Hard Earned Win for 3rds

The visitors showed their intent from the start putting huge pressure on the Blues defensive line who were more than upto the task with a well organised defensive line. The commitment and physicality came at a price as within 10 minutes Byron Foster had to leave the field with a hand injury.

The Blues then took the game to the much fancied visitors who had continually defend their line however the Blues persistance saw forwards Graham Wilson and John Braer both go over following some well worked forwards play. Rob Tilley kicked both conversions. The backs however played their part by going close on two occasions but were unable to make the last couple of metres. Hindsight would suggest inexperience saved the visitors at least 10 points.

The second half saw no reduction in the tempo however Dunstable came back from the interval more fired up and clawed back a converted try on 50 minutes. They continued pressurising the home side into some basic errors and disrupted the Blues discipline which until the hour mark was faultless.

Following a number of warnings from the ref Graham Wilson walked off to the sin bin for unintentionally (his words, not mine) kicking the ball away from the visitors scrum half. Alex Browne swiftly followed, for what was surely a simple misunderstanding........

Dunstable took full advantage to score again however missing the conversion meant the last 10 minutes would be frantic. The Blues once again stepped up to the mark defending like lions and counter attacking when able with the whistle coming with the Blues just inside Dunstables 22.

Stand in Rich 'Prowler' McNab said 'Firstly, big thanks to the 3rd team captain, Crossy, for giving me my first shot at captaining a team. I have never been in a game where every single player put so much pure blood and guts in. Our forwards were warrior like. Our "passion" did lead to a drop in discipline at times, but I would rather have a team of players that need calming than a group that aren't really up for it.

Best wishes to Byron who made need surgery on the thumb he injured early on. Finally huge respect to Browny who selflessly protected the rest of the front row by blocking some savage punches with his face!! Now that's commitment. As always, it was a pleasure gents and the win was as sweet as they come. It was an honour to captain such a committed group.