3 wins on the trot & getting better

January 25th 2014
Midlands 2 East North

Ben Barkham bags 3 in this magnificent bonus point win, a try for captain Gerard McKnight, and Chris Brelsford puts over 4 conversions and a penalty!!!!!!!!
Casuals once again showed improving form as they defeated bottom of the table, Melton Mowbray, scoring 4 converted tries and a penalty, to Melton's 2 tries,avenging the defeat suffered earlier in the season.

Not even the pouring rain, hail and an enforced break because of the danger of lightening could "dampen" Casuals resurgence.

The 2 sides produced an entertaining game despite the atrocious conditions, the murk making it very difficult to see.
Casuals forwards are playing more as a unit, and their self-belief that they can outplay opposition packs in the loose showed during the afternoon, when their driving play, based on close support, proved to be the difference.
The lineout was more polished, despite the very slippy ball, the throw ins were accurate, guaranteeing good possession throughout.

Casuals had the wind in their faces during the first half, and the opening stages had them back in their own half, but they gradually worked their way upfield, with the forwards leading the way. They were rewarded with a penalty, which Chris Brelsford duly converted
25 minutes in, as the weather rapidly started to change, and the hail arrived accompanied by the thunder and lightening, Melton took play up to Casuals 5 metre line, where they were awarded a scrum. Casuals were driven back and as a result the referee ran between the posts to punish Casuals with a penalty try, which was converted.

At this point, play was halted as everyone sought the sanctuary of the clubhouse, with lightening flashing all round the ground.

On the resumption of play, Casuals went back on the attack, not fazed by the earlier setback.
Once again the forwards drove Melton back to their line, and from an ensuing maul, Barkham picked up, and darted over. Brelsford added the kick.

Barkham added another try early in the second half, again the forwards doing the damage, and driving the Casuals scrum half over the line. Brelsford again converted.

Not longer after, Barkham was temporarily forced to leave the pitch, after a knock, and of all people, James Kittow moved from hooker to take over at scrum half. This made no difference to Casuals play, and Kittow kept backs on the move. Once again the forwards showed their willingness to graft, and concerted driving mauls kept them consistently in Melton’s half. Gerard McKnight was duly rewarded for his dogged play, when he went over for the third try. Brelsford again converted.

Casuals consistently managed to stifle any Melton attacks, the tackling becoming so telling, that any move was repulsed, and at times Melton had to give ground in the face of the barrage of tackles, none more telling than when the Melton scrum was caught in possession, and he was driven back about 20 metres.
Casuals gained a try bonus point when Barkham completed his hat trick, once again the forwards driving a maul up to the Melton try line, and Brelsford capped the performance with his fourth conversion.
Considering Brelly is not a recognised kicker, and considering the mush underfoot, the kicking at goal and line kicking were exemplary. Nothing fancy or risky, just got the job done.

Melton took advantage of a tiring Casuals, to score a converted try in the last few seconds of the game.

The win was made all the sweeter, with the number of changes Casuals were forced to make. 2nd row,Joe Barton started in the centre, a position he used to play in, a few years ago, and veteran Mark Hobson, 1st XV captain 25 years ago, played on the wing.

It was a great team performance, seemingly not missing the absentees, and what a debut for Gerard McKnight as captain for the day, leading by example.
If Casuals continue to produce teamwork like that, they should be able to compete with most teams in the league.
No selfishness, good support work, and the Stamford game.
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