Berks, Bucks and Oxon 2 South  

17th April 2010

Thatcham II    52    Grove III    3  

Thatcham secured the league title on Saturday with this convincing win over Grove. In perfect conditions and in front of a big crowd Thatcham were actually slow out of the blocks. Gradually though Thatcham's forwards starting imposing their superiority, providing the backs with plenty of ball to attack with. The first score of the day was a penalty, the away side finding it hard to compete legally at the breakdown. Fly half Saberton duly converted.  This encouraged Thatcham even more and their forwards began to run amok, with loose head prop Thorogood scoring under the posts, Saberton converting. The backs then took over scoring duties with prolific winger Horne the next to score in the corner, Saberton missing the conversion. Thatcham were now cruising and the backs decided to show off all their moves with fullback Swann hitting the line at pace to slice open the defence and score, no conversion added. Thatcham bringing the half to a close with veteran centre Hudson scoring in the corner.  

Thatcham started the 2^nd half with a bang, their forwards continuing their good work and quick ball enabled skipper bell to open the 2^nd half scoring, Saberton converting. Thatcham were now in exhibition mode, running the ball at every opportunity, wing Stewart was next to benefit quickly followed by fly half Saberton, neither score converted.  Encouraged by the large crowd, Thatcham continued to play good open rugby with Swann and Bell both going over for their brace of scores, to bring the final score to 52-3 to Thatcham. This win secured Thatcham's place as league champions in their first season in the league.

Autodata man of the match was Neil Vass

13th March 2010

Thatcham II    39    Phoenix II    0  

Thatcham stormed back to the top of the table by thrashing the current leaders at the Henwick on Saturday.  Thatcham continued  their form of last week and enjoyed the lions share of possession and territory throughout the match. Thatcham's forwards were rampant winning continual quality ball which allowed Thatcham's dangerous backs to run riot, wings Stewart and Horne causing problems all day.  It was the later who opened the scoring after good work from Stewart, Horne's pace and power too much for Phoenix, as he touched down for his first of three afternoon, Saberton adding the conversion. It was more of the same for the rest of the half with Thatcham's pressure really testing the visitors defence.  And good attacking phases from the pack enabled veteran centre Hudson to pick up from a ruck on the line and dive over for the second score, Saberton failing to add the conversion. The next score came from No8 Cartland , enjoying a rich vein of form, from an attacking line out, Thatcham called a move which saw the Phoenix defence part like the red sea to enable Cartland to burst down the line to score, the conversion was missed which bought the half to a close with the score at 17-0 to Thatcham.

More of the same from Thatcham in the second half, early pressure led to a penalty in front of the posts, easily converted by Saberton.  Thatcham then had their quiet 10 minute period, but in all honesty Phoenix never created enough to threaten Thatcham's line. Eventually Thatcham woke up and up the pace of the game, a series of powerful runs from the pack paved the way for veteran flanker Vass to burrow over, Saberton adding the conversion. Thatcham's backs decided to take over the try scoring duties again, with wings Stewart and Horne combining well to send Horne over in the corner, the conversion attempt failing. Horne was not finished and scored his hat trick try late on to bring the final score to 39-0, a fantastic performance by Thatcham which takes them to the top of the table, with just one game to go!

Autodata Man of the Match was Gavin Cartland

13th March 2010

Thatcham II    12    Maidenhead IV    0

Thatcham scrambled above Maidenhead into a promotion chasing second place in the table with this convincing victory at Henwick Lane . All the more satisfying to keep a clean sheet, but Thatcham should have made their superiority count and could have doubled the score with better finishing. Solid, and effective spoilers but lacking mobility, Maidenhead hardly troubled the Thatcham line as the home side probably had 75% of the territory.

In the first half Thatcham spent long periods camped on the visitors 22, but a failure to give the last pass denied the home side at least two tries in the first period. Maidenhead struggled to gain possession as Thatcham no 9 Richie Jones was in commanding form; sniping round the back of the scrum and putting his backs away beautifully. He and stand off Stu Saberton showed excellent understanding and Thatcham could have been out of sight by half – time. As it was, Thatcham had to make do with a 7 – 0 lead thanks to a smart run in from Rob Horne on the wing, converted by Saberton’s trusty boot.

The second period followed a similar pattern, although Maidenhead mustered a more credible attacking effort for a quarter hour period early on. Thatcham missed two awkward penalties and frustration was sensed as Horne looked to have scored a second, but lost possession as he was tackled over the line. Thatcham regained control and Callum Stewart and Rob Horne showed good understanding, coming close again, but it was not to be. Although hardly troubled, Thatcham really did need another score to feel comfortable, but it was not till three minutes from time that skipper, Chris Bell finally put away Stewart and Horne once again, for Horne to touch down wide. Job done!

Autodata man of the match was loose head, Darren Cameron, returning to play a full 80 minutes after a 3 month spell of injury: like a dog with two tails!

Thatcham Team:

1. D Cameron; 2. C Harvey; 3. M Williams; 4. A Roach; 5. M Lyons; 6. D Richardson; 7. G Cartland; 8. D Osborne (70, J Thorogood); 9. R Jones; 10. S Saberton ; 11. R Horne; 12. C Bell ; 13. D Hudson; 14. G Davies; 15. C Stewart

Replacements not used: P Clutton, G Libby

Tries: Horne (2)

Conversion: Saberton

6th March 2010

Abingdon II    12    Thatcham II    46

Thatcham continued their winning ways with this hard fought victory at Abingdon. Thatcham started brightly with their forwards winning the quick ball their backs love  and “Mr Versatile” Nick Rance this week at fullback who benefited, running in a hat trick of tries in a blistering 20 minute spell. Saberton converting 2 of them. Abingdon were not a team to take this lying down, and they kept coming at Thatcham relentlessly, this pressure leading to Thatcham giving away silly penalties which the Abingdon fly half was happy to convert giving them 12 easy points. Thatcham regained their composure to close the half strongly, Nick Rance claiming his forth try of the day, Saberton converting, to bring the half to a close with thatcham leading 20 – 12.

Thatcham cut out the silly penalties in the second half and played a more controlled game with forwards and backs combining well to keep Abingdon busy in defence. Thatcham's forwards rampaging in the loose, decided to show off their tight driving game which saw veteran No8 Osborne score in the corner, the conversion attempt failing. Thatcham kept the pressure on with skipper Bell the next to score after more good interplay between forwards and backs, Saberton converting.   Saberton also added a penalty. The final score of the day came from flanker Richardson who raced away from just inside the 22 after receiving an inside pop pass  from “uber” veteran No8 Saberton. Saberton adding the conversion to bring the final score to 46-12 in Thatcham's favour.  2^nd placed Thatcham face two very tough home games, starting this Saturday against 3^rd place Maidenhead IV and the following Saturday against leaders Phoenix II, although Thatcham enter this phase full of confidence after their run of victories.

27th February 2010

Newbury IV    0    Thatcham II    69

Thatcham travelled to local rivals Newbury full of confidence after last weeks commanding display against Wallingford. In awful conditions for running rugby, Thatcham came out with a bang running Newbury ragged from the off. It was all one way traffic in the first half with Thatcham scoring no less than 8 tries in a first half onslaught that shell shocked Newbury had no answer for.  Wing Horne was the first to touch down, out pacing the Newbury defence to score in the corner, Saberton failing to convert. Next to break the home sides defence was scrum half Jones who finished off a fine move involving both forwards and backs, Saberton converting the next two scores came from Thatcham's other flying winger Stewart who was also able to outpace the defence to score, Saberton converting both. Fly half Saberton normally a man to set them up, finished off a fine move which showed great handling in very poor conditions to score in the corner, although he missed the conversion. The one way traffic continued with Thatcham's forwards teaching the home pack how to play and providing their backs with quality ball time and time again. The next to capitalise on this was wing Horne who’s pace proved yet again too quick, Saberton converting. Thatcham finished the half as they started with 2^nd row Cartland  touching down and wing Stewart scoring his hat-trick try to bring the half to a close with thatcham leading 48-0

Newbury seemed to be a changed side after the turnaround and played much better in the second half, their forwards began to win ball and string phases together, providing their backs with more than the first half scraps they had got used to. Although Newbury had the lions share of possession, they could not break the stubborn defence of Thatcham. Eventually Thatcham started to play rugby again and wing Horne was the first to cross the line, claiming his hat trick try, Saberton converting. Newbury came back again but poor handling allowed wing Horne to pick up the loose ball and race from his own 10m line to score his 4^th of the day, Saberton again adding the extra points.  To Newbury's credit they again rallied and enjoyed some good possession but did not trouble the Thatcham line. The final score of the day went to scrum half and Autodata Man of the Match Jones who capitalised on great man and ball tackling by replacement Davies this score also converted by Saberton  bringing the final score to 69-0 in the visitors favour. A fantastic performance by Thatcham should provide them with the confidence to enjoy a successful run in to the end of the season.

20th February 2010

Thatcham II    53    Wallingford III    0

Thatcham turned on the style Saturday with this demolition of Wallingford. Thatcham's normally lightweight pack had the upper hand in the set pieces from the off, enabling them to provide excellent ball for their backs. Thatcham opened the scoring with new boy Holbeck finishing off a fine flowing move, Saberton slotting the conversion. This encouraged Thatcham to do more of the same and tries by full back Stewart, wing Davies and veteran No8 Osborne followed, with Saberton converting two and adding a penalty to bring the first half to a close with Thatcham in a commanding 29 -0 lead.  

A rousing half time team talk by skipper Bell ensured Thatcham continued their first half performance from the off. Wallingford had no answer to Thatcham's marauding forwards, who kept their backs fed with quality ball. The first to benefit was fullback Stewart on a typical run, outstripped his would be tacklers to score his second of the afternoon, Saberton adding the conversion. Thatcham's pack decided it was time the had a run with the ball and flanker Richardson finished off a fine move, Saberton missing the conversion. Wallingford were now tiring from their afternoon of chasing shadows, and Thatcham continued to punish them with full back Stewart going over for his hat trick, and after Thatcham had one of their pack sin binned, they still managed a 7 man pushover try, no8 Osborne touching down, Saberton converting one to bring the final score to 53-0.

Thatcham played some fine rugby which should lift confidence before next weeks local derby with Newbury.

6th February 2010

Kingsclere II    0    Thatcham II    27

Thatcham travelled to local rivals Kingsclere desperate to put last weeks poor performance behind them, but Kingsclere seemed intent on causing further misery for thatcham. In a very tight hard fought first half Kingsclere frustrated Thatcham well. The Kingsclere pack competed well for everything and any ball Thatcham did win was not the quick ball their backs are used to. But slowly Thatcham started to gain the upper hand and good ball to the backs saw wing Hunter score in the corner, with Saberton missing the conversion this proved to be the only score of a hard fought first half.

The second half saw Thatcham's pack gain the upper hand and their backs started to run freely especially centres Bell and Stewart and wing Horne. Thatcham's pack had worn down Kingsclere and 2^nd row roach and back row Richardson were noticeable in both attack and defence. It proved to be a good day for centre Stewart running in four second half tries, ably supported by Bell and Horne, with all the tries being scored in the corners the conversions proved tricky with fly half Saberton only converting one.

This was always going to be a tough game for Thatcham and especially so after last week, but the team showed great character to come together and grind out the result. 3^rd place Thatcham need to raise their game again for next weeks tough trip to 4^th placed Slough.

The Autodata man of the match award was shared between 2^nd row Adam Roach and back row Dave Richardson

30th January 2010

Thatcham II    15    Harwell II    18

Saturday can only be described as a bad day at the office for Thatcham. Thatcham started brightly enough, their forwards winning good quick ball and releasing their dangerous backs to good effect. One such move resulting in 2^nd row Williams powering over to score in the corner, Saberton missing the conversion from wide out.  Thatcham allowed Harwell to strike back by conceding a sloppy penalty in front of the posts, which allowed Harwell to narrow the gap to 2 points. Thatcham took this in their stride and continued to enjoy the majority of first half possession and scored again through No.8 Barson who drove over from close range, Saberton adding the conversion. Thatcham completed the first half scoring with Saberton adding a penalty to give thatcham a half time lead of 15-3

Thatcham's traditional sleep period lasted a full 40 minutes this week, with a series of poor decision making leading to a loss of discipline and concentration. To their credit Harwell took full advantage of this unusual behaviour by Thatcham, and proved to be the only scorers in the second half, adding another penalty and a two tries one of which they converted to lead by 3 points going into the last minute. Thatcham desperately tried to break the away sides defence but ultimately failed to record only their third loss of the season. In the end this was a fair result with Thatcham being responsible for beating themselves, and getting exactly what they deserved from the game.

Thatcham need to put this “blip” firmly behind them as they travel to local rivals Kingsclere this week, and attempt to put their season back on track

23rd January 2010

Thatcham II    37    Didcot    15

The long snow “break” did Thatcham no favours in the early exchanges as the cobwebs took a few minutes to go, which allowed Didcot to score early but miss the conversion. This woke Thatcham up, and with their forwards winning good quick ball, their backs could show just how dangerous they were. Spinning the ball wide from inside their own half, good quick hands saw the ball reach wing Horne who sped into the corner for the first of his scores, fly half Saberton missing the conversion from wide on the touchline. Thatcham grew in confidence as the half progressed and continued to put Didcot under pressure, centre Mitchell enjoying a fine display in both attack and defence. It was Mitchell who scored Thatcham's next try, rounding off several phases of rugby to touch down, Saberton again missing the conversion. It was not long before Saberton had another attempt at the posts, and this time converted Mitchell's second of the day after yet more clinical rugby from Thatcham. Didcot had a rare visit to the Thatcham half, and thanks to Thatcham's failure to leave the ball alone in the ruck, converted a penalty from in front of the posts. It was thatcham who regained the imitative with yet more good phases of rugby ending with Mitchell claiming his hat trick. The half ending 22-8 to Thatcham.

Thatcham had their traditional sleep period for the first 15 minutes of the second half which allowed Didcot to score under the posts, with the conversion attempt being successful, this brought them to within one score of the home side.

That was enough to spur Thatcham on to upping the tempo and playing their game at a pace the visitors could not compete with, Thatcham's forwards continued to win good quick ball which allowed the backs to run riot, personified by wing Horne who completed a second half hat trick to bring his tally for the day to four.

This win keeps thatcham 2^nd in the table, as they look forward to the visit of Harwell II to the Henwick next week

Autodata man of the match was Robert Horne

5th December 2009

Phoenix  II    12    Thatcham II    18

2^nd placed Thatcham travelled to 1^st place, and unbeaten Phoenix for this tough encounter on Saturday. Thatcham started strongly and sustained pressure in the home sides half lead to the first of many penalties to Thatcham, fly half Saberton converting. Thatcham's pack were immense and continued to put pressure on their opposite numbers, and more illegal play lead to another penalty converted by Saberton. This gave Thatcham the confidence and belief that they where capable of beating phoenix, who in their previous 7 league games had only conceded a total of 18 points. Again Thatcham's pack won quick ball and a flowing backs move saw wing Niven beat his man on the outside to score in the corner, the conversion missed.

Phoenix now decided to play some rugby rather than fight amongst themselves, and this lead to them scoring in the corner just before half time, the conversion missed. Half time score 11-5 to Thatcham.

Thatcham had their traditional “quiet” 10 minutes at the start of the second half, and this allowed Phoenix to score under the posts, adding the conversion to go a point in front.  Thatcham were not prepared to waste all their previous hard work and rallied to play their best rugby of the season so far, forwards and backs supporting each other well to keep Phoenix on the back foot. This pressure allowed Autodata man of the match Simon Niven to find a bit of space on the wing to round his opposite number and score his second under the posts, the conversion added by fly half Saberton. Rather than “hang on” as in previous weeks, Thatcham remained in control of the ball and saw the game out, securing a hard fought and well deserved victory. This result puts Thatcham at the top of the table at the halfway stage of the season

28th November 2009

Thatcham II    56    Abingdon II    0

Third placed Thatcham welcomed Fourth placed Abingdon to the Henwick and looking for a strong start to the game Thatcham duly delivered. After receiving the kick off, a sweeping open field clearance and a superb kick chase from Dan Stocks & Simon Niven lead to the Abingdon full back turning over possession just outside the 22. Quickly distributed ball lead to Dave Richardson putting Gareth Davies away for the first of the afternoon’s trays, converted by Chris Bell for a 7-0 lead. The 2^nd try came in similar fashion, this time Nick Rance benefiting after finishing with a good jinking run, Bell again converting for a 14-0 lead. Sustained Thatcham pressure in the Abingdon half lead to 2 quick penalties, both converted by Bell to stretch the lead to 20-0. Paul Clutton then claimed his first try of the afternoon, driving over from short range, again converted by Bell for 27-0. During the final 10 minutes of the first half, Thatcham appeared to ease off in intensity and were made to defend deep within their own half. Organised and dogged defending kept Abingdon at bay and Thatch’ went into half time with the 27-0 lead in tact.

Thatcham began the second half as they had started the match and it was clear to see the intensity had been re-discovered. The lead was increased to 34-0 with a try from Simon Niven the conversion being missed.

It was not long before the Abingdon try line was breached again though, Andy Mott with a superb snipe from the back of the break-down being hauled to the floor inches short, leaving Paul Clutton to follow up for his second try of the afternoon, the conversion again missed to take the score to 39-0. Nick Rance then claimed his second of the afternoon, superb support play from both the backs and forwards left Thatcham camped well within the Abingdon 22, finally quick ball from the break down allowed Bell to offload from the tackle to Rance, who picked a great line to slice through the defence and touch down for 44-0, with the conversion being missed.

Dave Kirk was the beneficiary of a loose Abingdon line-out shortly after the re-start, making a clean break from the line and a neat one-two with Dave Richardson in support allowed Kirk to streak away for a well worked try, Bell this time adding the extras, taking the score to 51-0.

With the clock ticking down, there was still time for a further score. Great phase play down the short side from the pack opened acres of space out wide for the backs. A simple run-around ball created a gaping hole for Bell to put Simon Niven over for his second and the final try of the afternoon, the conversion being missed leaving the final Score 56-0.

Thatcham’s Autodata Man of the Match was Dave Richardson for his fantastic work-rate in securing possession and great link-up play in the loose. A great team performance with every player stepping up to the mark sees Thatcham moving from strength to strength sitting joint top of the league.

Next week’s fixture sees Thatcham face a tough away game, as they take on fellow table toppers Phoenix II

Saturday 14th November

Wallingford III    5    Thatcham II    14

Thatcham travelled to Wallingford looking to extend their current good run. The weather conditions were awful and did their best to prevent quality rugby. Wallingford won the toss and elected to play with the gale force wind at their back. This powerful wind and strong forward play kept Thatcham pinned in their own half for most of the first half. Thatcham's smaller pack punched well above their weight and defended resolutely keeping Wallingford at bay before Wallingford's larger pack finally forced their way over for a try. The conversion missed, this proved to be the only score of the first half.

Thatcham took full advantage of the strong wind, now at their backs with fly half Davies finding long distance with his clearing kicks. Thatcham's pack, now enjoying having some decent possession, enjoyed making inroads into the home sides defence, it was from this that blind side flanker Richardson drove over to score. Saberton adding the conversion.

Strong running from Wallingford's centre’s kept Thatcham on their toes as the home side kept threatening to score again, but Thatcham's defence remained strong with the pack turning over plenty of ball to enable fly half Davies to boot the ball deep into “enemy territory”.  It was from one such kick that Thatcham scored again, as the Thatcham backs chased well and put Wallingford's fullback under pressure allowing wing Gareth Davies to run in under the posts to score. Saberton adding the conversion. Wallingford rallied in an attempt to get back in the game, but Thatcham's stubborn defence held firm, and Thatcham claimed a hard fought victory in awful weather conditions.

Thatcham's Autodata man of the match was Nick Rance, who gave a great performance out of position at scrum half

Saturday 7th November

Thatcham II    23    Slough II    12    

3^rd place Thatcham welcomed 2^nd place and unbeaten Slough to the Henwick on Saturday. Slough showed from the start why they were unbeaten by putting Thatcham's defence to the test right from the kick off, eventually earning a penalty after only three minutes, their kicking striking the post to let Thatcham off the hook. This seemed to wake Thatcham up and they started to play the sort of rugby they’ve shown in previous weeks, with Slough having to defend illegally to stop them, fly half Saberton showing slough how to convert to give Thatcham a 3-0 lead after 10 mins. The next 20 minutes were played in the middle of the field with both sides testing each other to the limit before the strong running of veteran centre Hudson proved too much for the visitors defence as he powered his way over for the opening try. Saberton failing to convert from wide out. Thatcham finished the half strongly and their pressure forced the visitors to defend illegally again, with Saberton punishing them by converting the three pointer to give thatcham a 11-0 half time lead.

Thatcham started the 2^nd half with a bang and quickly forced slough to defend deep in their own half. Thatcham were awarded another penalty which skipper Bell decided should be put into touch close to Sloughs line. The resulting line out did not go according to plan, but the ball ended up in the arms of 2^nd row Broughton who powered his way over to score. Saberton adding the conversion. The next 20 minutes saw Thatcham slip into their traditional 2^nd half “snooze” which enabled slough to play their way back into the game. This 20 minute period saw Slough cross the Thatcham line twice converting once, to bring the scores to 18-12 in Thatcham's favour. Fortunately Thatcham woke up and finished the game strongly, some fine driving play from Thatcham's forwards provided the backs with good quick ball which was spun down the line to winger Hunter who rounded his marker and smashed his way over for a try, Saberton missing the conversion. Thatcham held firm for the last few minutes to give slough their first defeat of the season.

Saturday 31^st October

Harwell II    11    Thatcham II    58  

Thatcham continued their winning run in BBO2 south with this 10 try victory over Harwell. Thatcham started strongly with their pack dominating the scrummage and lineout, and good possession led to a flurry of 1^st half scores led by wing Horne with a 1^st half brace. Thatcham's pack provided good ball for centres Broughton and Smith to terrorize the Harwell midfield with their strong running which results in both centres scoring 1^st half tries. Prop Chapple produced an Autodata man of the match performance for his strong running popping up in the midfield to crash over for a popular try. Harwell did venture into Thatcham's half, but strong defence meant all they had to show for their efforts where two long range penalties.  Thatcham's pack brought the 1^st half to a close with a driving maul which saw 2^nd row Williams burst over the line to score. Fly half Stuart Saberton converting 3 of the tries to make the halftime score 36-6 to Thatcham.

Harwell came out stronger in the 2^nd half and Thatcham were reduced to long periods of defending before Harwell squeezed over in the corner for their only try of the day, the conversion was missed. Thatcham then found their rhythm again and started to reproduce their 1^st half display, with wing Horne adding another two scores to his 1^st half two. Thatcham then found themselves down to 14 men after a “slight disagreement” between the two sets of forwards, saw 2^nd row Williams given 10 minutes “rest”. This didn’t stop thatcham from increasing their lead with scrum half Keeble and fly half Saberton adding scores, Saberton converting one to bring the final score to 58-11 to thatcham.

Thatcham face a tough home game this week against unbeaten Slough II

17th October 2009

Didcot    7    Thatcham II    13

Thatcham got back to winning ways with a hard fought victory at Didcot. Thatcham still suffering from a long injury list showed the fight and heart that had been lacking in the previous weeks.

Thatcham started stronger and had the majority of possession in the opening quarter, and this pressure led to a penalty in front of the posts for Stuart Saberton to land the first points of the day. Continued Thatcham pressure led to a flowing move which saw wing Horne cross the line in the corner only to be held up by valiant last ditch tackles from the home side. Horne did eventually cross the line after a similar flowing move, with Saberton adding the conversion, the half ended with Thatcham leading 10-0.

The second half belonged to Didcot with the hard running of their 10 and 12 causing the Thatcham defence serious problems, and they eventually broke Thatcham's defence with a converted try. This just seemed to wake Thatcham up and their pressure of the first half returned, leading to another penalty, again converted by Saberton. The last quarter was all one way traffic as Didcot continued to batter the Thatcham defence, but the dogged determination of the Thatcham players prevented any further scores for Didcot and Thatcham managed to hang on for a well deserved victory. Thatcham's man of the match was Rory Wilson who had a fine game out of position at outside centre.

Thatcham have a well earned break this week, a time to hope the injury list will get shorter!

Please click here for opposition match report

Tries: R. Horne

Conversions: S Saberton

Penalties: S Saberton (2)  

12th September 2009

Grove III    5    Thatcham II    33

Thatcham II’s announced their arrival into the RFU pyramid league with a convincing victory over Grove in their first outing at Cane lane. Clearly benefiting from an early start to pre season, Thatcham showed both a superior level of fitness and slick teamwork for the first competitive match of the new season. At the end of a very satisfying afternoon for Thatcham it was evident that there will be competition for places in the 1^st XV squad in addition to the promise of third team rugby at the club again after several years absence.

Having enjoyed a very successful recruiting programme during the close season, Thatcham looked a class apart from an early stage. Nevertheless, the visitors struggled to take the lead having missed two kickable penalties and squandered overlaps that simply demanded the final pass. Nigel Swan at full back took the man of the match award both for his efficient defence and attacking runs from deep and it was Swan who set up Josh Evans for the first try mid way through the half. Evans proved a thorn in the Grove side throughout the afternoon with his pacy attacking runs, but the second score came after Andrew Mitchell showed great hands to set up Callum Stewart to touch down wide. As Thatcham began to gain momentum they scored from third phase ball after another slick move down the line to Stewart. This time Chris Davies at fly half made no mistake with the kick to put Thatcham into a commanding 17 – 0 half time lead.

Osborne and Lyons were prominent in the pack and supported by Hampson at number 9 Thatcham resumed their domination taking two penalties to extend the lead to 23 points. Grove had appeared undercooked, but finally got their act together with a well taken score out wide to reduce the deficit. But it wasn’t long before Thatcham extended their lead with the enigmatic Andrew Mitchell demonstrating his clinical potential in the centre. With the result in no doubt Thatcham settled the matter on the final whistle with a scrum five, pick up by Hampson at 9 and muscled over by Darren Osborne at no 8.

Thatcham Team: J Smith; C Harvey; M Williams; P Clutton (P Goater, 65); M Lyons, (D Hobley, 60); Karl Lucas; Arron Butt; D Osborne; O Hampson; C Davies; C Stewart; C Bell (Capt) (A Hunter, 50); A Mitchell; J Evans; N Swan (R Wilson, 70).

Tries: J Evans; C Stewart (2); A Mitchell; D Osborne

Conversions: C Davies

Penalties: C Davies (2)  

Pease click here for Season 2008-2009 reports