Saturday 30 October 2010
Dorset & Wilts Division 3 North
Minety Peirce the Bassett defence
Wootton Bassett 3rd XV 5 pts – Minety 2nd XV 15 pts
Aided by a string of young and able recruits, Minety seconds moved to the top of Dorset and Wilts Division 3 North on Saturday with a staunch victory away against local rivals Wootton Bassett.
Wootton Bassett thirds were first into their stride, kicking off and running in a try almost immediately.
Minety’s response was a concerted assault that culminated in inside centre Gareth Peirce breaking through several tackles as he powered in for a try that levelled the scores.
A penalty goal from flyhalf Luke Radcliffe increased Minety’s lead to 5-8 by the break.
Minety had travelled with only one substitute and had brought him on early in the game when outside centre Kenny Wright had been forced to retire with an injury. When prop Matt Oliver left the field with an injured knee in the second half, Minety were reduced to 14 men and scrums became uncontested.
Despite this set back, Peirce scored again for Minety, Radcliffe’s subsequent goal increasing Minety’s tally to 15 points. Digging in, the visitors defended this lead and resolutely prevented Wootton Bassett from scoring again and claiming a bonus point.
After the game, Minety skipper Steve Murray was swift to praise his team. “Gareth Peirce was our Man of the Match, but we also owe a big thanks to the Minety RFC Academy, who enabled us to field a side by making a number of young players available. There was Dan Shepherd at fullback and John Shepherd at flanker, plus Luke Smith, who played on the wing for us and had great game. Our other 17 year old was Ashley Windle, who played at flanker and was quite outstanding.”
This Saturday, Minety seconds play against Stroud Nomads in the first round of the Stroud Combination Cup.