Sat 25^th Nov 00

Brackley 3rds 0 - Ampthill Extras 30 

Tries:  Darryl Kinn (2), Colin Moore (2),  John Lasbry

Cons:  Johnston (Paddy) Bradley  (1)

Pens:  Johnston (Paddy) Bradley  (1)

 At 10am on Saturday morning, the Extras had only 14 players to make the long trip to Brackley.  A lifeline was given to them when the second team game was called off.   Darryl Kinn, Johnston (Paddy) Bradley and John Lasbry all turned out to once again play for the Extras.

 Signs of disorganisation were apparent when on entering the changing rooms Liam Duffin realised that two bags of shirts had been brought with the travelling Extras.  It soon became evident that the Extras had brought with them not only their own shirts but those belonging to the third team who were playing at home!  The Extras team’s minds were reassured in the knowledge that the mighty thirds would be able to show a good account of themselves even in skins.

 Warming up before the game, there were some doubts as to Liam Duffin’s selection choice of playing Dave Ratcliffe at fly half.  He dropped both his first two passes in the practice session.  This was followed up by a Dave Ratcliffe kick-off straight into the body of the Ref.  With the kick retaken, the game was underway - scrum back – it never made 10 yards!!.

 Initially it looked as if the Extras would have a tough task of breaking down the home team.  The Ampthill pack fought well and was soon rewarded with a try when Darryl Kinn barged his way over the line to score the first try of the game.  Not long after, the Extras were rewarded a penalty that was well within the range of Johnston (Paddy) Bradley.  With this converted, the Extras found themselves with an 8 point lead.

 Darryl Kinn ever lurking close to the break down, scored his second soon after to put the Ampthill side firmly in the driving seat.  Injuries to Lee Bradley and Gez Ingarfield in the first fifteen minutes meant that the Extras had used both of their subs in the first quarter of the game.

 The backs played a very entertaining game with great distribution from John Lasbry and superb linking from Colin Moore. Ratty, who had put his knock-ons behind him, also played his role well and the backs deservedly scored a try from Colin Moore to put Ampthill 20 points up at the break.

 Playing against a very strong wind in the second half, Ampthill managed to score only two more tries, the first from John Lasbry then a great interception from Colin Moore really had the Brackley heads down. Despite some questionable decisions from the ref, Brackley never really looked like scoring and the visiting Extras travelled home 30 points to 0 victors. 

It was great to see the ruddy face and again hear the unmistakable voice of Mick Yates from the sideline on this cold November afternoon.