Stags secure a point
NEWBURY Stags and Windsor 2nd could not be separated in the Berks, Bucks & Oxon 1 Division as they drew 11-11 in a hard-fought game.
Stags started strongly, putting behind them any hangover they may have had from last week’s game, with strong runs early on from Michael Duppa Miler and Andrew Maher, the latter leading to a penalty which Mat Cox converted to put Stags 3-0 up.
Within five minutes Windsor drew level with a penalty of their own, but then Stags began to pile on the pressure and most of the remainder of the first quarter was spent in the Windsor half.
However, Stags couldn’t score again during the first period in spite of some very good approach work.
One run from Ollie Harvey on the wing led to another Stags penalty and from the resulting line out they attempted a driving maul, but Windsor held on, eventually breaking up field and scoring the first try of the game.
Stags’ scrum was coming under increasing pressure as the half wore on, but a plentiful supply of ball was forthcoming from the lineout with Ben Davies dominating this phase of play.
The second half started with Windsor exerting a great deal of pressure, but the Stags defence held firm and a long run out of defence by captain Harry Stevens led to a very promising position and a period of play which they dominated.
Another penalty, another kick to the corner by Cox and another opportunity for Stags to drive over for a try, but again Windsor held firm, although not long after, another attacking position for Stags led to a close quarters try for George Robinson Slater.
The unsuccessful conversion made the score 8-8 going into the final 20 minutes, time for both sides to exchange penalties before the final whistle.
Before the end of the game Windsor had a period of intense pressure and almost went over for the winning try from driving close quarters work on three occasions.
The Stags defence was outstanding during this period of the game and while both sides felt they could have won the game, the final result was the right score.
In the Tribute Southern Counties North, Thatcham suffered a 43-14 defeat away to Wallingford to leave them bottom of the table.
In the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier, Tadley beat Wheatley 22-10, Aldermaston lost 48-7 at home to Bletchley and Hungerford received a home walkover against Drifters.
Tadley 2nd also received a home walkover in Division 2 South, against Slough 2nd, while in the Division 3 South, Hungerford 2nd lost 28-12 to Bracknell 4th and Thatcham 2nd lost 27-17 to Wallingford 2nd.