Saturday 8 October 2011
Dorset & Wilts Division 3 North
First defeat for Dreamers
Combe Down 2nd XV 10pts – Minety 2nd XV 3pts
Combe Down’s strength up front and pace out wide proved too much for Minety seconds in this top-of-the-table clash.
Minety have been strong in the set pieces this season, but on Saturday it was Combe Down who won the majority of lineouts and scrums, ensuring plenty of ball for their fleet-footed backs. The visitors still proved dominant in the loose, though, rucking well and stealing their opponents’ ball on several occasions.
The home side’s first try came from a lineout at which they snatched Minety’s throw. Setting up a rolling maul, the Combe Down pack trundled over for the score.
Having been initially held up over the Minety line, the two packs squared up for a five metre scrum. The home forwards’ superior weight and strength told and they drove over for a second try.
The visitors did their best to get back into the game in the second half and dominated for periods, but a penalty goal from Andy Edwards was their only reward. Minety threatened to score in the dying minutes of the game, but a try-saving tackle by the Combe Down fullback kept them out.
Minety’s Man of the Match was Keiran Evertt, making his senior debut on loan from the Academy and playing a fine game at number 15. He caught everything and set up some strong attacking runs.
This Saturday, Minety seconds play a cup game away against the Swindon College Old Boys second team.