Match Report for Lytchett Minster 1 Vs Overton on 31 Mar 2007
Lytchett Minster Crowned Champions
Lytchett Minster hosted Overton at the weekend knowing that a win would see them crowned champions of Hampshire Division Three, despite still having a game to play. However, if Overton were to win then it would go down to the wire as to which side would lift the league trophy.
The Manor Men were slow out of the blocks and Overton capitalised on this, having much of the possession for the first 15 minutes and this pressure eventually told, when their centre scored following good phases of forward play. The conversion was missed, but the travelling side were ahead 0 – 5. This seemed to spark Lytchett into life and soon the deficit was reduced to 2 points, when Harry Boulter slotted over a penalty. Despite being pushed around in the scrum, Lytchett were taking control of the game in many other areas, especially open play. Centre James English was passed the ball from 65 yards out and managed to power his way through and then around the shocked Overton defence to score under the posts. The conversion was made and the score had increased to 10 – 5. Lytchett were awarded a penalty on half time and Boulter kept the pressure on Overton with the subsequent kick, the half time score had increased to 13 – 5.
Lytchett Minster came storming out the blocks for the second half and the ball was quickly passed to James English who scored a wonderful solo effort from 70 yards out. Boulter added the extra 2 points and Lytchett were in a commanding lead 20 – 5. Next to score for Lytchett was full back Scott Ricketts who managed to find some space on the outside and cut inside to out pace the covering defence to score under the posts. Boulter converted and the score went up to 27 – 5. Overton were not finished and put together a strong run of play that crept them up the field to eventually score in the corner. The conversion was missed, but the score had been reduced to 27 – 10. Lytchett were to have the final word when their forwards produced a try for themselves with neat interplay, which saw captain Welsh Rob, hooker Gwillym Poole, flanker Tom Boulter and scrum half Shaun Gardener combine to see the scrum half power over into the corner. Boulter missed the resulting conversion, but the score had increased to 32 – 10 and the game had been won.
This win saw the Manor Men crowned champions of Hampshire Division Three and the scenes from Lytchett Park were joyful, with the large crowd celebrating with the players long into the night. Lytchett’s final game is away to Verwood, in 2 weeks time and now that there is no pressure on the game the day should hopefully turn into a celebration.
Team: Lloyd, Poultney, Deary, Cormack, Ansell, Vallender, Boulter T, Dennett, Gardener, Boulter H, Fooks, English, Payne, Baltrusis, Ricketts
