A small Shipston squad eventually ran out of steam

It was a game of three 20 minute halves played on Buckingham's first team pitch. Their U14's provided a good opposition and it was a great game to watch. We fielded a small squad of 16, the boys appreciated the extra breaks in play that the three halves provided.

We supporters are resigned to the slow start Shipston seem to make and understand how the boys have to recall how they play together with their Shipston teammates when they play with different teams at other times in the week, however today many of the boys seemed half asleep. Tackling was poor and some players were not very engaged. Buckingham tackled low and hard, while we were often grasping at shirts and being handed off. Playing for each other was in evidence in the forwards however who really operated as a unit. The scrum was solid and despite some sizeable opposition Buckingham couldn't beat it.

The power of the forward drive was excellent, however they couldn't convert it into a try. Buckingham stole the ball in their own 22 and ran in a try that they converted. 7-0.

Buckingham took up play and showed us the shape of their game. They regularly kicked behind our players and Alistair, Sam and Zack had plenty of work to do in defence. Sam in particular carried forward well. There was also a lovely play from George V, who kicked ahead from the halfway line, chased and was only brought down a few metres from the try line. A great effort.

Buckingham kept their shape on the field and were rewarded with another try just before the end of the half. 12-0

The second half started and Shipston were soon on the front foot, they'd woken up and started being very effective. They camped out on the Buckingham try line, who were only saved by their clearance kicking. Great work rate, aggression in the breakdown and good tackling. Joe really disrupted their three man line out with some flying tackles as soon as the ball was received.

Despite good possession and play no tries were forthcoming and Buckingham ran through well into space to score their third try. 17-0

It was Ilyas who changed the dynamics of the game. Again Shipston were camped in Buckinghams half, but this time he picked up from the back of the indomitable scrum and flew through their defence to score Shipston's first points of the day. 17-5.

The tactic that Buckingham couldn't find a way to defend against was our constant pick and drive, aggressive play at the ruck, real speed in recycling the ball and genuine pace making ground. Great forward play which was then spun wide and Henry picked his moment to cut through their defence to score a really classy try for the team. 17-10

Again Shipston were moving forward from the kick off and then Henry's second moment of brilliance of the morning. He saw a space and kicked through, showing great vision. Sam collected very neatly and sidestepped two defence players to score a well deserved try. George H then converted off quite an angle. 17-17.

A massive come back!

The third half started and play went back and forth. George V suddenly saw his moment and ran from virtually our 22 finally making it over the try line, exhausted!! George Hendy again stepped up with a super conversion. 17-24. Shipston were finally ahead. Buckingham pressed the try line and Henry went down injured. He eventually got to his feet and rejoined his team mates to applause and cheering. Great team spirit!

Shipston started to look tired, and Buckingham ran two more tries in quick succession and a conversion to end the game 29-24.