A ‘Spooky’ Halloween Performance From Broadstreet Colts!

Broadstreet RFC U19 20 Nuneaton RFC U19 27 

Once again ‘Street Colts surrendered a healthy (20 – 10) lead to lose 20 – 27 at home to Nuneaton RFC U19s. The ball possession and territorial advantage enjoyed by the ‘Street lads should have ensured a comfortable win but indecisive second half performances by key players saw ball aimlessly kicked away and opportunities squandered.

‘Street’s first half performance was, as usual, impressive, with a display of good team play bringing 10 points in the first 10 minutes through a Dan Staunton try and a penalty and conversion from fly half, Jack Howland.

Nuneaton RFC reduced the deficit at the end of the quarter, with an unconverted try made by ‘Street’s poor tackling. Another Howland penalty took ‘Street 13 – 5 ahead after 23 minutes before a missed touch kick 3 minutes later allowed Nuns to get a foothold in the home 22 and good phase play saw them eventually break the ‘Street defence for a try out wide. The kick failed. ‘Street 13 Nuneaton 10

Dan Staunton, who caused Nuneaton trouble all game with his powerful running, struck again on 31 minutes after turn over ball on half way. Full back Robbie Holmes made good ground handed on to winger Richard Smith who took play to inside the Nuns 22 where an inside pass to Staunton gave him one man to beat. Howland converted to push the lead to 20 – 10.

Three minutes into stoppage time Nun’s rare visits to ‘Street’s 22 came courtesy of another wayward kick which was returned to ‘Street’s 5 metre line. Nuneaton hustled possession and drove over for an unconverted try.

Half Time: Broadstreet RFC 20 Nuneaton RFC 15

Silly penalties by ‘Street  gave Nuneaton a fair share of their second half possession, as ‘Street kept the ball and play in the opposition half, however, yet another poor kick followed by obstruction on a chasing player allowed Nuns to kick play to within 10 metres of ‘Streets line. Nuns pack did the rest taking the score to all square at 20 – 20, after 13 minutes.

Four minutes later a further aimless kick and another penalty gave Nuneaton a penalty lineout, 5 metres out. Good initial defence held Nuns up but from the ensuing scrum the number 8 picked up and dived over. The try was converted with a fine kick from wide out to give Nuneaton the lead for the first time.

Despite pounding the visitors line for the remaining 18 minutes, penalties and poor decisions by ‘Street players and desperate defence by Nuns gave them the win.

‘Street can only blame themselves!

Full Time: Broadstreet RFC U19 20 Nuneaton RFC U19 27

Squad: Robbie Holmes, Richard Smith, Michael Waine, Sam Vagg, Adam Tyrrell, Jack Howland, Marc Brittain, Ben Dalton, Tom Ainsley, Dan Falchini, Alex Beddoes, Dan Staunton, Jamie Walton, Sam Cullinane, Liam Hill, Scott McOwat, Dan Simmons, Phil Pennington