Pump Technology sponsored Tadley Travelled away for their last game of 2007, buoyed by their last two back-to-back victories, however at the same time still realising they had a tough task to claim the hat trick.

Tadley welcomed ex-Bath professional Rob Murray to the side, although playing the no 8 slightly out of position at 2nd Row, allowing him to team up with Duncan Harris who returned from a months layoff. Otherwise Tadley travelled with an unchanged side from the previous fixture.

On a bitterly cold and windy day, Tadley never seemed to be at the races and were dominated in loose play by the strong Bletchley pack who throughout the game controlled the ball up front which enabled many of the sides points to come from the front 5.

Much to Tadley’s surprise the usual powerful Bletchley three quarters failed to fire this afternoon, however with the forwards scoring 24 points in the first half their was little need for this and with Tadley’s only reply came from the trusty boot of Raymond who slotted over a 3-point penalty, Bletchley controlled the first 40 minutes.

Tadley forwards, although struggling in loose play did however dominate the scrums and must surly look to build on this impressive scrummaging display into the 2nd half of the season, as well as the front 3 of Choules, Grierson and Lowe once again impressing, their was also an imposing debut from Murray.

With the visiting sides heads dropping early into the 2nd half after yet another try from a dubious referring decision, who obviously not solely to blame for all the tries didn’t help matters with questionable judgments, Tadley had to start playing or were going to find themselves on the end of one almighty thumping.

As per many Tadley displays, at times their play is a joy to watch and although lacking consistency can find themselves tearing teams apart in patches and even though they were well beaten by a classy Bletchley outfit did at times dominate the game.

Fine performances by Ed Smith and Craig in the backs and Summers and Nicholson in the forwards led to many an opportunity in the latter part of the game but it was Man of the Match Dave Seal who finished both the Tadley tries in similar fashion after forceful runs from deep to drag his team back to a score line with some credibility.

Despite loosing the game Tadley must build on the positives from this display and must now put their efforts in to the 2nd half of the season and secure South East 2 rugby for next season.

Pump Technology Man of the Match-Dave Seal

Tadley - Grierson (Collins 65mins), Choules, Lowe, Murray, Harris, Nicholson, Seal, Summers (Keeley 60mins), Bailey(C) Raymond, Craig (T.Smith 75mins) Pike,E Smith, Dennison, Dampies.