After the disappointment of the second team losing to a strong Matson RFC 2nd team on Wednesday night, Thursday it was Longlevens Rugby 3rd team turn to face Matson RFC 3rds at Redwell Road. The Longlevens team had a nice blend of youth and experience and before the start the talk was about how we had to start well and not allow Matson gain momentum to build and to Longlevens credit we started very brightly.
The first line out was driven 15 meters before a penalty was given and Dave York made good yards, another well set up drive was illegally defended before veteran of the team centre Dan Wilton scored his first try from short range Longlevens 5-0.
This gave Longlevens belief and they started to play some lovely rugby with the forwards working hard and backs making good ground which after pick and go resulted in Dan Wilton’s second try which was converted by Dave York.
Matson were next on the score sheet after some good interplay resulted in their winger scoring a good try in the corner 12-5.
With the first half coming to a close Longlevens again kept the ball well and forced Matson to give away several penalties with the last play of half Captain Jake Kitson elected for post which Dave York converted leaving half time score 15-5.
Half time was about keeping Matson on the back foot and not allowing them any momentum Longlevens were now playing up the slope but from the kick off more Matson penalties allowed Longlevens to set up a five meter line out with a drive well set up a try was the outcome for Freddy McGhee 20-5.
Longlevens were now playing with confidence with veteran scrum half Gaz Hending now making breaks and Henry Garner offloading out the back door with the try being finished in the corner by winger Harry Huntley. 25-5
Longlevens switched off at this point and Matson had 10 minutes of pressure on the Longlevens line eventually resulted in a red card for the unlucky Dan Wilton, with 14 men the resilience was finally broken when a powerful run by Matson centre resulted in a try 25-12.
Longlevens now needed to see out the last 15 minutes and they controlled the game well a penalty converted by Callum Broady made the scores 28-12 and the game was all but done.
The last 5 minutes was a quiet affair with mistakes from both sides with the last kick of the game the excellent Broady stepped up to finish the game, with 3 points.
The thirds will be joining the firsts at Kingsholm on the 7th May, two teams at kingsholm is a credit to all involved. It is sure to be a great day and night back at Longford Lane club house.
Longlevens Rugby will face Matson RFC
Longlevens Rugby 3rds will face Gordon League RFC 3rds
All set up for a super Bank Holiday Sunday #UTFG.
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