Nottingham Casuals 24 Bakewell 48

Sat 12th Nov 2011
Midlands 2 East

Nottingham Casuals 24 Bakewell 48

Casuals were taught what the “ions” mean by Bakewell.
They are concentration, anticipation, possession and retention, but fortunately not humiliation.
Unfortunately Casuals now lie 2nd from bottom in the league, whilst Bakewell are 2nd spot.

Bakewell showed their intent as early as the 5th minute, when Casuals conceded a scrum 5m out, and their scrum half whipped through for the first try.
Mark Higgins kicked a penalty to open Casuals account, but a few minutes later Bakewell stretched their score to 14 points, when Casuals were penalised close to the line, and a quick tap by Bakewell set up the try.

However Casuals then put pressure on Bakewell, and despite a missed penalty, Casuals kept up the offensive.
When awarded another penalty, Casuals went for the corner, and with play just short of Bakewell’s line, Higgins went down the narrow side to squeeze in for the try, which he converted himself with an amazing kick.
Unfortunately Bakewell converted another penalty to keep a 7 point lead at half time.

This is where the retention of the ball and concentration became crucial.
Bakewell were first to score in the second half, despite Casuals stealing possession, Bakewell regained the ball somewhat bizarrely, and the ball was swiftly transferred to the winger who had a simple run in.
Casuals stemmed another attack deep into their 22, and forced the runner into touch, then contrived to lose their own ball at the front of the line, and Bakewell happily went over for yet another score.

They followed this up with a run from their own line when Casuals, on the attack, lost possession, and Bakewell were quick to scoop up the ball and add to their tally.

It looked as if Bakewell were going to run away with it, but Casuals forwards who had put in a huge effort during the game, kept Bakewell deep in their own half. A series of scrums and mauls kept Casuals going forward, and Ben Wells eventually claimed the touchdown when the Bakewell scrum was swiftly driven back over their own line.

Sadly Bakewell quickly responded and they went over soon after the restart from a ruck.

Casuals much to their credit showed they weren’t giving up, and Ben Hallam came through the middle in a well practiced move, getting to the line untouched. Higgins converted.

But then some loose play from Casuals was pounced on by Bakewell, and they added yet another try, to round of what must have been a satisfying afternoon for them.

Casuals showed they are capable of playing some good rugby, but they need to cut out the mistakes, and make sure they get their tackles in