Buckinghamshire vs Devon
October 31st ( World Cup Final Day )
A bright sunny morning greeted Buckinghamshire as they ran out for the second of the South West Selection games. He playing fields of Bristol Grammar School make a stunning venue for these prestigious matches.
A slow start saw Bucks concede a quick well worked try driven over by a professionally marshaled Devon pack on the left had side of the pitch. The Bucks spectators feared that the flood gates might open – Devon looking bigger, disciplined, well coached and playing to a tight pattern …we were on our way to a hiding.
Up stood “The Boys from Bucks” – not to be driven backwards intelligent kicking – fast hands and good running lines saw much of the next 30 mins played in the Devon half. Although Bucks couldn’t cross the try line – they controlled ball and territory and played all the Rugby.
Pressing for a try in the second half saw a flat Bucks back line beaten by a missed pass to the right wing who had 50 meters to run in a great try – beating the cover defense.
The next 25 mins saw Bucks put pressure on the Devon try line – robust defense defeated us and a break out move – a chip kick and a fortunate bounce saw both our winger and full back wrong footed for the third try .
The score line did not reflect the play – we had much of the ball and played with more running zeal against a slightly complacent and ( may be over coached ) Devon side – we were rewarded with supportive comments from the selectors - who considered the result unimportant .
Well done to all who played