NEWBOLD VETS 21 V COV TECH 28
With the scheduled league match against Shipston cancelled, Bold Vets were forced at the last minute to enter the fixtures pool in an attempt to find alternative opposition. The options were very limited resulting in agreement to play Cov Tech’s first team squad who play in a league which is equivalent to 5 levels above the Parkfield Road old boys.
Undeterred, the home side took to the field in confident mood and kept the younger and fitter opposition at bay for the first 20 minutes or so repelling wave after wave of attacks. Inevitably a score had to come, manufactured by the visitors’ hard running centre. Bold hit back almost immediately following a break off the back of a scrum. Captain Snowman made the hard yards and released James in the centre who won the sprint to the line to equal the scores. Despite further constant pressure from Cov Tech, the visitors were only able to add one additional converted score before the break..half time Newbold 7..Cov Tech 14.
The Coventry side continued their momentum after the break and posted an early score to extend their lead. This seemed to rejuvenate the Bold players who dug deep within their energy reserves to stage a spirited fightback. After some great phases of play and impressive pick up and drives from the home pack, hooker Ade Wall barrelled his way over. James added his second shortly afterwards to bring the scores level at 21.21.
With 5 minutes to go the home side sensed an unlikely victory and continued to apply the pressure. However, it was Cov Tech who broke the deadlock, breaking out from their own half and scoring the final try of the game in the closing moments. An appeal for a blatant knock on was turned down leaving Bold frustrated with a game they could have won. The home side can take immense pride and satisfaction with the way in which they competed throughout against opposition who regularily play at a much higher level. A break for the Vets this week for the Vice Presidents lunch will give them a chance to recover in time for a busy league schedule extending right through to the end of the year.
