| 1st XV Report - Sat 20th Sept 2008 v Mansfield |  |
 |
|
A Wellingborough ravaged by a lack of availability entertained Mansfield at Cut Throat Lane on Saturday and fielding an unfamiliar line-up, it was always going to be a stern test. Keen to put the poor performance of the previous week behind them, Boro came out in attacking mood and with their forwards taking the game to the visitors, they assumed the upper hand.
It looked almost like a return to "business as normal" as Boro's pack pushed Mansfield off the ball and quick hands down the back line created an opportunity for winger Dom Smart to cross for his first of the season. Having no recognised kicker in the side look set to cost Boro however, as the conversion and two penalties went astray and a lack of discipline from the back row allowed the visitors an opportunity which they didn't miss to get back into the game.
Sensing that there was little to be gained up front, Mansfield switched their attack to the mid-field and their new tactics were immediately rewarded when poor tackling in the centre allowed them to break from their own half to touch down and take and with the conversion, go five points clear.
Boro's heads remained high and with Keir Davidson again, leading the charge up front, made inroads into the Mansfield defence.
Winger Smart then retired with a leg injury to be replaced by Ben Grundy and shortly before the break, with Boro camped five metres from Mansfield's line, a hamstring injury forced Paul Campbell from the contest, Adam Parker taking his place.
Turning around at half time the game remained a contest however, this didn't last for long and a combination of a lack of fitness, poor decision making and poor defence saw Boro roll over and concede 22 unanswered points to allow Mansfield to take the game 5-32 and leave Boro at the foot of the table.
A clear return to basics is required if Boro are to succeed in this league.
|
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|