Biggleswade 2nd XV 10 - 38 Old Albanians
After a narrow victory against Hatfield two weeks before, Biggleswade 2nds were keen to put in an improved performance away to Old Albanian’s 4ths.
Biggy started strongly. With energy in defence they put the OAs under pressure every time the ball came out from the ruck. In attack Jack Diemer and Dave Grubb were behemoths with ball in hand, with several defenders needed to stop each carry.
Luke Haverly took the first opportunity for points, showing composure to kicking a penalty to put Biggleswade 3 nil up.
With both George Chapman and Haverly in the back line there was opportunity to move the ball to space. A much-improved forwards performance saw them position themselves early, setting up threats in the wider channels and on the counter attack.
From one such counter, Alex Marshall - in only his second senior game - showed pace and skills to break from his own 22 before passing to Chapman who scored. Haverly added the extras to put his side 10 points ahead.
Old Albanians continued to grow into the game and cause problems for the Biggleswade defence, levelling the score at 10-10.
With a few extra bench players and Biggy picking up knocks, OAs started to build a lead, but Biggleswade continued to throw themselves into everything, moving the ball early and giving Johnny Richardson chances to make yards.
However, as the game reached the final quarter, injuries and fatigue from the high intensity game showed. This allowed OAs to score several tries which didn’t reflect the nature of most of the match .
Biggleswade 2nd XV next play at home on March 26 where they hope to get back to winning ways.
