Milton Keynes Undone by an outstanding Buckingham team

Buckingham 54 Milton Keynes 26

Milton Keynes learnt a lesson in rugby on Saturday afternoon. Buckingham were the better side on the day and deserved a comprehensive victory.

In City’s defence their minds may well have not been fully focussed on the game with the sad passing of their President, John Silk, just 6 days before.

The players held a one minutes silence before the game and Buckingham respectfully had their flag at half mast.

The match started badly for Milton Keynes when following a kick to the home team their right wing ran through the middle to score a try under the posts with the game being less than two minutes old. Within minutes Milton Keynes were back in touch with Ash Target making a break with a slick pass to Dan Pearson who spectacularly scored close the corner flag.

Phil Powell missed the conversion but was successful ten minutes later which put MK in the lead with 8 points.

This was to be their last experience of leading in the match.
Buckingham soon had a penalty awarded for foul play. Following the lineout their forwards mauled well and scored from the back of the pack. With the conversion Buckingham were back in the lead and in control of the game.

City were back on the score sheet within 5 minutes with Rob Matthews kicking the ball long into the Buckingham half. The ball bounced nicely for him and he was able to dive over for a try. Buckingham were now just a point ahead.

Immediately Buckingham were back on the attack following the kick off. With a couple of missed tackles City allowed their centre to break through and score under the posts. With 10 minutes to go in the first half Buckingham were 26 – 13 in the lead but there were more tries to come. The half finished 33 – 13.

City started the second half brightly with a drop goal from Phil Powerll 1 minute after kick off, this was followed 4 minutes later by a great try from Scott Aspinall with a well worked backs run and good attacking run, Milton Ashley Hill was to score MKs last points following a great mauling try for the visitors at the 55 minute.

Unfortunately there was further slack defending soon after, allowing Buckingham centres and the wings to score with relative ease. City didn't score again and by this time they were always going to be second place in the game. Even with the last move of the game Buckingham added an additional try.

The loss moves City down to fourth position in the league with Buckingham taking third place. There is a home game against Drifters next Saturday, which on paper should be a comfortable victory to help put City back in touch with the leaders.