Saxons Counter-Attack Fordingbridge

The Saxons played Fordingbridge straight after Totton and took some time to adjust to Fordingbridges playing style. Fordingbridge like to move the ball around are very good ball handlers and keep the ball alive with offloads and pop passes. They are very capable of playing the whole width of the pitch which meant thta we needed to keep our defensive line if we are going to keep them out.

Despite an excellent early try from Ben B, Fordingbridge found gaps in our defence and scored three times in the first half. The Saxons were making chances, but as individuals, with no support players able to take advantage and finsh the attacks. The Saxons had backed off from the rucks and Fordingbridge were having too much of the ball. Half time score 5-15 to Fordingbridge.

After a half-time reminder of how we want to play our rugby, the Saxons were a different team in the second half and fired themselves back into the game. Players were making breaks and offloading to supporting players running on to the ball at pace. This is dynamite, and very hard to defend against. Rob lead one attack, making the break and turning to offload to Jack who acceperated through the gap in the defence made by Rob and he was away to score. Ben B made another excellent try with great pace a good lines and strong running and finally Rob finished one of his own breaks to reach the line and ground the ball. Fordingbridge managed to recover one try and Ollie had a kick and chase that was adjudged to have been grounded in touch in goal - on another day that would have been a try.

The match finished 20-20, but the Saxons were in the ascendency in the second half and had other chances. Ben B was on fore throughout both games, scoring two great solo tries and was also a good team captain and was player of the week, well done Ben.

So, we have proven again that we can compete with the top teams in Hampshire, Trojans, Alton, Petersfield, Totton, Fordingbridge; we know what to expect, we have seen what the other teams have to offer, it is up to us to play as we can and our success will come