Sileby Town RFC

Once again Platts Lane proved one of the most resilient grounds in the county (world?) after rain spoiled fixtures across Leicestershire. A big shout out however goes to Coach Paul Darby whose Saturday morning vigil when it looked like even Platts would succumb to the elements.

The opposition, Market Harborough 2s, are one of the league’s ‘nearly men’. In 5th place, threatening to break into the top 4 but consistently falling agonisingly short in the big games. They are a dangerous side, with lots of quality coming through their colts supplemented by club stalwarts (though our favourite Front Row / Number 8 had been unceremoniously poached by the 1s).

And they showed their quality early on. Though Sileby dominated the first five minutes the away side’s defence held firm, and when Flanker Callum Swift was put through a hole by Fly Half Ross Spencer they forced the error that allowed the exit. And having regained possession Market Harborough found soft shoulders in the mid and back field to score the first try of the game. The beneficiary was the travelling Full Back, who proved threatening during his 30 or so minutes before having to be withdrawn due to a hamstring injury.

After the early set back the Vikings responded in kind. Hooker Ash Rideout delayed his pass to find Winger Jon Griffiths on a scorching line. The speedster found Flanker Dave Maguire who offloaded to Back Row compatriot Adam Mayes who bounced a defender before being tackled just short of the line. It looked like the attack was over a couple phases later when Harborough forced a knock on. However the home side turned over the resulting scrum and quick thinking by Spencer gave Griffiths the opportunity to step his opposite man and score.

The next three scores were all for the home team. The next was an excellent sequence of multiple phases which would result in Rideout putting Winger Harry Greenbury into space. Even though he was hauled down just short of the line a couple of breakdowns later Second Row Aaron Thurlow crashed over carrying over two or three would be defenders. Then Swift ripped the ball in contact to win possession 10m out from the line. Prop Louis Andrews would carry, then the ball spun out and returning Centre Jack Chantrell took out two defenders. His Centre partner Dan Clarke picked up the pill from the back of the ruck and dotted down. 17-5.

Sileby’s final try of the first half was one for the heavies. The Front Row of Andrews, Rideout and Prop Kian Wright had asserted their dominance throughout the half in the scrum, and it went one better as they pushed over to allow Scrum Half Josh Freer a simple score. 24-5. It was however the away side who would have the final say of the half. A 50:22 created field position and possession, and indiscretion at shot at the corner. However the Fly Half, also the source of the 50:22 caught Sileby sleeping with a crossfield kick which was collected by their winger for an unopposed score. So the half ended 24-12.

The second half was a scratchy affair, quality rugby being impeded by the deteriorating pitch. It was a good start for the Vikings however and it was once again the heavies making an impact with a stunning 25 metre driving maul. After that neither side really were able to string together much effective possession, with multiple handling errors and turnovers from the floor. The home team’s pilfers were returning Second Row George Jones, Rideout and Swift, Callum recording a season’s best 6 for the match.

As a result it always looked like set piece would be the source of the next score, and that turned out to be the case. It was again the maul that was the source, dragged down agonisingly short of the line which result in a penalty advantage. Spencer chose to exercise that advantage with a crossfield kick of his own (anything you can do I can do better?). Whilst it was not cleanly collected by Greenbury Rideout picked off the floor and offloaded to replacement Prop Steve Weston for a raucous score.

The final score of the game went to the away team, again a break through soft shoulders in the midfield. At full time it was 34-19, a comprehensive 5 point victory but a performance that needed building on with a big game next weekend. Beyond this it was pleasing to welcome back Jones and Chantrell and replacement Scrum Half Michael Weston-Webb for his first appearance of the season.

Before the match Niki Weston was presented with her new stash, recognising what she brings to the club through her brilliant photos for the Men’s and Women’s sides. You’ll recognising it by the ‘Media’ tag on the back (rumour has it comes with the much coveted all access pass to Platts Lane).