Bakewell 10 Nottingham Casuals 20

Midlands 2 East North

19th March 2016

Bakewell 10 Nottingham Casuals 20

Casuals first league win in 2016, secures vital points in relegation battle.

Casuals knew they had to secure the win in order to maintain their position just above the relegation zone, which they subsequently managed late on in the game. Bit jangly, but well done.

Hopefully, free of the nerves that their form has created, they can now kick on with the assurance that their place in the league is almost certain for next season.

Casuals did not bargain for the doggedness of Bakewell, who are certain of being relegated, but that did not stop them from putting up a battle, and making life very uncomfortable for Casuals.
The visitors had to call upon the services of ex-captain prop Richard Gill, as a sub, as many of the other front rowers were unavailable, as were a stack of back rowers. The backs were bolstered by the return of Ben Hallam at full back.
Ash Sunderland came in at loose head, despite travelling to Kent later. (that's being a clubman)
Bakewell were first to score in the opening moments of the game, putting over a simple penalty, but Casuals dominated most of the play thereafter.
It was their inability to build on the dominance that frustrated them as endless scoring opportunities eluded them.
Poorly timed and mis-directed passes prevented Casuals from building a massive half time lead, such was their superiority.
Even the sin binning of a Bakewell player gave Casuals no reward.
Steve Naylor was nearly over twice, but frustratingly rubbish passes were knocked on.
Mark Higgins eventually levelled the scores with a penalty seconds before 1/2 time.

The start of the second half was much more fruitful for Casuals.
Once again Casuals got themselves into a good field position, and when they won the ball from a scrum in midfield, speedster Brodie Howatson, went through a tiny gap for the try, which Higgins converted.
Bakewell unfortunately were then allowed straight back into the game, when a simple move down the middle saw their centre cut through some very pathetic defending to score under the posts, the goal followed to level the score at 10 apiece.
Again Casuals were frustrated as they ramped up the pressure, still unable to cross the line despite constant possession.
Hallam made a break, and his run took right through, but he was tackled tantalisingly close to the try line.
Eventually Higgins latched onto a pass, and he jinked through for the try, showing how simple it could be to score.
No 8 Liam Annable sealed the win, Higgins breaking through again, and Annable drove in for the final touch down.
Casuals were down to 14 men for the last few minutes, as the referee wrongly deemed Graeme Roberts had not retired 10 at a penalty, despite starting his run from 15 metres away, the ref did not agree, and Grizz stomped off, some fairly agricultural terms used to describe the decision.

Casuals are sorry to see Bakewell relegated, but they were not sorry to leave behind the facilities.
They have a very welcoming and sociable set up, however their changing facilities are not in the 21st Century. Despite all their best efforts and promises made to them, Bakewell have still been unable to secure a base, and instead have to use changing rooms, which are a substantial hike from the pitch, and visitors are forced to pay and display.

So, sorry for not staying after the game. Thanks for the pre-match feed, lovely.
Anyone care to donate them some welfare facilities, especially useful for the more elderly who come to watch

Anyone read the report in the Nottingham Post. Being edited is par for course, but missing out Higgin's first half penalty, that's unforgivable, is it not.