After a bright start by the Bucks the visitors narrowly missed a penalty before some shocking home defence allowed them to take the lead on 8 minutes.
On 17 minutes The Bucks crossed for their first try. Continuity was to be sadly lacking for most of the game but when it came West looked good. They were able to string 3 phases of play together with good driving play by the forwards before the backs used the quick ball to move it through the hands to release winger Craig Adams. The big winger still had work to do but he beat 2 defenders with aplomb to cruise over. Full Back Luke Mallinson converted (7 – 5).
Right on Half Time Mallinson converted a penalty. (10 – 5).
A telling off during the break failed to bring any discernible improvement in play. Bishops were able to take the lead when they converted a penalty and then on 15 minutes got a, very well worked, converted try (10 – 15).
Now, at last, the Bucks were stung into action and good pressure from the kick off after the try resulted in a penalty which Mallinson converted. (13 – 15).
They were able to score next when they ran it out of their own 22 and flying youngster Matty Tyers was set free. He took it deep into the Bishops 22 before offloading to Michael Foster. The big winger carried the ball and 2 defenders over the line but could not ground it.
However from the resultant 5m scrum youngster Danny Cookland at 8 was able to pick up and drive over. Mallinson converted. (20 – 15).
Bishops responded with a penalty (20 – 18).
Fly half Brendan Baggs took one for the team at this point and was yellow carded as he prevented Bishops from scoring a try.
With 15 minutes left veteran Antony Cameron came on at No8 and West started to exert some control on the game and as the clock ran down West were awarded 3 penalties 2 of which Mallinson converted for a final score to the Bucks of 26 – 18.
The sides injury jinx continued as one of the sides stalwarts, skipper Pete Considine, suffered a broken shoulder.
The Bucks are in the fortunate position of still not playing very well but winning, a good habit to have.
They must learn the ball is too valuable to kick away or pass in 50:50 situations and the structure to their game is only visible in patches.
Bishops had a much older pack who played well as a Unit and were a bit cuter in certain aspects of the game which the young Bucks have to learn to deal with. Some players switched on when we had the ball but you have to stay switched on when the opposition have it too.
Next week is a break from league action as the Bucks travel to Gateshead to take on the host clubs 3rd Team
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