Welcome to Blandford 1st XV Team 2005-06

Fixtures, Match Reports and Photo Links

MATCH REPORTS

Corsham 15 Blandford 1^st XV 14

 Corsham condemned league new boys Blandford to their second defeat of the season with the final kick of the game to record the narrowest of victories. Blandford had lead going into the 80^th minute thanks to a Dave Jones try and three penalties from Chris Hillyard, before conceding the crucial penalty on the far right touch line. “We were two very well matched teams who effectively cancelled each other out” noted Blandford captain Adie Collins. “It was pleasing to score the only try of the game, but their guy kicked impeccably to land all five of his penalties. It’s a disappointing result, but I’ve no doubt we have learnt from it and will move forward.”

Blandford 1^st XV 5 Wooton Bassett 1^st XV 10

Devizes 1^st XV 34 Blandford 1^st XV 3

Luckless Blandfords poor run continued with another defeat away to Devizes. Hit hard by several long term injuries, Blandford suffered further with two late withdrawals on the morning of the game. Given the circumstances, Blandford put up a brave and feisty display with a patched up side. “ I cannot fault the attitude or commitment of everyone who took the field” said captain Adie Collins. “Guys like Colin MacIntosh and John Gillingham stepped in, played out of position and still had outstanding games. It will be interesting when everyone is fit again, because they really stood up to make a claim for the shirts.” Despite matching Devizes for territory and possession, Blandford were unable to add the final execution to their play, a Phil Meadon penalty being their only reward.

Dorset and Wilts Cup

Blandford 1^st XV 12 Supermarine 1^st XV 14

Blandfords miserable start to the season continued, crashing out of the Dorset and Wilts cup at the first hurdle. From the kick off, the visitors disrupted the home side, not allowing Blandford time to settle or impose themselves. Although dominant in the set piece, Blandford were never clinical enough in their execution to capitalise, turning over far too much possession and territory to their opponents. It was Supermarine who opened the scoring, touching down after a well worked blindside move. Blandford responded quickly, recycling the ball well for James Burry to cross. Kev Robbins added the conversion to tie the scores at half time. Blandford started the second half brightly, but it was Supermarine who struck first with a second converted try to regain their lead. An injection of pace from Lee Haim pulled Blandford back in to the game, but with the conversion drifting wide, Blandford still trailed with twenty minutes to play. Despite plenty of endeavour and commitment, Blandford continued to squander scoring chances, Supermarine defending their lead well to hold on for a deserved victory.   

Southern Counties (South)

North Dorset 56 Blandford 1^st XV 12  

Blandford remained rock bottom of the league after crashing to another heavy defeat at the hands of local rivals North Dorset. The visitors started well enough, but North Dorset soon got in to their stride, opening the scoring after ten minutes, quickly followed by a second. Blandford responded well, creating a sustained spell of pressure before Chris Dibben forced his way over, Phil Meadon converting. At this stage Blandford were back in the game, but a try either side of half time for the hosts dealt Blandford a crushing blow. The forwards from both sides fought an increasingly physical battle in the second half, but it was the home sides back line that made the most of their ball, possessing too much pace and decisive running for there counter parts to run in five further tries. Lee Haim added a late try for Blandford,  but it was of little consolation to a side facing an uphill battle to drag themselves back to winning ways.