If you fail to respect the game it'll bite you on the backside....

The Milton Keynes march to promotion took a stumble on Saturday with an unexpected loss to lowly Wallingford, who had just won one game throughout the season. The home team proved to be more determined of the sides which was enough for them to win the game.

Wallingford started the better of the two sides and had early control of the ball. By midway through the first half City had given away a number of penalties which didn't help their cause. With 20 minutes gone the visitors gave away a further penalty and with some back chat, the referee marched a further 10 metres forward. Wallingford took advantage of City's disarray and took a quick penalty resulting in the first try of the day. With the conversion missed Wallingford were 5 points ahead and looking the better side.

With the City's pack struggling in the scrums the home side was able to cross the City line 10 minutes later. A text book pushover try allowed their number 8 one of his easiest tries of the season. With the successful conversion Wallingford were 12 - 0 up and looking comfortable.

With some 5 minutes of the first half remaining a further score was added through a converted penalty to Wallingford.

City finally put a score on the board with a good run down the wing by fullback Ollie Fountain to make the half time score 15 - 5.

The second half looked more promising with Phil Powell making a characteristic break down the middle. Ash Target was on his shoulder and took the ball the final 30 metres to score under the posts. With the conversion the visitors were now just 3 points behind.

The visitors situation wasn't helped by a referee who was unhappy with some of the Milton Keynes play. Phil Powell questioned his decisions once too often and ended up in the sin bin for 10 minutes. Despite this City played a more aggressive game for the final 20 minutes. Wallingford managed a further penalty putting them just 6 points ahead. City knew that a converted try would give them a win by just a single point.

There was some good play down the centre of the field by City's Jamie Traveno and with the support of his colleagues City spent the last 10 minutes of the match camped in the Wallingford 22 metres. Lasbrey and Target made good penetrating runs. Despite this they were unable to gain the converted try that was needed with final passes going astray.

With just a minute to go a lose pass gave Wallingford the opportunity for an interception and a dash down the pitch for an easy score and conversion to complete the match.

City will be disappointed with the performance and drop from top of the table to third with both Bletchley and Aylesbury winning their games.

Milton Keynes have a home game on Saturday. They play High Wycombe in the semi-final of the Bucks Cup. This will need to be a better performance if the excellent season is to return to winning ways.