Biggleswade RUFC

Biggleswade 5 - 12 Stewarts & Lloyds

Stewarts & Lloyds arrived expecting a tough match and they certainly got it. A try in the last few minutes sealed victory for the visitors but the result was in doubt until the last few minutes.

The match was no pleasing spectacle on a pitch which was surprisingly dry after the heavy rain.

There were many stoppages for injuries and confrontations, with too many decision-doubting conflabs with the match official.

In typical fashion, Biggleswade started strongly. A lineout near the corner led to a catch and drive. S & L stopped the move but the ball popped out to winger Rich Sinclair, who went over in the corner.

Dom Nott was forced off with a knee injury at the start of the second half and was replaced by Aaron Pickering, who stepped up to the mark, putting himself about in critical situations.

With their big pack, Biggleswade more than held their own in the tight and loose. They also smashed the Stewarts’ put-in at the lineout, winning one ball after another. Jake Devereux and James Emerson were immense.

The home side took the lead when a penalty kick from hand failed to find touch. The ball was run back at pace and for once Biggy’s defence was found wanting.

With the try converted, the visitors were just ahead. The game was played with passion by both sides with the bi-partisan crowd giving strong vocal support to one incident after another.

After Nott’s departure Biggleswade also lost skipper Gav Taylor. Without both talismen, there was no drop in the fervour.

Jack Sharp, restored to scrum half, was quick to recycle the ball. But with S & L on the limit of off-side, the Biggy three-quarters had no chance to get going.

With just three minutes left on the clock, that S & L scored their second try to stretch their lead. There was time for the Biggy boys to mount only one more attack, and no fairy tale ending this week.

The win puts the visitors into the second promotion place spot, explaining their jubilation at the result. Biggleswade are in seventh place with their last league game against Northampton Men’s Own next week. Then on 25 Mar Biggy play Bedford Swifts in the semi-final in the Beds Cup, with a pre-match lunch - places must be booked.*

Team: Jimmy Caulfield, Dom Nott, Kyle Loan, Jake Devereux, James Emerson, Jamie Alford, James West, Del Tribbeck, Jack Sharp, Ben Cowling, Kareem Davis, Ollie Vagg, Gavin Taylor (c), Rich Sinclair, Tom Richardson, Jakub Grabowski. Aaron Pickering, Luke Dillinger.

MATCH REPORT: Nigel Aldis
PHOTOS: David Kay

* Book your pre-match lunch place for 25 Mar by paying in advance at the bar or on online  (details below). Please put Club Lunch and your surname as a reference.

Biggleswade RUFC

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