This was a really entertaining match, the classic 'game of two halves'. A three tries to two victory in the end for the visitors but it was nip and tuck till the last whistle. A strong wind blew down the pitch for the whole match and Newmarket opted to have it at their backs for the first half. Contrary to expectations, playing into the wind, Stowmarket had by far the best of the opening quarter. The home team forwards rucked well and the backs kept the ball moving but, in spite of Jack going close from a line out, the Newmarket players managed to break the siege and score the first try of the game. It was a disappointment for the Stow lads but playing into a strong wind it wasn't really a surprise that they would concede a score at some point. The key was to be as frugal as possible in defence. Unfortunately, a few minutes later a mistake close to their own line gifted the visitors a second try under the posts. Still the lads didn't buckle, as they might have done in the first half of the season. As the end of the half approached Ben broke right and passed to George in space. When George gets that much room it's try time and so it proved. At half time the lads faced a narrow deficit of 14 - 5 but they were about to play the second half with the wind at their backs.The second half required an early statement of intent. The home side needed to secure the ball from the kick off and, in the opening seconds, kick it 60metres downfield and then spend the rest of the half in their opponents' territory. Unfortunately some inaccuracy with their rucking and passing meant that they didn't get the ball away. Newmarket, playing into the wind, went back to their strength and kept the ball within a few metres of their powerful pack. Pick and drive became the order of the day and there followed 15 minutes of pressure in the Stow end. It was excellent, pragmatic play from the visitors in the conditions and it paid off with another try when their big No 8 crashed over from close range.
At last Stow got the ball into their opponent's half and there followed a prolonged period of pressure. Finally Ben, who had an imperious game playing with real skill and vision, treated us to an exhibition moment of terrific skill. He ran a superb arcing line before straightening to draw and hold the last defender and then put Tom in for a great try by the posts. Jack drop kicked the extras in Zinzan Brooke fashion but with only a minute to play it looked as if the game was up. Not a bit of it. Newmarket indiscipline and Stowmarket patience allowed the home team to work their way back into the visitors territory. Once again Ben ran a magnificent line, this time he went left on another wide arc before straightening to draw in the visitors right wing. The run was perfect, creating space out of nothing and leaving Ollie, who had already showed what a dangerous runner he is with several pacy contributions, in the clear. Unfortunately the killer pass was just one or two strides too late and the winger cut it out. Ball kicked out, whistle blown, game over.
The lads justifiably left the pitch pleased with their efforts, if not the result. This was a huge step forward, a really impressive team performance and in light of what they've been through this season. they deserve a lot of credit for their resolve and courage. Well Done, now lets keep building.