29th
October 2005
Northampton Heathens 39 - Ampthill Extras 17
The Extras away form in the league showed no signs of improving after they suffered another heavy defeat, this time at the hands of Northampton Heathens. The Extras defence was broken three times in the first half. First up tackles were missed and the Heathen’s backs had the run around of the park. Although performing well in the scrums Ampthill’s pack were second best at the rucks and mauls.
Heathens scored first, a few minutes into the game and at the time against the run of play. A further two tries would come Heathens way in the first half to Ampthill’s one. The try for the Extras was a good effort that started with Chris Denton charging forward before the ball passed through the hands of rest of the back row, Tom Read and Liam Duffin, and then to centre Jurrien Heynen to set up fellow centre Steve Marsden for the try.
Soon after Steve Marsden suffered a back injury, sole substitute Darren Oatley excited at the prospect of coming on as a centre was a little disappointed after re-shuffling the pack meant he assumed his usual position of prop.
At half time the Extras were by no means out of the game but knew they would have to improve their own performance if they were to get anything from this game.
In the second half the Extras did have their moments and for much of it looked as if they could get back into. Unfortunately sustained pressure on the Heathens would more often end up with a breakaway try for the home side than it would any points for the Extras.
There were two consolation tries for the Extras, John Roberts scored after a great run down the wing by Ian Browning. The Scouser’s score was remarkable given his display of retching prior to the match; a result of overindulging on the Friday night. Tom Read also got on the score sheet after he broke through to score.
For their part Heathens played well and did not look like a team that had suffered heavy defeats in previous league matches. There was admiration for Heathens’ veteran prop Martin who played his first match in 1953 and is still enjoying his rugby more than half a century later.
Forwards: Adam Wilson, Nick Day, Darren Oatley, Matt Taylor, John Roberts, Liam Duffin, Tom Read, Chris Denton
Backs: Ian Browning, Leigh Clark, Steve Marsden, Jurrien Heynen, Richard Mardle, Gareth Williams Chris Hopgood
Subs: , Michael Churchouse, Jurrien Heynen, James Chapman, Dave Peck
Cons: Tom Read