passes later Harry Valentine scored from long range to end the half.
ON’s had a strong bench, including a Saints Academy colt. Despite their problems at scrum time the line out went well and the Bucks were first to score. Quick thinking after a free kick awarded for an early push saw the backs link beautifully to allow Pete to show an impressive turn of speed to make the score 19 – 0 to the visitors. Despite impressive defensive grit and several try savers, the hosts dominant scrum took its toll and their backs enjoyed playing down the hill scoring 5 tries in 35 mins.
There was plenty to be proud off but there was a sense of what could have been. Nonetheless, they are still 2nd in the league, 15 points behind ON’s with 3 games in hand
