Longlevens MAR 24 - 23 Derby Bucks RFC
Following defeat last week against Dragons All Stars, the boys were looking to bounce back and faced a familiar opponent in Derby who travelled down to Longlevens. The message before the game was to make sure that we started on the front foot and didn’t let Derby dominate from the start.
Longlevens took this message on board and started off brightly, after a few phases the ball was spread wide for Connor Scantlebury to go over for his first of the day however conversion missed. Not too long after kick off, Longlevens managed to trap Derby back down in their own 22, and after some good pressure, Paul Watson intercepted a pass and went under the posts to score, conversion was scored. Score was now 12-0. After the bright start from Longlevens, Derby managed to build back into the game with some strong running by their 12 and Mikey Hawkes, causing problems in the Longlevens defence. After a break down the wing by Derby, the 9 ran the inside to receive a pass to go over and score however the conversion was missed. Derby nearly scored again just before half time however the ball was helped up by Toby Hall to keep Derby out. Score at half time was 12-5.
After half time, Derby took control of the game as Longlevens penalty count started to increase letting Derby back into the match. Derby scored 2 identical tries with the number 8 for Derby, pick and going from the base of the ruck to go over and score. However the conversion was missed again. Derby nearly scored again soon after however Connor managed to get under the ball to hold the ball up. However from the following restart Derby managed to spread the ball wide for the 9 to go over and score but again the conversion was missed. Score was now 20-12 to Derby. Longlevens managed to get another try with the ball going wide for Connor to get his second of the game, with the conversion being successful by Paul Thomas. Derby managed to get a drop goal to make the score a 4 point game. With the last play of the game, Connor managed to round the covering defence to go over and score the winning try and complete his hat-trick. Final score was 24-23.
The resolve shown by the lads to never give up despite going behind was testament to the effort they have been putting in training. Next game is a derby against local rival Worcester away on Saturday.
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