Deepings RUFC 19 – 88 Biggleswade RUFC

Saturday 18/01/14

Deepings re-grouped after the Stockwood Park game and decided as a squad that they needed to put more focus into game plans during Mid-Week training. All agreed that this was required and good session were had and the lads benefited from it. My thanks go out to Dan Hainsworth for his help with this.

The high quality quick draining Sandy Loam soil of the second team pitch made sure that the Biggleswade fixture could go ahead. The recent Lincolnshire monsoon weather had meant that the first team pitch was out of action.

It was clear that Biggleswade had come to Linchfield Road for an easy win, the Deeping Boys had to prove to themselves that they could entertain the League leaders with a game of rugby that included the competitive edge that was missing from the week before.

Deeping were focused on the game and knew what needed to be done. The whistle went & the game was underway, Deeping were urged on by a huge home crowd who acted like an extra man on the field for the home team. The first 10 minute period was a forward orientated battle, this matched the conditions perfectly, good defence was seen from both sides as the ball was tucked up the jumper and wrestled for between the 2 big burly packs. Biggleswade eventually managed to end the stand-off up front and shipped the ball out to their eagerly awaiting back line. The ball eventually reached the wing and Biggleswade were over for their first score.

Deeping heads did not drop, they knew they were competing and wanted to get back into the game. From the re-start Deeping camped in the opposition half eventually the pressure they put on the defence paid off and they were rewarded for their efforts with a penalty. Fly Half Nick Dobie delicately chipped the ball into touch 10 yards from the Biggleswade line. Deeping went about their business with their new line out set up, Veteran Paul Rogers jumped like a salmon to take the ball and the Deepings pack went on a rumble, some good power driving meant that the try line was getting closer at every step, Team Captain, Gareth 'Chuzzlewit' Silverwood, took the ball on from the back of the maul with an extremely powerful run and pirouetted ballerina style to claim Deepings first points of the match, Dobie converted the extras.

Biggleswade came back at Deeping in a ferocious display of attack but Deepings defence was sound. Eventually the visitors backs punched holes through the Deepings back line and they scored 2 more tries.
Deeping were shipping the ball well, Scrum Half Dave Gauchi & Dobie were commanding the game and giving David Buchan the big Deeping Centre decent ball to attack with. Big Buchan was taking the ball into contact well making some strong yardage which the forwards were playing off, Andy “Jock” Meikle, James Rose-Clark & Rogers all taking the ball on with pace.

At the break Deeping knew they competing against the league leaders the passion & aggression were there and all agreed that there was another gear to step up into.

The second half began as the first had ended. Deeping showing that they wanted more and the crowd were encouraging them all the way. Biggleswade changed their game plan and started to use their gigantic Tualagiesque centre to take the ball on. The big unit was punching holes within the Deeping back line and to his credit he started a flurry of tries for the visitors.

Deepings changed their restart line up and they eventually counter acted the beast in mid-field. Deeping turned the pressure on through Rogers catching Dobie’s restart and trundled down the paddock. The Deeping pack smashing the ball up to the 10 yard line. Scrum Half Gauchi was reading the game well and could see that Daniel 'McCaw' Hainsworth & Chuzzlewit were waiting eagerly outside him to cause havoc in the red zone. Gauchi shipped a lovely pass to McCaw who using his magic hands popped the ball up to a speeding Chuzzlewit who cutting an exceptional line powered through three Biggleswade defenders knocking them over like skittles to score his second try of the game. Dobie popped the ball between the uprights for the extras.

The game carried on with Deeping defending with great effort. Peacock showing that he is suited to a role in the back row, Peacock was putting in some big hits and was all over the field causing disruption to the visitors plans. Unfortunately Peacock suffered an injury at the 60 minute mark which took him off the field.

Biggleswades backs turned on the skills in the last 20 minute period scoring some well worked tries. Deeping had not given up though. Again the hosts found themselves on the visitors try line and a quick thinking Gauchi took advantage of a quick penalty tap and went over in the corner for a well-deserved try.

Man of the match went to Paul Rogers, 52, for an outstanding performance.

Plenty of positives from this match for the Deeping club and these will definitely be put into next week’s away game against Brackley.

Our thanks go out to the supporters who cheered us on throughout the game & we wish Alan Buchan well on his move up North, he will be dearly missed by all.