Tough test in the final friendly before life begins once again in Southern Counties North

Milton Keynes 1XV travelled away to Northampton Old Scouts, in what was going to prove to be a tough test in their final friendly before life begins once again in Southern Counties North. It was a physical game with Milton Keynes taking the lead 10 after minutes with some slick handling from the backs that saw new signing Ollie Fountain, an MK Wolves convert, run the ball in from half way to score under the posts, converted by Captain Phil Powell to put MK up 7-0.

Old Scouts came back strong and after some dogged defending from MK in their own 22 the line was finally broken and converted to put the scores level 7-7. That seem to put Old Scouts on the front foot and they would score another try before half time to put the score at 14-7 going into the break. The second half was much of the same with City probing well when they had possession but not clinical enough to get the score they needed. The next score would come from Old Scouts, again converted. After 58 minutes a great counter attack from Fountain again created space for Rob Mathews to score City’s second try of the game converted by Powell. Old scouts replied quickly with an unconverted try of their own. The last 10 minutes of the game was all City with some good attacking rugby but the score finshed 26-14 to Old Scouts.

There are elements for the City boys to work on but some real positives from the game. The team had a number of retiree’s at the end of last season and this season is about blooding some of the youngsters and changing the way they play the game. After falling short in the final 2 games of last season and being genuinely unlucky the season before with an RFU ruling, the club have finished 3rd in the league and missed out on promotion two seasons in a row. Pre-season has been intense and featured sessions from former MK player Corey Hircock who now play’s his trade in the championship with Bedford Blues.

The new look side is young, confident and improving every week and the addition of two derby games against Bletchley make this season an exciting prospect, A sentiment echoed by Phil Powell who has taken on a player/coach role at Emerson Valley. Powell said ‘We have had a very successful preseason with some of the young players stepping up and competing for positions. Every player within the three senior squads is looking to push each other for places; it’s a good atmosphere to be in’.

Off the pitch the club is looking strong with changes to the committee and new leadership, which has done some great work at stabilising the club financially following the move to Emerson Valley and last year’s reports of financial trouble in the local media. A huge rise in the number of mini’s and juniors that feature there on a Sunday morning is evidence of the clubs growing popularity with over 300 young players ranging from Super 6’s to U17’s and with the Rugby World Cup coming to Milton Keynes in 2015 the club feel it’s vital to be engaging with youngsters and ensure a lasting legacy for rugby in Milton Keynes. New Co-Chairman Gary Spinks spoke about the future saying ‘the outlook is very bright and we are looking to achieve the full potential that our new facility affords us. This season is pivotal in our rugby development, and we look forward to seeing our young side step up to the challenge’

Milton Keynes start their season away to local rivals Bletchley on 14th September, 3pm kick off. They are still looking for new players both competitive and social, to feature across all teams. Sunday 10 am for M&J’s, the seniors train on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7pm. They welcome all support from avid rugby fans, or those that just like to see men in short shorts.

MKRUFC Club Captain
David Brown