Bugbrooke 26 Huntingdon Stags 27.
Since Bugbrooke were promoted after the 2009-10 season Stags had lost all three matches against them scoring just one try and achieving just a single bonus point in that time. That record notwithstanding, Stags travelled west of Northampton in spirits to match the bright and sparkling day after four victories and 111 points out of the last five games.
Stags gave a debut to Nauris Berzins on the right wing but it was the forwards who took immediate control when.Bugbrooke failed to deal with the kick off and what appeared to be a good try was not awarded. It did not matter as from the resulting scrum five George Woodroofe, who had an outstanding game, powered over.
A few minutes later further irresistible pressure allowed Steve Chantler his first try of the season, Dan Malem converting and when James Thorp followed suit Stags were 19-0 up within 15 minutes, in clover and the Bugbrooke bogey appeared well and truly put to rest.
The hosts were shell shocked but Stags lost just a little of the precision and patience that had characterised their opening salvoes and Bugbrooke began to show that they are not third in the league for nothing, a good line out and resulting maul giving them an opening score. A Malem penalty stretched the Stags lead further but the home backs were now running from all parts with pace and purpose and a try from their left wing, with extras added left Stags 10 points up, at 22-12 at half time. It had been an exhilarating 40 minutes with all to play for in the second period.
Just as Stags had dominated the opening quarter the boot was now on the other foot and their cause was not helped by being reduced to 14 men when Chris Pape was given a somewhat peremptory yellow card. Bugbrooke’s third try was again from a line out and they quickly added a fourth when their right wing was allowed to run 70 yards; both were converted so 26-22 to the home side and it could have been worse for Stags as a fairly simple penalty was pulled side.
Stags were now getting frustrated, partly with themselves but also with some decisions, especially as a ‘try’ was initially awarded but then annulled and repeated infringements by Bugbrooke were not visited by any card sanction. To their credit they kept pressing though one or two half chances went begging and Bugbrooke defended well.
Time was running out when yet another attack was halted ten yards from the line ; the home side were given the put in and it looked all up for Stags. The stand off , however, delayed just a little with his clearing kick , Ben Strangeways charged it down and was able to retain control to touch down for 27-26.There was time for the re-start and Stags, mindful of what had happened at Lutterworth, were careful to secure the kick, go through a couple of phases and complete, on balance, a deserved victory in what had been a fine advertisement for level 7 rugby.
This bonus point victory leaves Stags sixth in the table. The next league match, preceded by a sponsors lunch, is at home against Dunstablians on 28 January, kick off 2.15.
Thanks to Roy Shutz for the eloquent report