Newbury Blues – hmmm… Marlborough RFC no better
After such a strong performance away to Andover, the Blues’ game at home to Farnham was pretty dismal. They lost 14 to Wimborne’s 34.
The first twenty minutes were OK. The Blues made the first points, after 10 minutes, with a convincing try by Callum Varrall, converted by Captain Dan Thorne. Ten minutes later Farnham got on the scoreboard with a penalty.
Neither team produced a stellar performance. But Farnham took advantage of a straggly Blues defence, and in the second half not one but two Blues in the sin bin, to run in 5 tries and three conversions as well as the penalty.
The lack of discipline weighed heavily but so did the lack of accuracy and simple mistakes. Newbury sorely missed three experienced players – two to injury and, with joyous if bitter-sweet congratulations, Oli Rhoads to the Rams RFC in Reading – and the promising wave of new players have yet to find their rhythm. But the Blues’ challenges are only the same as face every other team. Manager Kevin Rhoads and Head Coach James McAvoy have a lot to work out.
Late in the day, Ali McGee scored a consolation try, converted by Tom Cole.
What can I say? The sunshine was nice.
The Blues travel away to Chobham on Saturday, 12th October – kick-off at 3pm. Come on you Blues!
A word about Marlborough RFC
Elsewhere, on the western edge of our Kennet Radio patch, Leila Nairne reports that things weren’t much better for Marlborough RFC in the clash on the Common.
Marlborough welcomed Royal Wootton Bassett 1st XV to the Common for the first time since 2019. Despite high hopes for a Marlborough victory, and a hugely well-attended match, it wasn’t meant to be. Marlborough had a rough start, conceding three quick penalties within three minutes in their own 22, a man sent to sin bin and a converted try for the visitors. Marlborough couldn’t get control of their penalties but, even after a red card, stopped Bassett adding points.
The second half began more promisingly for Marlborough, with Halani Hakalo diving over from close range in between the posts just two minutes after the restart and Will Grant converting. But the visitors quickly responded with an unconverted interception try, followed by another converted try. Marlborough’s midfield defence looked wobbly and they continued to concede fistfuls of penalties. But Marlborough remained in the fight and both teams added a converted try before the final whistle. Final score: Marlborough: 14 -Royal Wootton Bassett 26
Photos by kind permission of Peter Branch and Leila Nairne
