Sat 30^th November 02
Ampthill Extras 12 – Brackley 2^nd XV 17 

New shirts, jinxed! 

A rare home game for the Extras meant that they could display their new kit, sponsored by The Engine and Tender. Unfortunately the result was not going to go the Extras’ way in front of The Engine’s landlord, Tony Petersen, down to watch the Extras. 

Losing the toss, the Extras were made to play downhill in the first half. Starting off well they soon scored courtesy of a Justin Cobley try, converted by Rob Hill to take a seven point lead. 

Ampthill looked the better side for much of the first half but failed to convert many of their chances into points. They did however score a second try through the other half of their second row partnership, debutant Carl Simpson. 

This lead was not enough to take them through to the end of the game as victors.  

The second half saw the Extras spend much of the time defending their own half with Brackley constantly using the boot to keep the Extras under the cosh. 

It wasn’t until Brackley had scored their third and winning try that the Extras mounted what could be construed as a fight back. The last few minutes saw the home team camped on the Brackley line. Simpson failed to score from a tapped penalty and then moments later, Tim Lane, lurking on the wing caught a clearance kick and made his charge. He was felled by one of the numerous Brackley defenders that had remained off side from the kick. An expected penalty was not awarded and the victory went to Brackley. 

 Tries:           Justin Cobley, Carl Simpson

Cons:            Rob Hill