The Bandits came into the match second in the league, just one point behind Redingensians V, but with a better points difference. The Bandits aim was clear from the start as they kicked off the game, their desire was to win.
Aldermaston were at Red Lane to win, with such rivalry between the clubs every player was playing for the pride and honour of their clubs.
The Bandits took control of the game from the start, moving up the pitch and securing an early scrum which they won and went forward towards the try line. However a strong defence by Aldermaston kept Tadley at bay for 8 minutes until Paul Johnson broke through the defence to score, with Wilkins converting. The Bandits went forward again from the restart and pilled the pressure onto the visitors, the forwards were dominating the scrums and pushing Aldermaston backwards. Another break forward allowed the play to open up and Bandits Hooker Graham Pike burst his way several Aldermaston players to go over the try line to celebrate his first try of the season.
Aldermaston were soon grateful from a wayward Wilkins pass that put the visitors into a great position with their Winger flying down the touchline to score behind the posts and adding the conversion.
The Bandits regrouped and continued to drive forward for the remainder of the first half with veteran Winger Simon Ansell scoring a try and increasing his try total for the season. In form Flanker Connor Diment who was breaking through, creating opportunities and making sure his name was also on the score sheet with a brilliant try. Graham Pike is also believed to have scored The Bandits final try before halftime, with eyewitnesses on and off the field seeing the Hooker score his second. But after the game the number 2 has he was sure he only scored the one! Either way the half time result was 29 - 7.
Bandits Skipper Steve Edney made a few substitutions at half time including the return the of 18 year old wing sensation Sean who hadent played for four months. With Bandits Centre James Moffat smashing through the Aldermaston backs, creating space and popping a well timed pass to Sean on the halfway line there was still a lot to do. But the quality Winger stepped up the pace and got over the try line and then ran to under the posts to touchdown for his try, a welcome return for the Bandit Wing position.
Aldermaston also made a substitution to bring on experienced Prop Tim 'the Pig Framer' to bolster their scrum. The change helped the visitors and they made an opportunity to go forward and break down Tadley as they went over to score their second try in front of the posts. Aldermaston number 9 Andy Wisden placed the ball in front of the posts, but his recent run of form evaporated at his kick failed to go over.
The second half continued to see Tadley run large passages of play, with flair, focus and determination to win. The Bandits backs were enjoying themselves running from their own twenty two and taking the game on very positively. Gareth Redding added the final try of the game for The Bandits with the final score 41 v 12 and Graham Pike being named the Bandit of the match.
The final run in for the Merit league will be a very close call with The Mighty Tadley Bandits just one point off top spot but with a superior points difference. Promotion is within touching distance for the Red Lane 3rd team who are enjoying their rugby, enabled by a very strong squad of talented players who make themselves available to play every week of the season. |
