if music be the food of love play on
if at first you don't succeed, try again
if I ruled the world, every day would be the first day of spring
and if the Bicester Under 13's had played all their matches with the aggression, energy, passion, strength and technique of their game against Wallingford on sunday, they might be county cup or plate winners right now!
well done boys, let's keep the momentum up for the rest of the season
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Monday 9 March 2009
Oxford Harlequins U13 v Bicester U13 – a view from the touchline
Fresh from glorious victory against Banbury last week, the boys were back on the pitch in the Plate semis against Quins.
As with last week, we were under pressure from the kick off and some well recycled ball shortly saw Quins take the lead with a score in the corner. The conversion was missed and Bicester restarted with gusto moving play into Quins' half.
This phase of the game saw good pressure from Bicester and they worked the ball down the line a number of times only for the centres and wings to be denied progress by the very fast Quins backs. Our handling wasn't perfect and we conceded a number of good attacking positions which released the pressure on the opposition somewhat.
Tom looked certain to score down the left wing but was felled by a trailing foot, which resulted in a penalty but we were unable to convert it into a score.
It took almost until half time for the pressure to count and Luke finally received the ball in space and used his afterburners to accelerate past the defence and score under the posts. Max hit the crossbar with the conversion attempt so we ended the half all square at 5-5.
The second half saw more of the same, with Bicester exerting pressure but not quite breaking through and Quins kicking deep and accurately for their backs to chase, until with 10 minutes remaining they broke the deadlock with a good drive to score near the post and kick the first conversion of the day. 12-5
Bicester immediately were on the front foot and the desire to win saw Ryan scoring under the posts, which was converted by Max - 12-12.
With less than 5 minutes remaining, the reliable Josh caught a high ball and kicked back with interest. The depth and awkward bounce of the ball, combined with the pace of the chase meant that Quins were under pressure on their own 22 when the referee blew for a knock on against Josh. This decision gave Quins a great field position which they converted – despite fierce defence – as they drove to score in the corner.
the kick was missed and the remaining couple of minutes saw Bicester camped at the other end of the field but unable to score. FINAL WHISTLE GAME OVER 17-12
Conclusions: Quins' game plan – kick and chase down - wasn't pretty but they were able to impose it upon us. Their backs were very quick in defence and their handling was sound when it mattered. Our pack had the edge in the scrums, but the opposition did enough to hold onto their own ball. Bicester were hesitant in the forwards at the breakdown and less than perfect with the handling and lines of running.
Whilst it is true that the final score was decided by a poor refereeing decision in an unfortunate position, even then it only denied us a draw not a win. If we had imposed our game plan like the previous 2 matches, we would have had enough points on the board for it not to matter.
Today's match was a very even contest and Quins should be congratulated for the way they withstood the pressure and used their assets.
For Bicester, the tackling was generally solid, Francois did well to secure loose ball at the base of the rucks, Josh was overworked at full back but was reliable as ever, and Oscar did some impressive tidy up work at the breakdown. I may be biased, but our loosehead sidestepping the Quins fly half was a moment to enjoy.
Advice from the non-coaching touchline? Forwards, don't hesitate! Full speed to the breakdown, make a decision about what to do while you're getting there and stick to it!
Report by Simon "Morrisman" Mansfield
As with last week, we were under pressure from the kick off and some well recycled ball shortly saw Quins take the lead with a score in the corner. The conversion was missed and Bicester restarted with gusto moving play into Quins' half.
This phase of the game saw good pressure from Bicester and they worked the ball down the line a number of times only for the centres and wings to be denied progress by the very fast Quins backs. Our handling wasn't perfect and we conceded a number of good attacking positions which released the pressure on the opposition somewhat.
Tom looked certain to score down the left wing but was felled by a trailing foot, which resulted in a penalty but we were unable to convert it into a score.
It took almost until half time for the pressure to count and Luke finally received the ball in space and used his afterburners to accelerate past the defence and score under the posts. Max hit the crossbar with the conversion attempt so we ended the half all square at 5-5.
The second half saw more of the same, with Bicester exerting pressure but not quite breaking through and Quins kicking deep and accurately for their backs to chase, until with 10 minutes remaining they broke the deadlock with a good drive to score near the post and kick the first conversion of the day. 12-5
Bicester immediately were on the front foot and the desire to win saw Ryan scoring under the posts, which was converted by Max - 12-12.
With less than 5 minutes remaining, the reliable Josh caught a high ball and kicked back with interest. The depth and awkward bounce of the ball, combined with the pace of the chase meant that Quins were under pressure on their own 22 when the referee blew for a knock on against Josh. This decision gave Quins a great field position which they converted – despite fierce defence – as they drove to score in the corner.
the kick was missed and the remaining couple of minutes saw Bicester camped at the other end of the field but unable to score. FINAL WHISTLE GAME OVER 17-12
Conclusions: Quins' game plan – kick and chase down - wasn't pretty but they were able to impose it upon us. Their backs were very quick in defence and their handling was sound when it mattered. Our pack had the edge in the scrums, but the opposition did enough to hold onto their own ball. Bicester were hesitant in the forwards at the breakdown and less than perfect with the handling and lines of running.
Whilst it is true that the final score was decided by a poor refereeing decision in an unfortunate position, even then it only denied us a draw not a win. If we had imposed our game plan like the previous 2 matches, we would have had enough points on the board for it not to matter.
Today's match was a very even contest and Quins should be congratulated for the way they withstood the pressure and used their assets.
For Bicester, the tackling was generally solid, Francois did well to secure loose ball at the base of the rucks, Josh was overworked at full back but was reliable as ever, and Oscar did some impressive tidy up work at the breakdown. I may be biased, but our loosehead sidestepping the Quins fly half was a moment to enjoy.
Advice from the non-coaching touchline? Forwards, don't hesitate! Full speed to the breakdown, make a decision about what to do while you're getting there and stick to it!
Report by Simon "Morrisman" Mansfield
Thursday 5 March 2009
Banbury Vs. Bicester - Captain's Version
As everyone started to arrive we all noticed a very nervous atmosphere in the changing rooms. After all, this was the biggest match we had played all season, county cup aside, Banbury are our number one rivals in the county, and with Harrison winding all the Coopers players up it was shaping up to be one of the toughest matches of the season. With Max away but Tim back from holiday the squad as almost the same as when we smashed Chinnor last week.
After Mark’s usual rousing speech we all herded out onto the training field to get warmed up. The weather was starting to clear as we made our way towards the pitch ready to receive the kick off.
Jack Cowley took the high ball and was immediately smashed by Harrison, Banbury stole the ball and after a few hard fought minutes they scored to make the score 5-0.
If it had been another day this would have disheartened the players and the game would have been lost. However as we approached the half way line it was clear that we were going to fight this one out and after a few minutes of flawless rush defence and brilliant tackling by the flankers Tim and Ryan Bicester scored giving us the slight lead of 7-5.
This try was quickly followed by another from Tom, who had just arrived from an army training exercise (looking hideous as normal). This score remained until half time and we went in for the drinks with a smile on our faces.
In the first play we showed our complete dominance, scoring from the kick with apparent ease, the Banbury players were looking ever more doubtful.
As the match developed we showed our superiority in both the forwards and the backs. Little Jack stormed past their defence and Giles made a brilliant break to make the score a very one-sided 29-5. As the match was wrapping up fatigue started to set in and, despite brilliant tackles from all the backs, we were unlucky enough to concede a second try just before the whistle went. Leaving Harrison awe-struck and Bicester going into the clubhouse ecstatic at the score.
On the whole it was an amazing performance from everyone involved, including the subs, who played brilliantly when they came on in the second half. We took everything we learnt on the training field into the game and I’m really looking forward to next week’s game. Well played to everyone.
By Charlie Pullin
After Mark’s usual rousing speech we all herded out onto the training field to get warmed up. The weather was starting to clear as we made our way towards the pitch ready to receive the kick off.
Jack Cowley took the high ball and was immediately smashed by Harrison, Banbury stole the ball and after a few hard fought minutes they scored to make the score 5-0.
If it had been another day this would have disheartened the players and the game would have been lost. However as we approached the half way line it was clear that we were going to fight this one out and after a few minutes of flawless rush defence and brilliant tackling by the flankers Tim and Ryan Bicester scored giving us the slight lead of 7-5.
This try was quickly followed by another from Tom, who had just arrived from an army training exercise (looking hideous as normal). This score remained until half time and we went in for the drinks with a smile on our faces.
In the first play we showed our complete dominance, scoring from the kick with apparent ease, the Banbury players were looking ever more doubtful.
As the match developed we showed our superiority in both the forwards and the backs. Little Jack stormed past their defence and Giles made a brilliant break to make the score a very one-sided 29-5. As the match was wrapping up fatigue started to set in and, despite brilliant tackles from all the backs, we were unlucky enough to concede a second try just before the whistle went. Leaving Harrison awe-struck and Bicester going into the clubhouse ecstatic at the score.
On the whole it was an amazing performance from everyone involved, including the subs, who played brilliantly when they came on in the second half. We took everything we learnt on the training field into the game and I’m really looking forward to next week’s game. Well played to everyone.
By Charlie Pullin
Wednesday 4 March 2009
Banbury U13's v Bicester U13's
How can I do this report without taking a day and a half?
Very difficult decision, as I really, really want to do a ball by ball, pass by pass, tackle by tackle and a TRY by TRY account of the match, but instead I can only say that ;
You played a blinder, stood up man for man, took their best shoots, went down a try early after massive pressure, then showed the spirit that makes all of us, be it coaches, parents, family and friends very proud.
I normally as you know go through the match picking positives of individuals and trying to insert the points where we could do better in a general view, well this time so many positives individually and collectively I will simply say;
You were great well done, bring on the next game!
Oh yes for the record
Banbury 10 Bicester 29
Mark
Very difficult decision, as I really, really want to do a ball by ball, pass by pass, tackle by tackle and a TRY by TRY account of the match, but instead I can only say that ;
You played a blinder, stood up man for man, took their best shoots, went down a try early after massive pressure, then showed the spirit that makes all of us, be it coaches, parents, family and friends very proud.
I normally as you know go through the match picking positives of individuals and trying to insert the points where we could do better in a general view, well this time so many positives individually and collectively I will simply say;
You were great well done, bring on the next game!
Oh yes for the record
Banbury 10 Bicester 29
Mark
Chinnor U 13's v Bicester U13's
After a number of postponements due to inclement weather, the boys finally had a game, away to a Chinnor side that had won all of their last five matches with a strong ever improving squad the game would be a good test on Bicester’s ability to hit the ground running after the long delays between games and the loss of the regular Sunday training.
Would the Tuesday training evenings One hour sessions be enough to maintain the boy’s fitness (or 1 ½ Hours if the writer does it!)?
With a full squad to pick from with the exception of the holidaying Tim and Will there were 17 to pick from.
Confidence was high with a strong line up to start the match with the ever improving Jack Taylor, Jack Cowley and
David (“Dave” the power) Champney ready when required on the bench!
Returning after injury was Oscar at Prop and from illness was Ryan,
The Starting Team was as follows:
Forwards:
1, Chris, 2, Ed T, 3 Oscar
4, Liam 5, Sam
6, Max 7, Ryan
8, Giles
Backs:
9, François,
10, Ed Hines,
12, Charlie,
13, Tom,
11, Jack Davies 14, Luke
15, Josh
Replacements:
Jack Taylor, Jack Cowley & David Champney
Prior to the game in the changing room the boys were informed of what was expected of them, good rucking, better clearing out at the rucks, good defensive lines, lots of positive talking on the pitch, intelligent play i.e. using the ball, giving their all, not saving themselves as all players would be used and finally trusting the coaches regarding the proposed positional changes that were planed during the game in order to try and change the dynamics of the game at set periods.
The positional change plan was to switch Charlie from Inside Centre to No 8 and Giles from No 8 to Inside Centre,
The intention was to surprise the opposition with Charlie picking up from the base of the scrum, with his powerful running and power, then with the Chinnor forwards hopefully caught off guard and broken up, the ball would be moved across the back line to Giles to show his own individual powerful running lines and strength.
This change was to be supplemented if required by swopping Max at Flanker with Tom at outside centre with the intention that Tom inserts his power in to the pack and Max bringing his explosive running angles to back line (we have other options but they were to be saved for another day).
It was agreed that the changes would be tried in the second half to ensure the boys had a good period to play themselves into form and at the same time blow any cobwebs away after the long layoff without a game.
The game started with Bicester starting strong with some good strong running from the backs and good play from the pack, Bicester had the Chinnor team backed into their own 22.
The result was like déjà vu with Chinnor playing the same game as Bicester’s previous opponents Marlow by choosing to elect to constantly kick for touch opposed to trying to run and pass the ball in hand.
Bicester kept up the continuous pressure and were unlucky on a number of occasions with the final pass or a knock on when positioned well to score, guilty at time in making the wrong decision on when to make the final pass or carry the ball.
A little rusty it seemed, but the omens were good and the play getting better as the game progressed.
The pack had the better of the Chinnor forwards who it must be said were no push over, with the Bicester Flankers sniffling out the oppositions Scrum half and No 8, François at 9 (who showing great commitment, had travelled non stop from France the previous day arriving late in the night to ensure he did not miss the match) provided good ball to Ed at Fly who fed Charlie, who on many occasions drew his man well if not going past him, before feeding the ball to Tom, Tom looking strong throughout constantly broke the Chinnor defensive line, only to be stopped close to the opponents try line by some desperate tackling by the home team.
Tom was encouraged to pass to Jack D on the wing, was supporting well and ready to receive the ball after Tom had drawn in Jacks opposing winger in addition to his own opposite number.
Tom was quick to show he was alert and listening, soon providing Jack and Luke on the other wing with good ball, this allowed both wingers to show their form and intentions with some good runs deep into the Chinnor lines, only being prevented from scoring by good tackles.
From these runs Tom was the benefactor as once the Chinnor backs had to mark man for man Tom was able to break through his opposite number to score on no less the three occasions to come away with fine a hat rick of try’s.
When Chinnor did finally attempt to break through the Bicester defence with their big Centres in particular, the boys showed their improvement in the tackling department, with Luke and Charlie leading the way with some excellent tackles.
During the first half Sam was rested with Jack Cowley joining the game at lock, Jack quickly slotted in to the game and instantly aided the Bicester line out with his strong aerial presence.
The Bicester Front row were more then looking after their opposite numbers both in the loose and in the scrum, Liam was again showing his improved fitness and aggression with a lots of contact in the open play Ed T was hooking well with his props Oscar and Chris doing good work in the scrums.
Ryan seemed to be all over the pitch enjoying the freedom of the flanker position constantly chasing down the Chinnor Fly half, with Max doing the same on the opposite side preventing any runs from the Chinnor Scrum half and No 8, Giles was constantly in the fray, always at hand to support the Bicester rucks and picking any loose ball, although un able to quite break free when picking from the base of the scrum.
The first half was played out with Bicester playing all the rugby and almost scoring on no less then five occasions with the only score being Tom’s unconverted try.
The boys were looking good; the second half was to be the real test. Would they tire? Would they lose shape, they were to be playing in to a wind that was getting stronger? Would they be able to adjust their shape to cope with the opponents kicking game that would benefit by the wind in their favour???
The boys that finished the first half started the second, after a few minutes played Sam returned to the game after having rested replacing Chris at prop who had played well and was himself showing signs of requiring a rest, David Champney soon joined the action replacing Liam in the 2nd Row, David had been doing well over recent weeks during the mid week training sessions, it was clear that his fitness was improving as he was running and keeping up with the pack,
François was having different kind of a game then usual as he was being asked switched along the back line playing it seemed in all back line positions with the exception for full back where Josh was having one of his quieter games of the season only having to make a few catches and by result having a only a few ventures into the Chinnor half.
That said Josh’s positional sense and positioning was excellent always on guard ready for any high ball or break away.
The game was going as it did in the first half with Bicester having all the ball in hand passing, rucking and clearing out well, using both wings in their ventures into the opponents half, only to be stopped by some good Chinnor defensive work, on the odd occasions the Chinnor centres did manage to break free of the Bicester shackles Charlie swept across the pitch almost at will to provide the covering tackle that was required.
Bicester were managing to probe for gaps and were passing across the pitch but were only able to add a single try which was again scored in the corner by Tom after good work from Ed H who was doing well at his return to scrum half, the conversion was taken by Tom himself but the distance being to great it fell short.
Chinnor 0 Bicester 10
Jack Taylor came on at outside Centre for the injured Ryan with Tom switching to flanker, after a few minutes of good rugby Bicester seemed to lose concentration for the very first in the match resulting in a lose of shape, and by result their previously impressive defensive line, Chinnor were quick to pounce, breaking quickly, with an angled run from one side of the pitch to the other from 50m’s out, due to loss of shape and discipline the chasing Luke, Charlie and Josh were not quite able to prevent the try that was put down in the corner.
The conversion was also missed.
Chinnor 5 Bicester 10.
Sensing the possibility of the lose of shape and conceding a try, the Bicester Coaches decided to re adjust the shape of the team with the unfortunate Jack Taylor being with drawn and being replaced by the recovered Ryan, Tom reverted to his centre position to allow Ryan to return to flanker, soon after this the intended “Impact Play” positional change previously mentioned was played, Charlie swopped with Giles.
The next ten minutes were simply great to watch unless you happened to be from Chinnor!
Charlie at No 8 quickly got his chance to pickup from a strong scrum which had seen Chris return to prop with Sam returning to lock in place of Jack C, the ball was picked up with Charlie exploding from the base with ball in hand, he broke clean through the Chinnor No 8 like knife through butter, the planned impact was made, Chinnor had to desperately defend and attempt to catch and tackle Charlie to prevent him going through to score, the ball was set well for the closes Bicester players to pick and go again with the ball then being distributed to Giles by Ed H, Giles then played his “impact play” by exploding through no fewer then four desperate Chinnor tackles with his strong jinking driving run to score a deserved try under the posts.
Max Slotted over the conversion.
Chinnor 5 Bicester 17
Bicester did not sit back on this score, they upped their work rate they grew in confidence with ball in hand and simply played great expansive rugby, next came what the coaches had wanted to see from David C, picking up a loose ball David took on his new found “Dave” power attitude, he ran straight at the heart of the Chinnor pack and smashed into them forming in the process a perfect ruck presenting the ball for Sam who seeing the previous perfect example of how to ruck did his own again resulting in a perfect presentation of the ball, Ed T quickly swept up the ball for the ball to be carried and then swept through the back to the wing to Jack D, who was having an excellent game, not quite managing to get free Jack returned the ball inside to ensure possession was kept the ball was again worked across the line through a number of players for Charlie to obtain his much deserved try.
The conversion although very close from an acute angle was narrowly missed by Ryan.
Chinnor 5 Bicester 23.
At this point a telephone conversation was overheard with the Chinnor coach being asked how his team were getting on? Answer “His boys were getting a lesson in how to play rugby and the score did not reflect Bicester dominance!”
Well one more charge was to come, Bicester were now showing such confidence with the ball, with Jack Taylor back on the pitch, now on the wing with Luke stepping inside to centre, further good play was again provided with the final try of the day coming from some great play from it seemed all 15 Bicester players on the pitch having a phase of play, Oscar was who had, had a great game on his return was again used to carry the ball, before the ball was with Giles, again showing power and pace who switched the ball to Chris who showed his good hands with a great running pass to Max who switched direction in attempt to break a scrambled Chinnor defence only to be just stopped in time to prevent a score, Bicester were now playing as if training and not wanting the game to be stopped so keeping the ball alive, with some champagne rugby, Max turned and lobbed the ball over the defender/tacklers head to Ryan who passed to Tom who powered through the gap in the corner, then with his previous two tries in mind Tom quickly turned to run the ball under the posts for a well deserved third try.
This Assisted with Ryan’s Conversion OVER it went!
Chinnor 5 BICESTER 29.
The game was soon to end however just before it did, Jack Taylor whilst attempting to pick up a loose ball in amongst the forwards was smashed by a hard tackle from above, Jack although shaken and with a nasty bang to the base of his spine plus a bloody nose caused by his own knee, was soon up on his feet, showing all that not only could Bicester play rugby they could also take big hits.
A BIG WELL DONE TO ALL.
It was a great performance by the boys and good to see all the supporting parents and siblings there after long break without a game.
Bring on the Banbury next week I say we will require more of the same and then a bit more.
No apologies for report being so long, you all deserved a mention plus I have not had to do one for a while.
Mark
Would the Tuesday training evenings One hour sessions be enough to maintain the boy’s fitness (or 1 ½ Hours if the writer does it!)?
With a full squad to pick from with the exception of the holidaying Tim and Will there were 17 to pick from.
Confidence was high with a strong line up to start the match with the ever improving Jack Taylor, Jack Cowley and
David (“Dave” the power) Champney ready when required on the bench!
Returning after injury was Oscar at Prop and from illness was Ryan,
The Starting Team was as follows:
Forwards:
1, Chris, 2, Ed T, 3 Oscar
4, Liam 5, Sam
6, Max 7, Ryan
8, Giles
Backs:
9, François,
10, Ed Hines,
12, Charlie,
13, Tom,
11, Jack Davies 14, Luke
15, Josh
Replacements:
Jack Taylor, Jack Cowley & David Champney
Prior to the game in the changing room the boys were informed of what was expected of them, good rucking, better clearing out at the rucks, good defensive lines, lots of positive talking on the pitch, intelligent play i.e. using the ball, giving their all, not saving themselves as all players would be used and finally trusting the coaches regarding the proposed positional changes that were planed during the game in order to try and change the dynamics of the game at set periods.
The positional change plan was to switch Charlie from Inside Centre to No 8 and Giles from No 8 to Inside Centre,
The intention was to surprise the opposition with Charlie picking up from the base of the scrum, with his powerful running and power, then with the Chinnor forwards hopefully caught off guard and broken up, the ball would be moved across the back line to Giles to show his own individual powerful running lines and strength.
This change was to be supplemented if required by swopping Max at Flanker with Tom at outside centre with the intention that Tom inserts his power in to the pack and Max bringing his explosive running angles to back line (we have other options but they were to be saved for another day).
It was agreed that the changes would be tried in the second half to ensure the boys had a good period to play themselves into form and at the same time blow any cobwebs away after the long layoff without a game.
The game started with Bicester starting strong with some good strong running from the backs and good play from the pack, Bicester had the Chinnor team backed into their own 22.
The result was like déjà vu with Chinnor playing the same game as Bicester’s previous opponents Marlow by choosing to elect to constantly kick for touch opposed to trying to run and pass the ball in hand.
Bicester kept up the continuous pressure and were unlucky on a number of occasions with the final pass or a knock on when positioned well to score, guilty at time in making the wrong decision on when to make the final pass or carry the ball.
A little rusty it seemed, but the omens were good and the play getting better as the game progressed.
The pack had the better of the Chinnor forwards who it must be said were no push over, with the Bicester Flankers sniffling out the oppositions Scrum half and No 8, François at 9 (who showing great commitment, had travelled non stop from France the previous day arriving late in the night to ensure he did not miss the match) provided good ball to Ed at Fly who fed Charlie, who on many occasions drew his man well if not going past him, before feeding the ball to Tom, Tom looking strong throughout constantly broke the Chinnor defensive line, only to be stopped close to the opponents try line by some desperate tackling by the home team.
Tom was encouraged to pass to Jack D on the wing, was supporting well and ready to receive the ball after Tom had drawn in Jacks opposing winger in addition to his own opposite number.
Tom was quick to show he was alert and listening, soon providing Jack and Luke on the other wing with good ball, this allowed both wingers to show their form and intentions with some good runs deep into the Chinnor lines, only being prevented from scoring by good tackles.
From these runs Tom was the benefactor as once the Chinnor backs had to mark man for man Tom was able to break through his opposite number to score on no less the three occasions to come away with fine a hat rick of try’s.
When Chinnor did finally attempt to break through the Bicester defence with their big Centres in particular, the boys showed their improvement in the tackling department, with Luke and Charlie leading the way with some excellent tackles.
During the first half Sam was rested with Jack Cowley joining the game at lock, Jack quickly slotted in to the game and instantly aided the Bicester line out with his strong aerial presence.
The Bicester Front row were more then looking after their opposite numbers both in the loose and in the scrum, Liam was again showing his improved fitness and aggression with a lots of contact in the open play Ed T was hooking well with his props Oscar and Chris doing good work in the scrums.
Ryan seemed to be all over the pitch enjoying the freedom of the flanker position constantly chasing down the Chinnor Fly half, with Max doing the same on the opposite side preventing any runs from the Chinnor Scrum half and No 8, Giles was constantly in the fray, always at hand to support the Bicester rucks and picking any loose ball, although un able to quite break free when picking from the base of the scrum.
The first half was played out with Bicester playing all the rugby and almost scoring on no less then five occasions with the only score being Tom’s unconverted try.
The boys were looking good; the second half was to be the real test. Would they tire? Would they lose shape, they were to be playing in to a wind that was getting stronger? Would they be able to adjust their shape to cope with the opponents kicking game that would benefit by the wind in their favour???
The boys that finished the first half started the second, after a few minutes played Sam returned to the game after having rested replacing Chris at prop who had played well and was himself showing signs of requiring a rest, David Champney soon joined the action replacing Liam in the 2nd Row, David had been doing well over recent weeks during the mid week training sessions, it was clear that his fitness was improving as he was running and keeping up with the pack,
François was having different kind of a game then usual as he was being asked switched along the back line playing it seemed in all back line positions with the exception for full back where Josh was having one of his quieter games of the season only having to make a few catches and by result having a only a few ventures into the Chinnor half.
That said Josh’s positional sense and positioning was excellent always on guard ready for any high ball or break away.
The game was going as it did in the first half with Bicester having all the ball in hand passing, rucking and clearing out well, using both wings in their ventures into the opponents half, only to be stopped by some good Chinnor defensive work, on the odd occasions the Chinnor centres did manage to break free of the Bicester shackles Charlie swept across the pitch almost at will to provide the covering tackle that was required.
Bicester were managing to probe for gaps and were passing across the pitch but were only able to add a single try which was again scored in the corner by Tom after good work from Ed H who was doing well at his return to scrum half, the conversion was taken by Tom himself but the distance being to great it fell short.
Chinnor 0 Bicester 10
Jack Taylor came on at outside Centre for the injured Ryan with Tom switching to flanker, after a few minutes of good rugby Bicester seemed to lose concentration for the very first in the match resulting in a lose of shape, and by result their previously impressive defensive line, Chinnor were quick to pounce, breaking quickly, with an angled run from one side of the pitch to the other from 50m’s out, due to loss of shape and discipline the chasing Luke, Charlie and Josh were not quite able to prevent the try that was put down in the corner.
The conversion was also missed.
Chinnor 5 Bicester 10.
Sensing the possibility of the lose of shape and conceding a try, the Bicester Coaches decided to re adjust the shape of the team with the unfortunate Jack Taylor being with drawn and being replaced by the recovered Ryan, Tom reverted to his centre position to allow Ryan to return to flanker, soon after this the intended “Impact Play” positional change previously mentioned was played, Charlie swopped with Giles.
The next ten minutes were simply great to watch unless you happened to be from Chinnor!
Charlie at No 8 quickly got his chance to pickup from a strong scrum which had seen Chris return to prop with Sam returning to lock in place of Jack C, the ball was picked up with Charlie exploding from the base with ball in hand, he broke clean through the Chinnor No 8 like knife through butter, the planned impact was made, Chinnor had to desperately defend and attempt to catch and tackle Charlie to prevent him going through to score, the ball was set well for the closes Bicester players to pick and go again with the ball then being distributed to Giles by Ed H, Giles then played his “impact play” by exploding through no fewer then four desperate Chinnor tackles with his strong jinking driving run to score a deserved try under the posts.
Max Slotted over the conversion.
Chinnor 5 Bicester 17
Bicester did not sit back on this score, they upped their work rate they grew in confidence with ball in hand and simply played great expansive rugby, next came what the coaches had wanted to see from David C, picking up a loose ball David took on his new found “Dave” power attitude, he ran straight at the heart of the Chinnor pack and smashed into them forming in the process a perfect ruck presenting the ball for Sam who seeing the previous perfect example of how to ruck did his own again resulting in a perfect presentation of the ball, Ed T quickly swept up the ball for the ball to be carried and then swept through the back to the wing to Jack D, who was having an excellent game, not quite managing to get free Jack returned the ball inside to ensure possession was kept the ball was again worked across the line through a number of players for Charlie to obtain his much deserved try.
The conversion although very close from an acute angle was narrowly missed by Ryan.
Chinnor 5 Bicester 23.
At this point a telephone conversation was overheard with the Chinnor coach being asked how his team were getting on? Answer “His boys were getting a lesson in how to play rugby and the score did not reflect Bicester dominance!”
Well one more charge was to come, Bicester were now showing such confidence with the ball, with Jack Taylor back on the pitch, now on the wing with Luke stepping inside to centre, further good play was again provided with the final try of the day coming from some great play from it seemed all 15 Bicester players on the pitch having a phase of play, Oscar was who had, had a great game on his return was again used to carry the ball, before the ball was with Giles, again showing power and pace who switched the ball to Chris who showed his good hands with a great running pass to Max who switched direction in attempt to break a scrambled Chinnor defence only to be just stopped in time to prevent a score, Bicester were now playing as if training and not wanting the game to be stopped so keeping the ball alive, with some champagne rugby, Max turned and lobbed the ball over the defender/tacklers head to Ryan who passed to Tom who powered through the gap in the corner, then with his previous two tries in mind Tom quickly turned to run the ball under the posts for a well deserved third try.
This Assisted with Ryan’s Conversion OVER it went!
Chinnor 5 BICESTER 29.
The game was soon to end however just before it did, Jack Taylor whilst attempting to pick up a loose ball in amongst the forwards was smashed by a hard tackle from above, Jack although shaken and with a nasty bang to the base of his spine plus a bloody nose caused by his own knee, was soon up on his feet, showing all that not only could Bicester play rugby they could also take big hits.
A BIG WELL DONE TO ALL.
It was a great performance by the boys and good to see all the supporting parents and siblings there after long break without a game.
Bring on the Banbury next week I say we will require more of the same and then a bit more.
No apologies for report being so long, you all deserved a mention plus I have not had to do one for a while.
Mark
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