Sat 13^th March 04
Milton Keynes 3^rd XV 12 - Ampthill Extras 33     

The Nix & Dix Fix 

After a week of rain, snow and freezing temperatures it was a mild sunny day that the Extras played Milton Keynes. As is usual when travelling to Milton Keynes Rugby Club half the team got lost en-route. Fortunately there was plenty of time before kick off when they eventually found the ground. 

The Extras started the match strongly and within a few minutes winger David Backhouse had crossed the line for a try. It was about this time that both of John Roberts’ boots split across the sole. Running clown like around the pitch John was soon substituted until he could find a pair of boots that fit. 

John Kitchiner was next to score before what was probably the Extras’ best try of the match. Terry Nelson made a break down the pitch with Ray Nix in support. Terry slipped the ball to Ray who in turn gave a pass out to John Kitchiner who completed the move by passing to Gareth Williams who ran through for a try.  

Flankers Ray Nix and Jamie Dix where all over the park, first to breakdowns and stopping the little ball possession that Milton Keynes had turning into potential attacking moves. The Ampthill forwards dominated the scrums, rucks and mauls with Milton Keynes having no answer to big Tim Lane and co on the march. 

 The second half saw a further two tries for the Extras. John Roberts scored a try after a run and a well set lay off by David Backhouse enabled John Kitchiner to edge close to the line. The markings were for the most part washed away and John Roberts, on his third pair of boots, capitalised when Kitch grounded the ball short of the line. 

Scrum half Gareth Williams scored a cheeky try from the back of a scrum after successfully dummying his opposite numbers and cutting inside to score. 

Although Milton Keynes scored two second half tries they never really looked a threat in the second half. Ian Browning scored three conversions and Rob Hill one to make Ampthill’s final tally thirty three points.  

Tries:          David Backhouse, John Kitchiner, Gareth Williams (2), John Roberts

Cons:          Ian Browning (3), Rob Hill