2’s miss out in the the last …

Field playing at home were to kick off to Basingstoke Dragons who failed to secure the ball and gave the early momentum to the hosts. After a few phases of play the ball was taken to the 5 metre line near the Bas try line where they simply let Groves take the ball from the breakdown unopposed to dab down. Converted by Mathews.

The structured play used last week in the Field team was not so evident today and knock on’s and unsupported forward momentum was stifled or often turned over. Bas not immune from similar errors themselves nonetheless had a sustained period of play in the Field half and whilst they were repelled on numerous occasions by strong tackling eventually the visitors broke through to get themselves on the score board. A similar pattern continued with Field failing to string together a series of phases or fluent back moves, an errant attempted drop goal from the half way line indicative of the same, and Bas were to score again and convert before the half time whistle to lead 12 -7.

Field were to gather some composure and defensive pressure forced the Bas centre to kick only to be charged down by Powell who then made the yards to put Field into the lead again. Injuries were taking their toll and the unfamiliar Field line up were to cough up another error and succumb to ensuing pressure from Bas whose number 13 forced his way over the line by the posts and enabling the easiest of extras. Field had a number of opportunities and one such move across the pitch from a line-out taken off the top narrowly failed to reach the other winger failing on the last pass. Bas were now growing in confidence despite not having most of the possession but with ten minutes left Field managed to regain some structure; a sensible decision to go for a line out close to the opposition try line from a penalty enabled Field to show the dominance they had shown in the scrum with the forwards working the ball well. A series of pick and go's and a final pass from Devlin to the oncoming Groves enabled him to put Field back on equal terms 19 points a piece.

With just 4 minutes left on the clock Field failed to secure the ball from the kick off and were on the back foot. Stoic defence saw them stop a few attempts and with just 2 minutes to go the injured Powell ( for Field ) was stretchered off the park and left Bas with a scrum 5 metres out. The 8 was held up and the first wave of attack contained but eventually Bas were to get the nod for an attempt at the line that the home side felt fell short. Final score Bas 26 - Field 19.

A competitive game of rugby that had it’s moments and credit to Bas who did what Field had done to Fawley a few weeks earlier by winning at the death. Field have just 3 games left in the league and will want to finish strongly but need a bit more cohesion to meet that ambition.