Unfortunately the game did not live up to the previous encounters this season. With player changes made due to injury and non availability, and some tactical reforming, changed the whole feel of the team. It has to be said the referee seemed to be against every move that the home side made, but this is no excuse for the way Milton Keynes failed to take the chances that come their way.

The first quarter was fairly even with Milton Keynes first on the score board, from a forwards drive, Kieran McConnell crossed the line, Nick Allen adding the 2 points, this was answered with a Wootton Bassett converted try from a Milton Keynes mistake.

Just before the end of the break when Milton Keynes seemed to be finding some sort of rhythm Wootten Bassett broke away and from a fine run by their left wing scored in the corner, the conversion missed and Milton Keynes went into the break for the first time this season without being ahead on points.

The second half started well for Milton Keynes and within 7 minutes the pack were on the rampage again and after several drives to the line Mike Lambert scored, this conversion missed and it was all square at 12 - 12.

It must be said that Wootton Bassett were a bit of a hand full in all areas, it took some good defensive tackles to keep them away from the home sides try line. On 20 minutes Wootton Bassett were awarded a penalty, just 2 metres into the Milton Keynes half, they decided to go for a long range penalty which was bad news for Milton Keynes as it sailed high and true through the posts. Time was running out for the home side to salvage something from this game, when the indecisive referee gave the visitors another penalty, this time an easier position, this was also slotted through and Milton Keynes were now 6 points down.

It seemed as if the game was lost with just minutes to go Mr reliable Dan Pearson took charge of the ball on the halfway line and set off on one of his runs, Pearson was just a metre away from scoring when he was half tackled and slipped on the wet field, he managed to get a pass into the following centre, but Wootton Bassett managed to get in front of the ball and smother tackle the player, the ball went lose and the ball was cleared to touch.

The end of the half whistle sounded and Milton Keynes lost their chance of staying in contention at the top of the league.

With all the results in, Milton Keynes have slipped to 5th place, but a win next week away at Grove could put them back at the top.

John Silk
Milton Keynes Rugby