High Wycombe 38 Milton Keynes 15

Milton Keynes travelled to High Wycombe for what they expected to be a tough encounter but hoping to build on last weeks win.

It didn't go to plan from the off as Wycombe used their strong front five to drive the MK pack which had been so dominate the week before back at every chance they could get. The first try came just 5 minutes in when a pick and go allowed Wycombe to touch down for a try. Converted 7-0

5 minutes later MK lost their skipper Ben Fisher to a knee injury which forced David Brown into the second row and saw Adrian Teckoe come into the back row.

Things didn't get any better for them in the first half when 2 more tries followed in quick succession. The second was a penalty try for repeat offences at the scrum and earned Rob Lasbrey 10 minutes in the bin much to the scrum half's frustration. 21-0 half time.

Wycombe also took the first points of the second half which saw them run an unconverted try into the corner before MK started to show what they could do with the ball. MK were awarded a penalty 15 metres out and a quick tap from Lasbrey who spread the ball along the line saw Andy Poole crash through the Wycombe defence for their first points of the day. 26-5

Wycombe answered by pinning MK back and forcing them into a 5 metre scrum which resulted in another push over try. This seemed to spark MK into life and they never gave up, even though as a contest the winner was already decided. They continued to play and were awarded another penalty which resulted in another tap and go as they attempted to run the ball at every opportunity this time it was Niall Mackenzies try which was just deserts for the amount of running he had put into the day. 33-10

There was still enough time for 2 scores as Wycombe came straight back with a deft chip over the top and their winger won the race to the corner. MK answered back wth another unconverted try for Lewis Barnett, cutting through the Wycombe midfield. 38-15

MK will be kicking themselves not because it was a game they should have won, but for the manner of the defeat. The fight and dogged determination in the second half should have resulted in at least a bonus point. To score 3 tries and push for the fourth only to drop the last ball or not pass it to hand was frustrating. Also the way in which they scored their tries suggested had they of tried to spread the ball and play , allowing their backs to take on the Wycombe backs, rather than play against the big pack they may have come away with something. A week off for MK now before they greet league leaders Marlow at the Valley on the 22nd.

Man of the Match : Andy Poole, along with centre partner Nathan Thomas there was some crunching hits. The man known to his club as "Choo Choo" fully deserved his try, as he fought for every inch of grass to try and get his team on the front foot.