City 1st XV Miss Golden Opportunity at Aylesbury

Although Milton Keynes had the opportunity to win this match it wasn’t to be on the day. There were a number of try scoring opportunities that should have been converted into points but City failed to do so.
Within 3 minutes of the start of the game Aylesbury were 7 points in front. They used their big forwards well at the base of rucks forcing their way towards the MK line and this eventually resulted in a try and a conversion.

Immediately from the restart MK gained possession and with a smooth passage of play it is passed to Kieran McConnell who forces his way over the line. Within 7 minutes the score was 7 -7.

With 20 minutes gone Aylesbury were awarded a penalty which was successfully converted. This was against the run of play with MK having a high degree of possession but not taking advantage of the opportunities. Their finest chance was with 10 of the first half to go. The ball was moved down the line with the final pass not going to the hands of Andy Champs on the wing who would otherwise have had a clear scoring opportunity.

With just a few minutes of the first half to go Aylesbury again made use of their big forwards. Following a ruck on the MK 22 metres line the ball ended in the hands of their winger who scored in the corner. At half time the score was 15 – 7 but MK knew that there would be more chances in the second half.

Early in the second half City won an Aylesbury lineout on the halfway line. With a good interchange of play Dan Walker dived over the line to score. The conversion was missed but MK were back in the game with 30 minutes to go.

Five minutes on and MK had a lapse of concentration. With some poor tackling Aylesbury were awarded a soft try in the corner making the final score 20 – 12. There were a couple of golden opportunities for MK to score before full time, but bad passes and turn overs from Aylesbury meant City were denied remaining top of the league.

This was a game that MK should have won. They are now third in the league and to win promotion they will need to make greater use of the opportunities close to the opponents try line.