North Dorset 05 – 10 Newbury Blues

Blues just pip North Dorset

Saturday 30th Nov 2-30 pm KO
Regional 2 South Central, London and South East

Blues just edge a tight game all the points coming in the second half
Congratulations to Patch Anderson on his Blues debut

Blues make 9 changes from the last game due to injury and unavailability, they welcomed back from injury Dan Thorne, Duncan Craigen, Harry Isaac, George Robinson-Slater, Jamal Watson, also welcome back Callum Varrell, Harry Edwards and Josh Bartlett

Blues travelled to North Dorset for their first ever league meeting knowing that a win was vital to end their losing streak, a low scoring game ended with Blues getting a narrow victory and ending North Dorset’s 18-month unbeaten run at home

Blues kick off the first half and put North Dorset under pressure for the first few minutes, North Dorset have the better of the first half spending long periods camped in Blues 22 but are unable to make the break through due to resolute Blues defence and mistakes, Blues have their best chance on half time but the ball is knocked on bringing the half time whistle and a scoreless first half. A first half that was littered with mistakes from both sides, Blues defence didn’t buckle under North Dorset pressure and managed to hold them out a great achievement which kept them scoreless

North Dorset kick off the second half and within 5 mins they have scored wide out on their RHS, their 9 makes a break from half way and good support means their forwards manage to drive over to score, the long conversion is just wide, 5-0 45 mins
North Dorset restart and both sides have attacking periods but mistakes or good defence thwarts any scoring opportunities untill Blues get a penalty on North Dorset’s 22 and Dan Thorne slots the longish kick through the uprights 5-3 60 mins
Blues now have the better of the play and 5 mins later a neat chip kick over the North Dorset defensive line by Dan Thorne just in his own half is gathered expertly by Tom Cole in one hand, he makes good yards drawing the defender and passing to Michael Klichowicz who out runs the chasing defenders to make the 20m to score close to the posts, Dan Thorne converts 5-10 65 mins
Both sides have chances in the last 15 mins but resolute defence and mistakes means neither side can add to their score, the final few minutes are nail biting for Blues as North Dorset try their hardest to get the winning score and spend it camped in Blues territory, again Blues defence is immense and a North Dorset mistake brings the final whistle and a narrow victory for Blues.

The 4-point league win is invaluable for Blues and they just deserved it on their 1st half defensive display and shading the second half with a much better attacking display

Thanks to North Dorset for hosting us and look forward to the return at Monks Lane, all the best for the remainder of your season

MOM Josh Bartlett, an all-round display of evasive running and great tackling

Newbury Blues Squad
Graham Stewart, Callum Varrell, George Robinson-Slater, Ashley Doel, Duncan Craigen, Ben Davies, Will Osborne, Harry Edwards, Patch Anderson, Dan Thorne , Jamie Futcher, Tom Cole, Josh Bartlett, Harry Isaac, Michael Klichowicz, Jamal Watson, Michael Duppa-Miller, Charlie Hart

Blues next Fixture is Sat 7th Dec Home v Petersfield RFC 3pm KO

Big thanks to the faithful travelling Blues supporters your support is invaluable

Big thanks to our match day photographers Ian Jack whose photos are on the Pitchero website and Peter Branch whose photos can be found on Facebook Newbury RFC Seniors Supporters Photography Page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063526195463

Big thanks to Kennet Radio for their support, https://kennetradio.com/category/sport/

Big thanks to the NWN for all their support and match reports

Big thanks to all our Player Sponsors and our Club Sponsors, your support is much appreciated

Please note NRFC will be running a coach to Wimborne on Sat 14th Dec spectators welcome to join the players on the coach cost £10 Leave NRFC 10-30am, Contact Kevin to book, kev.rhoads@gmail.com