Saturday 25 September 2010
Dorset & Wilts Division 3 North
Dreamers edge it at the end
Swindon 3rd XV 36pts – Minety 2nd XV 39 pts
Minety seconds battled to the end to secure a narrow win in a high-scoring game at Swindon.
A try from Simon Newman got Minety off to a flying start and another by Luke Radcliffe, converted by Andy Edwards, gave them an early 12 point lead.
After that, the visitors seemed to lower their work-rate and the large and powerful Swindon side got into the game with two tries of their own to make it 12-all at the break.
The second half was a lively affair with the two teams taking turns to score. Milo Hartley ran in a try, but Swindon responded with one of their own and edged ahead when the conversion went over.
Flyhalf Edwards had a poor game kicking from hand, too often giving away possession to the other side, but his drop goal mid-way through the half narrowly restored Minety’s lead.
Another try from Swindon was followed by Luke Radcliffe’s second for Minety. The scoring pattern was then repeated, with Minety’s try touched down by Lee Patterson.
Two tries in a row from the home team threatened to be decisive, but a late try by Hartley finally swung the result in the visitors’ direction.
Playing his first game since an injury on the field last Match, Minety skipper Steve Murray was jubilant at the result but measured in his praise for the performance.
“We had a good opening 20 minutes and great closing 20 minutes but the 40 minutes in between weren’t so hot,” he admitted. “Milo Hartley played well for us and Luke Radcliffe was quite outstanding. He was our man of the match.”
This Saturday, Minety seconds play at home against Calne seconds.