Aylesbury overwhelm Beaconsfield in 2016 opener

Aylesbury returned from their Christmas break with a comprehensive victory as they ran in three tries without reply to beat Beaconsfield 22-0 and remain second in the Southern Counties North.
James Woodfall runs through the Beaconsfield defence. Picture: Mark Bannister PhotographyJames Woodfall runs through the Beaconsfield defence. Picture: Mark Bannister Photography
James Woodfall runs through the Beaconsfield defence. Picture: Mark Bannister Photography

Heavy rain had made for a soggy pitch and conditions which did not favour running rugby, however Ay’s were always in control as they notched a fourth straight league win.

Coach Dave Larham said: “Despite the difficult pitch conditions, I thought our boys managed the game very well and played to our strengths.

“We arrived with a simple game plan that was backed up by the techniques and tactics we had worked on in training.

“Our backs defended well and gave us field position to really apply pressure through our dominant forwards. We scored three tries and had another definite try disallowed but performing and winning were our objectives.

“This week we face another big challenge when we welcome a much improved Bicester to Ostler’s Field.

“We are aware of the need to maintain pressure on the teams at the top of the league, but will focus on continuing to improve our performances and developing our ability to manage games in all conditions.”

It didn’t take long for Aylesbury to threaten the home side’s try line as their strong back dominated throughout with Cory Neighbour touching down for the first try on 15 minutes following a powerful scrum.

But James Woodfall missed the conversion and despite more pressure, the Ducks could only manage a further three points through the boot of Woodfall before half-time.

The second half saw Aylesbury continue to play deep in the Beaconsfield half and on every occasion that the home side conceded a penalty, Aylesbury opted for the scrum rather than a kick at goal.

With Beaconsfield struggling to contain the powerful drive from the Aylesbury pack, a scrum on the Beaconsfield five metre line collapsed and the referee went under the posts to award the visitors the penalty try.

Woodfall added the extras from in front of the posts and Ay’s were now 15 points to the good.

The visitors then looked to have scored another try, only for the referee to decide the ball had not been grounded, before a second penalty try from another collapsed scrum sealed Aylesbury’s victory, Woodfall’s conversion making for a final 22-0 score.

It’s second at home to third this weekend as Aylesbury host Bicester.

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