On a cold and damp afternoon Leighton Buzzard RFC and Stockwood Park RFC produced an excellent top of the table League contest between these two long standing rivals. The game was competitive, physical and skilful as both sides went toe to toe for the full 80 minutes. In the end it was Buzzard who deservedly prevailed by 35-21 building on a 21-0 lead at halftime which despite an outstanding second half performance and despite three excellent trys of their own, Park were unable to break down.
For Park this was another spirited team performance . The forwards were competitive throughout, solid in the tight and persistent in the loose where their Back row of Dan Loft, Alfie Daly and Aaron Beattie were prominent. They were well led by halfbacks Skipper Frank Daly and Fly half Sean Martyn and the whole team contributed to a committed performance.
Unfortunately for Park, Buzzard were quick to exploit their chances in the first half and were 21-0 up at halftime. Early in the second half Park were back in the game when their Hooker Thulani Dhilwayo, a constant menace to the home team, scored a fine individual try with Centre Nick Dundee adding the extras. Buzzard then added to their own try tally before Park were back on the scoresheet with a brilliant individual try from Skipper Frank Daly, dummying clear from a lineout to score under the posts. Dundee, once again in fine form off the kicking tee, converted.
Buzzard bounced back to score again before the experienced Michael Powell scored a well taken try for Park. Dundee added the extras for his third successful kick to take the score to 35 – 21.
Park now drove hard to achieve what could have been a deserved try scoring and a losing bonus point, but the Buzzard defence held firm to secure their victory.
Next Saturday Park entertain Old Laurentians RFC at home. KO 2.15pm