Match Report

Northampton 20-24 Nottingham II 

02/06/07 (Courtesy of Northampton Casuals)

In the first ever inter-league match between member clubs of the London League and Midlands Merit League, a hot summer’s day saw Northampton Casuals RL fall to a tough Nottingham Academy team this Sunday, losing 20 to 24. A constantly increasing interest level gave Northampton a squad of 23 players to try to fit into today’s game.

A terrible start saw Northampton give up a penalty on the opening kickoff, and Nottingham quickly took advantage to score in the second minute of the game. Having conceded an early try the previous week, Northampton realised they must work on how they open a game. However, Northampton were quick to hit back. Captain Mick Bryant, last week’s hat trick hero, scored a try and Fowler’s conversion brought the scores level at six all. Hooker Dave Schindler burrowed over to give Northampton a short lived lead, but they were unable to maintain possession, and foolish play saw them frequently turn over the ball. The experienced Nottingham team took full advantage of the extra possession to level the scores, and then go ahead 16-10. Northampton were then deflated as captain Mick Bryant was sin-binned for kicking out in the tackle, but Nottingham were unable to take advantage, and Fowler burrowed over from acting half to help Northampton go into halftime 14-16 down.

A strong opening to the second half had Northampton put in a deep kick, and a great chase by winger Sam Howells forced an error that centre Rob Matthews pounced on to score a try, and Northampton were up 16-20. The game was then to turn on the sending off of last weeks hat-trick hero, Northampton captain Mick Bryant, for again kicking out in the tackle. Without their leader, Northampton lost organisation, and a 72nd minute try and injury time penalty saw Nottingham run out winners, by 24 points to 20.

Northampton showed great levels of effort and determination, but a few too many forced passes early in the tackle count, allied with playing 45 minutes with 12 men, drained their energy levels. Those forced passes meant Northampton completed only 13 of their 33 sets of possession, including failing to complete their last six sets. However, the effort level was very good and with time and experience, Northampton will improve rapidly. The opportunity to have a look at a lot of different players may have hurt their continuity, but bodes well for the future. Man of the match award went to winger Sam Howells, a constant threat on attack and with his kick chase and covering defence.