Tight games sees BSRFC win

We went to Saracens with the A Team suffering from three late withdrawals due to illness and injury. The first half was turgid affair with most of the play congested in midfield. Both teams making minor infringements with the play having no flow or structure to it. Both teams were strong in defence and there were few scoring opportunities. The first score of the came after Stortford concede two penalties in quick succession giving Saracens a scrum five metres out. They drove from the base of their scrum and forced themselves over. From in front of the posts they converted for 7-0 lead. Stortford responded with some forceful play and began to make some impression with both the forwards and backs combining well to gain good field position. With some good drives and quick recycled ball gave Jones a good opportunity which the last defending tacklers having no chance of stopping Jones in full flow scoring close to the posts. Lilley converted and at the half time score was 7-7.

The second half saw some much brighter play with the forwards and backs combining well. There was some great pick and drives from Etherington, Florence, Forbes, and Cooper. The backs started putting some good moves together with breaks from Civil and Shannon with good support play by Crowhurst. The team put some good phases together and the defence was rock solid. Two quick tries followed. The play and ball being moved at pace gave Etherington an opportunity to squeeze over in the corner. The try was not converted and the score 7-12. The pressure was mounting with the forwards in the ascendancy. Precious identified a good opportunity and made a great break through the centre of the Sarries defence going over for our third try. Lilley converted and the score was now 7-19. Apart from some kicks and chasing Saracen were pinned back in their half. Some determined tackling by the backs kept the opposition on the back foot. This commitment saw both Civil and Shannon go off with injuries and we all wish them well. The final try and bonus point come by a good team try as progress was made down the left side with good carries and support play. Setting up a good platform for Jones to force himself over for his second try which Lilley converted. The second half saw a much better performance, a real team response and the final score was 7-26.

Benfield, Civil, Cooper, Crowhurst, Davies, Etherington, Ewan, Florence, Forbes (capt) James, Jones, Keen, Lilliey, Precious, Radley, Shannon and Willis,