Boro finish with a fine display

Final game of the season and league winners the visitors!

This week Boro hosted league winners Bedford Athletic at Cut Throat Lane, in the reverse fixture Ath had won 70v19. Boro made a couple of changes from the previous week's game, JC swapped with Dan Pateman and in the backs there were a couple of last minute changes after Dan Pateman killed Pete Vickers in training on the Thursday. Ryan Mackie started in the 10 shirt, Andy Seaton moved to full back and Luke Gardiner started on the wing.

1st Half
After a good start from Boro which saw them attack Bedford Ath they were soon on the back foot but some strong defence saw Ryan Mackie clear the Boro lines. The intensity in defence was matched some good wide play in attack with both forwards and backs carrying the ball strongly. However, Bedford Ath strung together a number of phases and a missed tackle saw them break free and a well worked try was rewarded with the lead (Boro 0v7 Ath).

The next passage of play saw both sides turn over the ball with both sets of players working hard at the ruck, but again it was Bedford Ath who took advantage, a chip over the defence saw Boro wrong footed and Bedford Ath extended their lead (Boro 0v14 Ath). Boro tried to answer back with some strong attacking play through Tom Bryan and Chris Shipman but they were met with some strong defence. Bedford then attacked back and broke through the line but Luke Gardiner covered across to deny the Bedford another try.

Half Time
Wellingborough 0 v 14 Bedford Athletic

2nd Half
The half started with a good turnover from Jezz Brookes, this was followed by some positive play from Boro and they were awarded with a penalty shot at goal which was missed by Ryan Mackie. However, this was quickly forgotten as Ryan used his kicking game to pin back Bedford Ath but the pressure didn't convert to a score as some strong defensive play held out Boro.

Boro were also called into action and supersub Kieran Checkley put in a strong tackle to deny Bedford Ath from breaking away. Both teams were putting in strong defensive performances so any room for attacking play was suffocated. Boro's lineout was proving to be successful allowing Boro a platform but a couple of mistakes, dropped balls or a turnover meant that any momentum was lost. The game ended with a good scrum from the Boro eight but ultimately a strong Bedford Ath side saw off any Boro attack.

Full Time
Wellingborough 0 v 14 Bedford Athletic

All over then, 26 league games later and Boro ended up in a very creditable 9th in Midlands One East. The season has been full of highs and lows with the team reaching the heady heights of 5th at one point to going on a 7 game losing streak! Credit must go to a great bunch of players who have not only built on last years promotion success but have built on that to provide a memorable season at this level far exceeding the target of avoiding relegation. This season has seen youngsters such as Reece Parillon, Kieran Checkley and Dan Pateman make the big step up from Colts rugby and next season the hope is that this season's successes can be added to.

Finally a big thank you must go to all of you that have supported the team throughout the season, hope you have a good break as pre-season will start soon!!!!!!!!!!!