'Winning is the only result' was the call from Tadley Bandits. Skipper Steve Edney.
Readingensians came to Red Lane intent to protect their position of top of the table from their league rivals.
Stand off Chris Wilkins opened the scoring with a penalty 20m out to take a 3 point lead in the first 5 minutes. The battle in the forwards dominated much of the first half where scrums and line outs were evenly competed. Readingensians created a breakaway try to take the lead midway into the first 40 minutes, but failed to convert.
Tadley pressed forward with direct play and moved the ball through the hands of the backs. Scrumhalf Jamie was picking from the scrum and feeding through to Wilkins who ran the game for Tadley, creating intelligent interchanges of play with strategic kicking and making space to pass to Centres Tom and James to took the challenge to Readingensians. Matt Maskell was defending the left wing and creating counter attack chances, but Tadley couldn't penetrate Readingensians line. Fullback Mike Hill commanded the defence and attack ad he controlled the catch from numerous high balls from Readingensians and took the game forward, penetrating the defence as the Bandits moved up the field and into the 22. The pressure paid off as Readingensians conceded a penalty and Chris Wilkins stood up to challenge to put Tadley back into the lead at 6 -5. Veteran Winger John Armstrong put his body on the line and make a vital tackle on the cusp of halftime but had to be substituted by Neil Carter immediately after injuring his shoulder.
Edney reinforced the importance of this game to the team at halftime and demanded that the forwards step up to the challenge and control Readingensians at the scrum and line out.
Tadley started the second half committed, upping their game and started to dominate the scrum. Hooker Gary Tarling who had his first game after a 2 month absence from injury controlled the ball winning the scum against the head. Tight head Prop Milo was also back from a six weeks away as he with Edney, Tarling and the rest of the pack drove Readingensians backwards. Terry Barfoot steered the scum which allowed Flankers Mike and Connor to create space and open the attack once more, getting deep into Readingensians 22.
A couple of tactical substitutions introduced Dave Allen at Number 8 and Gavin went in to the position of right wing where he played a significant role to stamp out much of Readingensians attacking game.. With the Bandits forwards controlling the ball 2nd row Dave Bosher took the ball forward and was within yards of Readingensians line, but their defence was strong. All eight of the Bandits worked together building the pressure and the momentum paid off as Dave Allen went over the line from 3 metres out, nobody was going to stop the power of Allen from that position. However the extra 2 points weren't forthcoming bandits led 11-5
Readingensians came straight back and created a second try as they opened up the Bandits defence to closing the gap to take the game to 11-10.
The league leaders proved their credentials and stepped up their performance again showing why their clubs 100 year history has meant they consistently create winning teams. The Bandits dug deep tackling and supporting each other to hold off their biggest rivals.
The desire and true grit of all of the Tadley Bandits was fully evident and the team performance was formidable. With less than 10 minutes on the clock the game was on a knife edge.
However an offence was committed inside Tadley's 22 and Readingensians had the opportunity they worked so hard for. The ball was struck well and Readingensians took the lead 11 - 13. There was just 5 minutes of play left.
This was the crucial time when players show what they are made of. The whole season was now in the balance. The top of the table points would be effected by these final plays of the game. The pride of players who wanted to be winners were about to be tested.
The Bandits restarted and made great ground, with Gavin forcing the Readingensians defence into another error to give the Bandits a line out. 2nd row Ali controlled the lineout and caught the ball from Tarling to set up the backs to launch a final attack. There was now only 2 minutes on the clock.
Readingensians couldn't defend without giving away another penalty about 25 metres out. Was this the Bandits moment?
30 pairs of eyes were on Chris Wilkins as he set the ball up, stepped up and struck the ball to watch the flight as it sailed through the posts and put the Bandits back into the lead at 14 -13. The final minute was tense, but the Bandits held firm and saw out the final 60 seconds to secure the win.
It was a day for heros. All 19 of the Tadley Bandits who played were part of what was a fierce battle physical. A game where mental strength showed what winners are made of.
Chris Wilkins was voted Bandit of the Match, taking 10 seconds to down his pint shows Chris is a kicker not a drinker! |
