THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16 - All Blacks came
up against by far the toughest side they
have played this season when they
travelled to Ampthill on Saturday.
Ampthill, relegated from the Midlands 2
this season, clearly retained a few
class players at this level.
The game did not begin well for the away
side, with a try resulting almost
immediately from the start after Trevor
Hewitt claimed the kick off well only to
be flattened by the Ampthill seconded
rower, a towering player who was
exceptional for Ampthill.
This led to turnover, a quick play of
the ball, some missed tackles from
Daventry, and the first score then
converted out wide.
Daventry were undeterred by this and
fired back straight away, opting to kick
for the corners and attack through
lineouts – a ploy which worked well.
This earnt Alex Rose a couple of shots
at goal, both uncharacteristically
missed.
Daventry kept attacking and prop Kevin
Willis charged over to make it 7-5.
Willis next involvement at the far end
however was an infringement, and was
punished with a penalty as he went from
hero to villain.
Daventry failed to fire on all cylinders
and missed tackles
uncharacteristically cropped up, giving
Ampthill space to run, adding a couple
more tries before half-time to go in at
25-5.
Daventry went back out unable to sway
the result, as the Ampthill scrum half
found holes to run through, and kept
Daventry moving backwards.
Daventry's frustrations were clear,
which saw the game deteriorate for a
20-minute period and also reduced
Daventry to 13 men at one point. The
game saw seven yellow cards and one red.
Ampthill notched up another 17 points in
the second half to take the score to
42-5.
On the positive side for the All Blacks
at no point did the side give in, and
even finished the last 10 minutes
stronger than Ampthill. Man of match
went to Stephen Rolt.
Daventry intend putting this game behind
them and hope Leicester Vipers receive
the backlash in the third round of the
National Cup on Saturday, where Daventry
will be home.
