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Boston Rugby Club

Reports round-up

October 2005 match action details Club’s own website: www.bostonrugbyclub.co.uk

October 29 round-up

Boston 1st XV 6, Ashby 1st XV 20

With six first team players unavailable, Boston were faced with an uphill task to contain current league leaders Ashby. That was especially the case in the forwards department where the visitors’ power and physical size caused the home side problems all afternoon.

Despite the enforced changes forced on the Vivaldi-sponsored Boston side, the players manfully stuck to their task. However on this occasion the visitors had the edge in terms of power up front and a cutting edge in the backs, which the home side could not match.

Throughout the game there were few clear scoring opportunities created, and as a result the blue and whites had to rely on the boot of Darryn Barratt to earn their points. During the first half while being forced to operate in defensive mode for sustained periods, Boston managed to keep in contention mainly through Ashby’s indiscipline in the loose that presented Barratt with the chance to covert two long-range penalty attempts in the space of three minutes.

Those scores gave Boston the lead for the first and only time in the game, to move 6-5 ahead with only a few minutes remaining before the break. A feature, however, of the Ashby side, is their ability to raise their performance and register scores at key points, adding their second try on the stoke of half-time to take a 12 points to six lead. Just when Boston had worked back into contention, a defensive lapse in concentration proved a cruel blow.

The second half followed a similar pattern, Ashby punishing a clearance to score their third try minutes after the restart, to extend the score to 15 points to six. This was a body blow, from which they could not recover. Despite a double substitution — S Cooke replacing Mark Buchanan in the centre and Gerry Van Haren coming on for N Lane — the pattern of the game remained the same. Despite a stalemate in terms of attacking play for long periods, Ashby scored their fourth try at the close to comfortably take the spoils and maintain their championship credentials.

This week Boston take a break from league action to travel to Barton in the first round of the Lincolnshire Cup, kick off 2.15 pm.

Boston 1st XV: I Sampson, R Collins, R Lancaster, N Lane, F Cannon, S Loveley, J Fendyke, D Allen, D Barratt, Ryan Kraeuse, M Miles, M Mullinder, S Bourne (capt). Replacements: G Van Haren, S Cooke.

Boston 2nd XV 15, Westwood Lions 8

WITH Ashby seconds crying off on Thursday, the home side secured a pool fixture and entertained Westford Lions from Peterborough. In the first half Boston’s pack had the upper hand, securing good ball at the scrummage and to the delight of the front row, taking some ball against the head.

Boston’s first try came from a set scum. Quick hands in the backs, saw James O’Neill, score in the corner. Westwood quickly replied when a lucky rebound enabled the visitors to score under the posts.

The home side responded quickly. An effective rolling maul from outside the 22m line was eventually stopped 5m short of the line. From the resulting scrum, captain Dave Scott executed a well-timed pick up and drive to take Boston into a deserved half time lead 10-8.

The second half again saw the blue and whites forwards and backs working well together. Boston’s third try was scored by full-back Daniel Burt. The scrummage became even more dominant, when Martin Sutcliffe came into the game from the bench. For the second week running captain Dave Scott was impressed with the team in particular the front row. Next week the side look to the pool to secure a fixture.

Boston: A Buckberry, D Scott {capt} C Dowse, S Welsby, P Roberts, S Burt, W Sutcliffe, S Kemp, H Goddard, G Minards, S Barrett, S Dalrymple, J O’Neill, D Burt, T Stevens, T Carr, M Sutcliffe, T Walsh.

October 22 round-up

Stamford 1st XV 12, Boston 1st XV 27

In a tough and physical encounter, complete with three yellow cards and full use of replacements, Boston earned an important league win away at Stamford. The margin of victory belies the close fought nature of the match, particularly evidenced in the first half when Boston were fortunate to go into the interval 10-7 in the lead, a position which did not reflect the pattern of the game.

Coach Mick Lyon was forced to make a number of changes in both personnel and positions to the side that played Market Rasen and Louth last week. Injuries to Rhys Gosling, Phil Taylor and Peter Stubley, earned call-ups for Adrian Hart and Dan Mountain on the bench, while Ryan Kraeuse, switched to fly-half.

Stamford with the advantage of the considerable slope and wind in the first half, from the start took the game to Boston. Their powerful mauling and pacy back division would cause difficulties for the Vivaldi side all day. Against the run of play Boston registered the first score, when Darryn Barratt converted a penalty to put the visitors 3-0 ahead.

Loose kicking from hand and turnover of ball, placed Boston under added pressure. Despite this it was not until the 25 minute when Stamford scored a try through their strong running centre, to deservedly move 7-3 in front.

Boston continued to be pinned in their own half and managed only rare forays out. Two missed penalty attempts from long range by Martin Mullinder failed to reduce the arrears and with time running out it seemed certain Boston would enter the interval trailing Stamford, as they had created precious few opportunities to score.

However, from a well placed kick over the advancing defensive back division from Ryan Krauese, the attempted clearance by Stamford was charged down by centre Darryn Barratt who followed the trajectory of the ball to score in the in goal area. The subsequent conversion, also by Barratt, meant Boston entered the interval 10-7 in the lead.

At half-time Boston were forced to make a double substitution. An ankle injury to number eight Kenny Doig forced his retirement. He was replaced by Dan Mountain and blood replacement Nigel Lane took over second row duties from captain Kevin Williams.

Boston began the second half in promising fashion, playing with greater fluency in the backs. From a speculative kick on the wing by Barratt, winger Mullinder took up the chase to outpace the opposition backs and score the first of his two tries. The touch line conversion from Barratt saw Boston take an early 15-7 lead.

Despite this setback, Stamford responded quickly. Missed tackles cost the visitors dear, as the home side centre scored to reduce the arrears to 17-12. At this stage, Nigel Lane replaced James Fendyke in the back row.

Boston’s tendency to lose concentration and shape reappeared as they entered a difficult 10-minute period, losing turnover ball, conceding penalties and putting them under needless pressure. At this stage of the delicately poised game, the referee sin-binned both teams’ hookers forcing uncontested scrums, nullifying Boston’s advantage in this area.

Good work in the loose from back row Ste Loveley in particular stopped many a promising move by the home team as the blue and whites hung on. Eventually Boston’s game plan of kicking territorially and making Stamford play in their own half clicked into action. From a line out inside the home side’s 22m line, a well rehearsed lineout catch and drive brought the forwards within metres of the line.

From the sustained presure scrum half John Firth fed the ball blind for Mullinder to score his second try, converted by Barratt to take the Vivaldi-sponsored Boston team into a comfortable 24-12 points lead. With the last kick of the game, Barratt extended the lead via a further penalty to see Boston home.

This Saturday Boston entertain league leaders Anstey at home, kick off 3pm. Boston know they will have to be at the top of their game to continue their winning league run.

Boston 1st XV: I Sampson, R Collins, R Lancaster, K Williams (capt), F Cannon, S Loveley, K Doig, J Firth, D Barratt, Ryan Kraeuse, M Miles, M Mullinder , S Bourne. Replacements: N Lane, D Mountain, A Hart.

Boston 2nd XV 22, Stamford 2nd XV 19

In ideal playing conditions Boston’s second team entertained an experienced Stamford side. The heavier Stamford pack put the Boston scrum under constant pressure throughout the match, yet to the blue and whites’ credit the tight five held fast.

Boston’s slight advantage was in their backs, particularly on the wings and it was there that the home side managed to score first through Daniel Burt who converted his own try to take the lead 7-0. Stamford quickly responded by scoring a pushover try through their pack to level the scores at 7-7. Boston, who won good lineout ball all day through captain Dave Scott jumping at number two for the first time, continued to maintain parity in the loose.

The home side’s second try was a result of skipper Dave Scott winning clean ball at a lineout. The ball was quickly fed through the back division’s hands for winger Daniel Burt to score his second try to extend Boston’s lead to 12-7.

Shortly before half-time Philip Roberts scored a classic up pick and drive try, from the base of the scum to take the blue and whites into a 17-7 lead at half-time.

The second half was dominated by Stamford as they fought back to score a coverted a try to reduce the arrears to 17-14. With time running out Boston wing Paddy Custer scored in the corner to extend their lead to 22-14. However, Stamford were determined to win and continued pressure saw them score another try with three minutes left. The conversion attempt failed to leave the match at 22-19 to Boston. This Saturday Boston seconds travel to Ashby, kick-off 3pm.

More information about the Boston club can be found on the www.bostonrugbyclub.co.uk website.

October 15 round-up

Boston 1st XV 3, Market Rasen 1st XV 5

In the second round of the RFU Cup competition, Boston’s dreams were left shattered by a try in the last 12 minutes, which saw Market Rasen progress through to the third round. Entertaining County Cup holders, the Vivaldi-sponsored Boston squad knew they would be in for a tough encounter against a side who are just coming back into form, after an inconsistent start.

For the watching spectators basking in the glorious October weather, the game proved to be a typically close, combative and, at times, niggling encounter. Whereas in previous weeks Boston had managed to start strongly, it was a different story on Saturday, with a subdued opening 20-minute spell. The strong running Rasen centres were causing Boston’s defence problems, allied with a misfiring line out and another growing penalty count, this resulted in the home side playing rugby “on the back foot.”

To their credit Boston, started to rectify their problems and throughout the game their commitment could not be faulted. Boston Vivaldi entered half-time with the scoreline 0-0. During the second period while neither side managed to dominate proceedings, Boston were presented with a number of penalty opportunities to take the lead. For once the kicking radar of Rhys Gosling went astray, as penalty opportunities went beginning. After three unsuccessful attempts, Boston did take a 3-0 lead through a successful Gosling effort.

At this stage, winger Peter Stubley was forced to retire with a knee injury and was replaced by Mark Miles. It now seemed highly likely that whichever side scored the first try would also win the match. So it proved as, from a disintegrating scrum, the Rasen scrum-half broke blind and fed the ball to the alert centre who ran in from the 22m line to score the winning try. Despite there being 12 minutes left Boston could not launch any sustained attacks and Market Rasen took home the spoils. This week Boston return to league action travelling to play Stamford. The blue and whites will be keen to keep their recent winning league run going.

Boston 1st XV: I Sampson, R Collins, R Lancaster, N Lane, F Cannon, J Fendyke, P Taylor, K Williams (capt), J Firth, D Barratt, R Gosling, P Stubley, M Mullinder, S Bourne. Replacements: M Miles, A Buckberry, B Rooney.

Four Boston players represented Lincolnshire in a match against Nottinghamshire. In the forwards Rob Lancaster captained the side to a 42-14 victory, supported by hooker Ritchie Collins and back row Phil Taylor. The sole representative in the backs was Rhys Gosling, who played at fly-half.

Boston 2nd XV 23, Market Rasen 2nd XV 27

In a replay of the previous week’s match due to Grimsby not being able to raise a team, Market Rasen brought a much improved and experienced team to Boston. The home side, playing with an inexperienced set of backs, were soon under pressure which resulted in a converted try for the visitors.

Despite this early set back the Boston forwards rallied and forced a penalty 30 yards out which was scored by Daniel Burt. The powerful Rasen backs were causing the home side problems and they quickly added two further tries, with Boston scoring one in reply just before half time to trail 10-19. The second half saw Boston improve their performance in the scrum and with some good play from the returning John MacPherson at fly-half. He scored a typical, jinking solo try. And powerful running from Wayne Sutcliffe in the forwards illustrated that Boston were never going to give up. Two converted penalties from the boot of Daniel Burt ensured the gap was reduced. However the home side eventually lost 27-23.

Boston u18s 21, Lincoln u18s 5

Boston dominated the first half and pinned Lincoln back in their 22m zone for sustained periods. Although Lincoln defended resolutely Boston’s pressure looked certain to reap rewards. A try by Sam Dalrymple converted by Daniel Burt, took Boston into a 7-0 lead at half-time. Early in the second half from a poor restart Ben Enderby picked up the ball and ran straight through the Lincoln defence to score a try under the posts, which was again converted by Burt to extend their lead to 14-0. Lincoln then put Boston under pressure for the next 20 minutes resulting in a try to reduce the arrears to 14-5. Boston came back strongly and Sam Dalrymple added his second, which was converted by Daniel Burt to finish 21-5. Boston’s man of the match was Ben Enderby.

Boston u16s 5, Peterborough u16s 0

From the kick off, both teams were slow to get into their stride. Boston gradually took the game to Peterborough forcing them to make a number of mistakes. Alfie Miles was making an impact in the tackle — so much so that he gave himself a dead arm for a short period. By now Boston were putting good phases of possession together, which soon bought its reward. Following some good defence Boston were awarded a penalty on the Peterborough 22m line. Alfie Miles made a great run to score a try but this was not converted. During the second half the game continued in the same vein with Boston doing everything right but failing to score. On the rare occasions when Peterborough looked like getting close to Boston line the home side’s defence stood firm, putting in some good tackles. Overall it was a good all round team effort by Boston well led by captain Matthew Sharman.

October 8 round-up

Boston 1st XV 52, Long Eaton 1st XV 3

In front of the watching county selector Boston, produced their best performance of the season — with an eight try haul, a half-century of points and importantly another two league points. With the first county game of the season looming, a number of the Boston players will have probably played themselves into contention. And deservedly so.

In their changed red strip, the difference in attitude, desire and commitment was in stark contrast to previous performances. The Vivaldi-sponsored side looked hungry and played with an intensity that had been lacking in previous weeks. To the delight of the home support, Boston started the match in positive fashion, the back division looking eager for the ball and running their lines at pace.

The opening score came from a strong run from winger Martin Mullinder, who joined the attack and made a decisive first break, through the Long Eaton defence. Good support from Simon Cooke in the centre, resulted in an off-load to the winger, to leave Martin Mullinder to end the move and record Boston’s first try, converted by Darryn Barratt, to take a 7-0 lead.

Within minutes of the restart, a typical strong run from winger Peter Stubley, ended in a ruck outside the 22m line. Hooker Ritchie Collins seized the loose ball. He produced an impressive turn of pace to sprint home and extend the lead for the home side to 14-0 with the conversion being added by Barratt.

A feature of the match was the powerful running of back row Kenny Doig, who produced a number of bulldozing runs. The forwards were now playing with pace, purpose and aggression in the loose, and allied with more efficient rucking,

enabled scrum half John Firth to provide good quality service to the backs.

Boston's third try came from good defensive pressure on Long Eaton. Quick handling in the backs enabled centre Ryan Kraeuse to score and with Barratt’s conversion moving the side into a 21-3 lead. To seal an impressive end to the home team’s performance just before half-time winger Peter Stubley was put into space by centre Simon Cooke, who ran home from inside the opposition half to leave Boston comfortably 28-3 to the good.

With the advantage of the wind in the second half, Boston continued to dominate, and added four further tries. Kraeuse added a second, winger Mark Miles (on for the injured Stubley) quickly got his name onto the scorecard from a good counter attack. Full-back Ste Bourne started it with possession then being taken on by winger Martin Mullinder. This saw him put into space to score in the corner. With Boston now 40-3 ahead, coach Mick Lyon decided to bring on fresh legs and made a double subsitution, which saw Loveley and Anthony Buckberry take the field.

Boston’s last two tries featured a solo effort from Barratt outside the 22m line, and finally a well worked try by the backs which enabled full-back Ste Bourne to score in the corner, to enable the home side to reach the 50 points mark.

Coach Mick Lyon and club captain Kevin Williams expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance.

Boston 1st XV: I Sampson, R Collins, R Lancaster, N Lane, F Cannon, K Doig, P Taylor, K Williams (capt), J Firth, D Barratt, Ryan Kraeuse, P Stubley, M Mullinder, S Bourne. Replacements S Loveley, M Miles, A Buckberry.

Boston 2nd XV 19, Market Rasen 3rd XV 35

In a disappointing match, Boston lost when they could so easily have won — if only they had been properly prepared.

Arriving late at the ground with only 14 players and a surplus of props, the omens were not good to begin with. Despite this, with the loan of a Market Rasen player to make the sides even, they registered the first score straight from the kick-off with Colin Smith scoring. Daniel Burt added the conversion. A further try from winger Paul Smith from a strong run outside the 22m line took Boston into half-time lead of 14-7.

The onset of the wind and rain in the second half seemed to disrupt Boston’s play and Market Rasen fought back to dominate the game up front and scored a further 28 points. Before the final whistle Boston scored a consolation try via Sam Payling while Burt again added the conversion to end the match 19-35 in arrears. Captain Dave Scott, while disappointed with the loss, was greatly encouraged by the performance of youngsters Terry Cumber and Sam Dalrympole who both acquitted themselves well.

Boston u13s 20, Wisbech u13s 22

In their first game of the season the Boston under-13s narrowly lost in an entertaining encounter.

Jack Ridge, and James Fosberry each scored a brace of tries. However, the side eventually lost by two points. The whole team played with spirit.

Under-13s: C Doig, H Gray, J Powell, H Smith, L Firth, J Fosberry, A Kemp (capt), J Ridge, L Smith, J Williams.

October 1 round-up

East Leake 1st XV 15, Boston 1st XV 30

Two tries from winger Peter Stubley, one from No 8 Phil Taylor and 15 points form the boot of centre Rhys Gosling saw Boston 1st XV earn an important league win away at East Leake. While gaining a vital two league points was essential, against a team lying at the bottom of the table, Boston’s performance again raised concerns for the club coach Mick Lyons and the watching supporters who made the journey.

Consistency is not a word associated with the Vivaldi-sponsored blue and whites at the moment. However, they still demonstrated they are capable of putting together sustained phases of play, although this was in “fits and starts.”

Injuries and player unavailability forced club captain Kevin Williams to make four changes in both personnel and positions. Kenny Doig was drafted into the unaccustomed position of second row, Sam Payling was called up from the seconds to make his first team debut in the back row, and Simon Cook joined the backs to partner Rhys Gosling in the centre.

Boston made an impressive start to the game, playing with control, and pace, they produced a five minute spell of fluent attacking rugby, to put the home side on the back foot, and earn a well deserved penalty, converted by Rhys Gosling to take a 3-0 lead.

Boston quickly extended their lead when from good pressure in the loose, back row Ste Loveley ripped the ball and fed it to the eager back division. Going down the blind side, quick handling put winger Peter Stubley into space. He raced home and score in the corner from outside the 22m line. Rhys Gosling’s touchline conversion placed the visitors 10-0 in the lead, after just 15 minutes of play.

Just as things appeared to be going well, Boston’s lack of consistency and old bad habits of conceding penalties in the loose and putting themselves under pressure returned. The home side, began to grow in confidence and soon put Boston under sustained pressure, as the visitors conceded a penalty and try to enter half time with a narrow 10-8 lead.

Early in the second half Boston’s lead was extended as a penalty converted by Rhys Gosling moved the visitors 13-8 ahead. While never reaching the fluency of the first five minutes, Boston were slowly becoming more dominant in the forwards. However, indiscipline in the loose again cost them dear in terms of giving away territory and possession. Boston’s second try however was a result of good support and teamwork in the forwards. A break by back row Loveley, in loose play produced a strong direct run towards the try line.

Sensing he was about to be tackled Ste Loveley off loaded the ball to his supporting back row colleague Phil Taylor to score a deserved try. Rhys Gosling’s conversion moved Boston into a relative comfort zone 20-8. At this stage Mick Lyons brought on replacement Dave Scott, for Sam Payling, which meant a reshuffle in the forwards.

The game was effectively secured after 20 minutes of the second period. A classic “box kick” from John Firth at scrum half inside Boston’s half forced the East Leake winger onto the back foot. The resulting bounce of the ball favoured Peter Stubley and fell into his eager hands. From just inside the East Leake half, Stubley sprinted clear to score under the posts and secure his brace. The conversion by Rhys Gosling moving Boston 27-8. At this stage Craig Dowse replaced Ritchie Collins at hooker and Mark Miles came on for Sam Payling.

While Boston conceded a further try and conversion, the last kick of the game earned the visitors a further three points to finish at 30-15 adrift. With the enforced changes in the side, the away win was seen as important and will hopefully produce a platform from on which to build.

Boston 1st XV: S Wellsby, R Collins, R Lancaster, K Doig , K Williams (capt), S Loveley, P Taylor, S Payling, J Firth, D Barratt, R Gosling, P Stubley, M Mullinder, S Bourne. Replacements: M Miles, C Dowse, D Scott.

Additionally, for the second time in two weeks Boston 2nd XV were left with no fixture as Mansfield cried off at 1.30pm.