Blues gain revenge over Mkt Rasen & Louth

The 25-7 scoreline does not reflect the true dominance that the Blues had over their opponents, as numerous chances were squandered, two tries held up over the line and one certain score frittered away with a knock-on in the act of scoring, which would have made a significant difference to the final score. On top of this, Market Rasen never gave up, and showed great commitment in defence to repel the Blues attacks, in a match where they only had one 10 minute spell where they were only really in the ascendancy and scored a fine consolation try.

Apart from this period of the game, which came mid-way through the 2nd half, the Blues dominated for long spells without ever taking full advantage and so were never truly comfortable until the final 10 minutes, when Rory Keir scored the 3rd try and they lifted their game in their ultimately, unsuccessful efforts to score the 4th, bonus point try.

First half points from Joe Daniel, with a try, conversion and penalty, gave the Blues a cushion, and then when Ryan Conyard dummied his way through from the 22 to score a fine first senior try, early in the 2nd half, it appeared that the game was up. However, Market rasen didn't agree, and they lifted their game and tore into the Blues, eventually scoring a converted try to close the gap to 8 points. Daniel then kicked a 2nd penalty to stretch the lead, but the Blues could not finish things off, and the game still remained in the balance until Keir burst over, with Daniel converting, to set up a frantic last five minutes where the Blues did everything they could to score, but mistakes and determined defence denied them the extra point.

RAJ Man of the Match: Ben Street