1stxv Captain Devon Reilly lead the way on a chilly Friday evening in Rushden, bagging himself a brace after an inspired player of the match shift.
The mind games started before S&L even took to the warm up field, a small changing room and an air horn used as a distraction from the Rushden supporters. None of which would stop the blackwave on route to their 16th win of season.
The game started slowly with both teams using the boot to try and gain field advantage.
From the outset the S&L scrum was in control with a dominant display, forcing the Rushden pack back on every occasion.
The pack, being so in control, put Rushden on the back foot and Brandon wall powered his way to the whitewash. Brandon was deemed to have moved twice so the try didn’t stand.
Devon Reilly was the first to cross the try line after another trademark and perfectly executed grubber kick from fly half Jay Manson through the Rushden back line. Reilly used all his pace to dive on the ball over the goal line for his first 5 points of the evening. Manson adding the extras.
Then came a period of Rushden attack. The defensive effort from S&L denying any real opportunities for Rushden to get close to scoring.
An infringement at the ruck by second row Tansley Naylor gave the Rushden fly half an easy shot at goal which he converted into 3 points.
The half ended with no more scores to be added.
From kick off S&L immediately piled on the pressure, getting great field position deep inside the Rushden 22. S&L crashed over the try line only to be held up.
A goal line drop out followed, only for the ball to fall into the hands of Devon Reilly, who channeled his inner Jason Robinson and danced past every would be tackler. He dived over in the corner for a sensational individual score.
Manson scoring the conversion even though the air horn came into play!
Now with their tails up the blackwave began knocking on the door of Rushden's try line once again. Rushden defence was strong at this phase of the game. Josh Ruddick crossing over the try line but dropping the ball in the process.
The final score of the game came after another incredibly dominant scrum by S&L which gave Greg Pieterse the platform to power his way over for the 3rd try of match. Manson was unable to add the extras
A great win over local rivals on a Friday night, the lads remaining unbeaten for the season.
The second team played on Saturday against Sharnbrook, unfortunately a narrow defeat, however gave everything to the shirt.
This weekend the 2s are away at Rushden on Friday evening and the 1s are at home to Luton, with a Q&A with head coach, captain and chairman for past players, supporters and VPs of the club.
Come down and show your support to the unbeaten blackwave. KO 2.15pm.
