Biggleswade Men's 1st XV welcomed Melton Mowbray to Langford Road in Saturday's league match.
The Biggy boys were keen to keep a positive momentum, following last week's win. They chose to play with the wind in the first half, and as they received the kick-off they showed their intentions by returning the kick for a line-out deep in the visitor's half.
Melton tried hard to run the ball back but the home side’s defensive game was strong, with good connections between backs and forwards closing down potential gaps quickly. Biggy were first to the breakdown, making a number of turnovers only for the penalty to go against them for the tackler not releasing or being judged to be not supporting their own weight.
Refusing to be disheartened, they continued to put Melton under pressure, eventually winning a penalty within kicking range of Kieran Brasier’s boot, putting them 3-0 up.
Excellent game control and decision-making under pressure put Biggleswade a step ahead for the remainder of the half. They kicked for territory when needed and kept the ball in hand till space was available for the back line to play expansive rugby.
A superb kick deep into the visitors’ 22, followed by a well-executed lineout, led to Dom Knott picking from the base of the breakdown to score just right of the posts. Again Brasier converted putting Biggy 10-0 ahead at the break.
Melton came out fighting in the second half but Biggleswade absorbed the waves of attack.
They were camped just 5 metres out from the Melton try line when a loose pass was intercepted and the Melton winger sprinted the full length of the pitch to score in the near corner for a frustrating breakaway try.
The intensity of the game was starting to show for both teams with a number of injuries and breaks in play.
Repeated Biggleswade infringements led to a second try, putting the score level and increasing the tension on the field.
With fatigue setting in, decision-making faltered and Biggy were rushing and pushing the extra pass rather than controlling the game at their pace. That said, the determination of the home team paid off as Ollie Vagg crashed over, providing a well-needed pressure release, again converted by Brasier. The score was 17-10 with ten minutes to play.
Right at the death, Melton found another gear and pushed Biggleswade back to their try line. Defence was strong and every player put their body on the line, but the onslaught eventually led to a half gap, which is all the visitors needed to score their third try of the game. The pressure kick from 15 metre line was successful, bringing the final score to 17-17.
Biggy went away frustrated, as they felt they should have closed out the game earlier, but they also came away with a list of positives that can be applied when they play Northampton BBOBs away on Saturday 15 October.
Photos by David Kay
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