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Stockwood Park 21 Biggleswade 26
Biggleswade secured another four points to move top of the league table but it was a close-run thing. Comfortably ahead at 23-7 Biggleswade let it slip and only tenacious defence prevented a reversal of fortunes.
There were three notable absences from the squad. The pack was missing Kyle Loan and James Emerson whose absence was evident in the lineout. Coach Jimmy Hart was also away at a family wedding he could not miss. Matt Shivring stepped back in for one match only.
Biggleswade were threatening early on but it was the hosts who scored first. Biggleswade had opportunities to get over the line but faltered when a try looked certain.
The Biggleswade pack were the stronger with Dom Nott catching the eye of some knowledgeable Park pundits. “Is he one of your new signings?” Apart from his brief sojourn with Enfield Dom has been a Biggleswade man since being a little mini.
Instead Biggleswade turned to the boot of Charlie Franklin who cut the deficit with two successful penalties. But a try still looked likely. A kick chase was finished off by full-back Jack Sharp.
The first half ended with Biggleswade justifiably ahead 13-7.
When scrum-half Joe Rowntree popped over for a try at the start of the second period which was converted by Charlie Franklin things looked good.
Again, under pressure Stockwood kicked their way back up field adding a converted try to cut the deficit. Urged on by the large partisan crowd Stockwood sensed an upset.
Having missed a penalty attempt from almost the half-way line Charlie Stevens stretched the lead with a closer shot.
With just twelve minutes on the clock an over enthusiastic Jack Sharp was binned for a “professional foul” with a penalty try awarded for good measures.
With just five points the difference between the two sides Stockwood threw everything including the kitchen sink at the Biggleswade defence. But it stood firm with some tremendous defence.
Centre Tom Richardson was nominated for the “champagne moment” for a last gasp try saving tackle when a score looked inevitable.
Biggleswade Club Chairman Teri Tay who with other senior members attended the pre-match lunch thanked their hosts. “We were very well entertained by the Stockwood Park leadership with an excellent meal and company,” she said, “we are sorry that we upset the party by winning the game!”
Next up is a home match against Spalding who so far have drawn two and lost one match.
