THURSDAY DECEMBER 21 - A monumental team
performance guided Daventry to their
third league win of the season against a
side that less than a month ago crushed
them by 40 points.
Daventry dominated the early exchanges
with some strong defence work which
disrupted Ampthill's fluency. The
pressure applied by the likes of
scrum-half Terry Cooper prevented
Ampthill from stamping their usual
authority on
the game.
Against the run of play, the visitors
took the lead when they strung together
the moves which allowed the winger to
cross in the corner unopposed.
Daventry hit back straight away when a
kick from the outstanding Alex Rose was
allowed to bounce. But just as Rose
seemed set to score, a desperate piece
of defence kept the Blacks
at bay.
Rose then slotted over a simple penalty
to bring the score back to 5-3. Ampthill
responded well with a well-constructed
push over try, taking them into a
nine-point lead.
From then on the Daventry pack grabbed
control of the game, winning not only
their own set pieces but Ampthill's as
well and dominating the battle at the
break with Steven Rolt and Martin Kerr
putting in strong performances.
They were given their just rewards when
Rolt crossed for a push-over try after
precise play.
After half-time last week's hat-trick
hero Michael Hewitt put his name on the
score sheet after Ampthill made a mess
of Rose's crossfield kick, taking
Daventry into a one-point lead.
Despite Ampthill piling on the pressure,
the intensity and discipline shown in
defence from the Blacks was magnificent
with Anthony Baker an unsung hero.
A further penalty from Rose
gave Daventry a four-point cushion and
despite an onslaught from Ampthill in
the last 10 minutes, the Blacks survived
to gain what could be a season- defining
victory.
On Saturday Daventry face another tough
game at home to Banbury.
Daventry Seconds are joint top of the
league after a decisive 22-5 win over
Ampthill Seconds. P Hockham cut through
the centres for a score which was
converted by R Mansell. With five
minutes left of the half, Daventry ran
in two great tries, with good handling
by R Mansell and R Haynes scoring in
opposite corners, giving Daventry a lead
of 17-0 at the interval.
In the second-half, Daventry put the
ball wide to find B Carter, who scored
in the corner. Towards the end Ampthill
scored through a well-worked move but
the game ended 22-5.
Daventry Thirds suffered a heavy 65-5
defeat against Ampthill after holding
off the onslaught in the early stages.
The full article contains 446 words and
appears in n/a newspaper.
