Minety 1st XV v Chippenham 2nd XV

Saturday 13 November 2010

Dorset & Wilts Division 1 North

Minety stuck in neutral

Minety 1st XV 0 pts – Chippenham 2nd XV 14 pts

A decent performance from Chippenham seconds saw them follow a simple but effective game plan to beat Minety by two converted tries to none. Their opponents worked hard but failed to turn their considerable efforts into points.

A week of rain produced a muddy surface at Minety which the visitors exploited well. Their halfbacks kicked intelligently, especially in the first half, gaining territory and posing continual problems for those trying to field a slippery ball.

Chippenham’s first try came after 25 minutes. Keeping the ball alive through several phases, they pressed home their attack down the left flank until finally a gap appeared in the home defence. Seizing the opportunity, they ran the ball in from 10 metres and then kicked a solid conversion to gain a seven point lead.

A kick ahead 10 minutes later once again put Minety under pressure. The defence seemed to have the ball under control, but it spilled loose, giving a Chippenham player running up in support the opportunity to pick it up and dive over for a try from short range. An easy goal kick made it 0-14 in the visitors’ favour.

The rest of the game was a muddy stalemate. The Minety pack scrummaged and mauled powerfully but with little guidance or control, gaining ground but frequently losing turn-over ball. Minety’s decision making was poor all round, as was the execution of critical phases of play. There was no shortage of hard work from the home team, and they tackled well, but they lacked guidance and control and could not capitalise on their advantages.

There were a few positives for Minety. Drafted in from the seconds, Olivier Brassatt had an excellent game at flanker. And when scrumhalf Richard Fisher injured his ankle and had to retire from the game in the second half, Simon Newman was requisitioned from the middle of the second team match and gave a good account of himself, playing out the rest of the afternoon on the wing for the firsts.

This Saturday, Minety play away against Calne.