Calne’s new RAF flyer, Alan Milton, stole the show with a powerful all round performance, which was perfectly capped off with a brace of well-timed tries. However, the flattering scoreline does not do a determined and valiant Minety justice. Calne were always ahead during the encounter, but each time Calne looked on the verge of cutting loose, Minety’s pack would seize control and keep Calne in check.

The first score took it’s time coming. Both teams’ differing game plans make for a great spectacle of rugby. Minety’s tight powerful play was countered with Calne’s stylish and pace-based rugby. Ironically, it was Calne’s pack that claimed the first scalp. Workhorse, Simon Lathbury, had control of the ball as Calne mauled their way over Minety’s try line. The flanker was the recipient of all the ground made by Calne’s backs, who looked sharp from the offset.

Milton was next. Flyhalf, John Hope-Smith and inside center, Alan Henley put the flyer in to some space. Milton still had a way to go but his pace made the distance left look shorter than it was. Minety struck back with a well earned try to keep Calne in check. But Calne’s pack was able to respond in turn. Second row, Paul Grundy broke from the back of a ruck and sidestepped three players, before laying the ball off to openside, Damon Murphy. Murphy’s classy supporting line was spot on and he went in for the score, which was converted by scrum half, James Gladding.

Half time changes beefed up Minety’s pack even more, whilst Calne brought on exciting new talent, Seth Shardlow into the center’s. Minety restarted much the stronger, with two excellent trys. The first was out wide on the left, after a gap in Calne’s defence was ruthlessly exploited. The second was the result of more great forward play on the right. A quick ball off a maul, down the blindside was enough to get Minety the try, despite a crunching tackle from winger, Vince Treen.

With the momentum, possession and territory, shifting back in Minety’s favour, Calne were able to shift their game plan and play more on the break. Milton’s second try was perfectly timed, just as Calne’s heads started to drop and Minety’s tails went up, the center made something out of nothing. Milton picked up a loose pass from a teammate on Minety’s 22 meter line and ripped his way to the try line, past three players who, all in turn, looked to have made the try saving tackle.

Calne also had the last say. After having 20 minutes in the outside center channel, Shardlow was switched to the inside center role. Hope-Smith laid the ball off to Shardlow on Calne’s 22 meter line. The young Shardlow then shot off up the pitch in is youthful foppish, almost lazy, way only to be hauled down by some great covering defence. Out of nowhere right wing, Jason Wood, appeared, one of the few fast enough to keep up with Shardlow, to take the off load and the final score.

Final Score. Minety II 17 Calne II 32

BACK