Minety 2nd XV travelled to Royal Wootton Bassett to face a well drilled and powerful Wootton Bassett 3rd team on Saturday in Dorset and Wilts 3 North. Bassett knew that a win would take them to the top of the league whilst Minety were hoping to put their recent loss at Swindon behind them.
Bassett started quickly and moved the ball along the line to put the slow starting Minety on the back foot. Although the visitors defended well the pressure told and within the first 20 minutes Bassett had roared into a 15 point lead with three tries.
Minety re-grouped with the forwards matching the powerful Bassett pack but wave after wave of attacking moves from the home side showed why they are at the top of the division as they raced in more tries to end the half 35-0 up.
The second half showed the fighting qualities that the Minety team are well known for. The forwards upped their game and matched the home team.
Minety put pressure the Bassett defensive line and a kick through saw the forwards and winger Matt Stone pressurise the defence into spilling the ball. Although Minety lost the ensuing ruck, they were able to recapture the ball allowing Mark Glew to cross for a try, which was converted, to bring the score back to 35-7.
Sensing a chance of more points Minety increased the pressure on the home line, forcing a scrum near to the Bassett line. Number 8 Ben Scott picked up at the base of the scrum and his run and pass to Mark Glew opened up the home defence allowing Brodie Murray to score in the corner. The conversion was missed but the scoreline was now a more respectable 35-12.
Minety’s efforts to claw their way back took their toll and as Bassett used their extensive bench to replace and replenish, Minety simply ran out of steam. In the last minutes the defence buckled and let Bassett in to have the last word with a try to bring about the final score of 40-12.
Special mention for front five.
Man of the match: Colin French
Saturday 13th February 2016
Dorset and Wilts Division 3 North
Played at Wootton Bassett
Weather: overcast and damp ground.