Match Report
Ampthill 1881’s 33 - 18 Cinderford 2nd XV
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Ampthill 1881 gained a bonus point victory for the third match in a row against Cinderford United in the Raging Bull Shield Division One. Mickey Wilson and Charlie Fleckney scoring two each and Ben Wilkinson chipping in with one.
The game was played in cool but mostly dry conditions on pitch three and the wide pitch suiting Ampthill with the forwards punching holes in the defence, creating space for the backs to enjoy some freedom in space. A simple game plan executed very well with a strong kicking game from Liam Everitt, pinning Cinderford back in their half. After many phases of ball retention, Mickey Wilson skipped through some defenders to score near the posts on his return from injury. Liam Everitt simple conversion.
Cinderford came back with 3 points from the tee but this spurred the 1881 to step up their game. Kyle McSwiggan breaking the game line before the ball was recycled to tight head prop Ben Wilkinson to score near the posts again. 14-3 after 25 mins.
Same again, Cinderford knocked over another 3 points from a visit in the 1881 territory. After which Mickey Waters found a hole to scorch through and give an inside pass to Mickey Wilson who just had the legs to score near the posts.
Ampthills discipline started to waver and Cinderford scored from a rolling maul, following a kick to the corner. Not much the Ampthill pack could do to stop the score bringing the half to a close 21-11.
The second half started as the first had ended but with Charlie Fleckney coming up with the ball for Ampthill after a rolling maul, from a penalty kick to the corner. 26-11 and a 4 try bonus point wrapped up.
A Cinderford pack growing in confidence, picked off some holes in the defence for their 12 to dive in near the posts. 26-18. After another converted Charlie Fleckney try, 1881 didn’t have the ball for almost 15 minutes as Cinderford battered away at the Ampthill line. 1881 defence held firm with some colossal tackles preventing would be trys. Bailey Thomas on more than one occasion, scrambling back to touch down in goal to save certain scores.
Ampthill can be pleased with another bonus point win and a very professional performance. Credit to Cinderford who threw everything at Ampthill. A big thanks to Paul Mason who answered a late SOS. Coming from Jets duty and making his physical presence felt off the bench. The squad seems to be getting younger each week with no fewer than 11 of the match day squad having come though the Ampthill youth system at varying times. Niall Cleaver, Kyle McSwiggan, Lewis Sharp, Liam Everitt and Charlie Fleckney all past academy graduates and now at the forefront of the senior squad.
Final Score
Ampthill 1881: 33, Cinderford 2nd XV 18