Boro get much needed win

Week 11 and a coach trip to Market Rasen

This week saw second from bottom Boro travel to bottom placed Market Rasen and Louth in an early season 4 pointer. Again injury, illness and absence played its part in this weeks selection with a number of changes to the Boro 1st XV. In the forwards Matt Ellson returned to hooker and James Barlow making his first start of the season started in the second row. In the back row Tyler Ramoo returned, and in the backs Luke Smith moved to centre with Harry Bryan making his comeback from injury to take the 13 shirt, Eddie Johnson also making his return to the first team started at 15. On the bench Ewan Pattison was joined by Reece Parillon and debutant Callum Ward who was a Colt last year.

1st Half
Boro kicked off up the hill and once the initial fisticuffs had ended we had a slight rest due to inflation issues (not this weeks Budget but the ball!). Boro were soon on the attack but both teams were desperate to win and as a result there were a lot of bodies being thrown into rucks resulting in turnovers galore. However, first blood went to Boro as a kickable penalty was awarded which was converted by Tom Mair (MRL 0v3 Boro). A big hit by Darryl Raynard saw a Market Rasen attack thwarted and Boro were soon in the ascendency, however, the attritional nature of the game saw an early victim as Eddie Johnson left the field to be replaced by debutant Callum Ward.

Discipline was proving to be the downfall of both sides and Market Rasen nearly took advantage kicking the ball over an onrushing defence, however, the ball was touched down and the skipper quickly took the 22 yard drop out smashing it into touch in the Market Rasen half. This seemed to spur Boro on and one too many infringements saw a Market Rasen player sent to the bin to cool his heels for 10. Boro tried to take advantage and set up an attacking maul but some strong defence kept Boro out. Composure was needed at this crucial time but went missing as another maul from another attacking lineout was met by the resolute Market Rasen defence. Boro had all the territory abut then the sucker punch arrived, a loose kick wasn't fielded and the Market Rasen winger pounced to score the first try of the game just as half time approached (MRL 5v3 Boro)

HT Score
Market Rasen and Louth 5 v 3 Wellingborough

2nd Half
Boro received the ball and made a good start to the half with the forwards carrying the ball hard into the Market Rasen defence, some good recycling saw Boro make inroads and they were awarded a penalty shot at goal for their endeavours, however, this was missed by Luke Smith. The pressure was taking its toll on Market Rasen as they conceded another penalty this time Boro put the ball in the corner. A strong lineout saw Boro get to within inches of the try line, a couple of phases later and Shaun Mackie was driven over for a Boro try (MRL 5v8 Boro). The forwards kept going and the clinical clearing out at ruck time and carrying hard saw yet more gain line yards acquired but no score, and soon it was Market Rasen's turn to attack but Boro stood strong and then marched back down the field.

Kieran Checkley had moved to full back and it was his well placed kick that saw Boro start to build more pressure on the Market Rasen tryline. Eventually the score came, again it was strong forward play that saw Boro enter into the Market Rasen half, the ball went down the blindside to an onrushing Kieran Checkley who gathered it one handed behind his back before shooting off down the wing to score under the posts, the try was converted by Luke Smith (MRL 5v15 Boro). Market Rasen soon answered back, some great tackling from Boro and clearance kick from Chris Shipman came to no avail as Market Rasen were awarded a penalty which was struck between the uprights bringing them within one score (MRL 8v15 Boro). By now Reece Parillon was on and his hard carrying nearly saw Boro extend their lead but too many penalties saw Market Rasen march into the Boro half with the clock ticking. However, some resolute defence prevented any further scores and Boro had broken their run.

FT Score
Market Rasen and Louth 8 v 15 Wellingborough

This was probably not a game for the rugby purists out there as skill was not at the forefront of this game, however, sheer doggedness and a willingness to fight for every inch saw Boro come away with points. A special mention must go to those lads that stepped up this week and didn't let anyone down with their performance. Next week sees the visit of Syston and with it the opportunity to take the scalp of a team at the top end of the table.