Match Report
Ampthill Extras 31, Oundle 2nd XV 5
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Just before Christmas the Extras vs Olney encounter ended pointless, yes a nil-nil draw after both teams slugged it out for eighty minutes on a windy day in Northamptonshire.
Nobody wanted to see that again. It certainly wasn't to go down as a one of the Extras' blockbusters classics for those involved or watching.
Bodies on the line from the start, neither side willing to give ground!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The game started with the Extras on the front foot. Unable to breach the Olney defence they soon found themselves defending their own line. Surely these two teams weren't going to hold out for yet another scoreless tie, somebody had to strike it lucky.
Dan Tuckwell is under there somewhere having started the break for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The big break came when the Extras' pack drove over the line allowing Dan Tuckwell to ground the ball. Juan Converted.
“I’m sure I had the ball when I started this…”
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The next try came from a drive with ready, steady Cooke controlling the ball until the line was crossed.
Olney infringements defending the line meant that the next Ampthill score was a penalty try. 19-0.
Ampthill’s very own ‘Cookie’ monstering his way through the defence…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
During the second half, victory for the Extras rarely looked in jeopardy but it was testament to Olney's defence that they held the home team out for much of the half.
Olney clear the lines yet again to frustrate the Ampthill attack…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Mark Sherry was next to score taking it to 26-0.
Strength, determination and just plain stubborn attitude make it across the line for Mark Sherry…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The Extras dealt well with a few sticky moments that they found themselves defending on their line barring one breach of the try line where the visitors got themselves a deserved consolation try.
With Extras having Procter, Kitchiner & Robinson in the squad it wasn't just a young mans game but an older generation game too.
Ampthill fielded a range of experience in their line-up…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
With split second timing, Juan Tuthry made a cross field kick for starstrider Darren Jones, the chase was on. Darren ran onto, caught and grounded the ball for a try.
Darren ‘Star Strider’ Jones crosses the line for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Spectator Matt Hague was determined to make an impact on the game. As Ampthill attacked, he unleashed his dog to pile into the action. Matt's hound proceeded to head straight for the action, lay down, rolled over and waited for it's tummy to be tickled.
How to kick a right-angle - aim as normal but have a stupid cross wind blowing…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The match finished 31-5 in favour of the home team. Didn't they do well!
Are the Extras as yet undefeated at home this decade? You bet they are.
As the countdown to tour continues, the Extras, from a top club, have big games away to ONs and then away v Fullerians in a double header.
Final Result
Ampthill Extras: 31, Olney 2nd: 5
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