Match Report for Lytchett Minster 1 Vs Aldershot & Fleet on 03 Apr 2004
Victory For Lytchett
Lytchett Minster travelled to Aldershot & Fleet at the weekend knowing that a victory would guarantee them Hampshire Division Two survival. In a nail biting game Lytchett emerged the victors 20 - 19.
Fleet started the stronger of the two teams and scored first. Both team then exchanged penalties, before prop Mat Deary scored has first try for Lytchett in five years. Fleet continued to cause Lytchett problems and scored again early in the second half, leaving Lytchett trailing 19 -13. Both teams battled away. But in the last minute hooker Paul Coleman used all his strength to power over for the final try. This brought the scores closer at 19 - 18. Up stepped second row Oz Goldchain who converted the try and gave the required victory to Lytchett Minster 20 - 19. Until the final kick of the game Lytchett had near led at any point, but showed great determination to secure the win.
This victory ensured that a minimum league position of sixth was secured.
As it turned out, Kingsclere beat their local rivals Overton and therefore Overton could not catch Lytchett in the table even if Lytchett had lost. Overton play Fleet next week and if they win by more than 13 points Lytchett could move up the table and finish in fifth position.
With the new £600,000 club house Lytchett Minster really needed to stay in the competitive division. Therefore, all the club members were overjoyed with the victory. The team rebuilding exercise has already started and the future is looking bright for Lytchett.
