Saturday 10 October 2009
Dorset & Wilts Division 2 North
The Dream is Reborn
Minety 2nd XV 20 pts – Combe Down 2nd XV 19 pts
Minety seconds battled through to their first win of the season in a thrillingly close game against the visiting Combe Down 2nd XV.
Combe Down had a big set of forwards and dominated the set pieces. Fed a plentiful supply of ball, their backs had every opportunity to run at their opponents but found themselves up against a well organised and determined defence. Minety tackled doggedly and, when they got the ball, used their possession wisely.
Minety fullback Andy Edwards had a fine kicking game. When his team’s early pressure was thwarted by their opponents’ infringements, he neatly slotted the two resulting penalties to give his team a six-point lead.
The Combe Down pack responded with an impressive driving maul from which they were able to break and score a try in the left corner. A well-struck kick added the conversion and snatched a narrow one-point lead.
Further mauls caused problems for Minety, but in broken play, the home team had the edge. A run by prop Matthew Oliver carried play into Combe Down’s 22, and when the ball was recycled, hooker Brendon Rice took it at speed on an angle that cut clean through the defence. Edwards converted his try under the posts and once again Minety were in the lead.
The visitors redoubled their efforts and, with five minutes to go before half-time, went over once again for a try. Another good kick made it 13-14 in Combe Down’s favour at the break.
The second half was an equally close affair. Minety regained the lead after a touchline run by Edwards took them nearly to the try line. The ball was recycled and then mauled over from short range for the score.
Edwards’ conversion made it 20-14. Combe Down worked hard to overhaul their hosts, but Minety tackled resolutely and kept them out.
A two-to-one overlap finally gave the visitors the opening they were looking for and they ran in a late try in the left-hand corner. The goal kick was scuffed, though, and Minety held on to their one-point lead.
Minety skipper Steve Murray was delighted with the win. “We played for all 80 minutes this week and that’s what made the difference,” he said.
This Saturday, Minety seconds visit Colerne.