Sat 30 Nov 2019, 15:00
With the original game in October postponed due to a waterlogged pitch this was the next available date. As this was originally a free weekend many first team regulars were unavailable and Wycombe travelled with a much changed squad, particularly in the forwards. This wasn’t helped on the day with the M4 shut and a crash on the M40 many players only turning up shortly before kick-off. Nevertheless, the away team started well with an accurate Billy Bickford chip in behind the defence bouncing kindly into Harry Tanner’s hands to score after a couple of minutes, 0-5. The lead didn’t last long, after missing a penalty kick Billy Bickford sent a long drop out close to the Bicester line. Instead of clearing their lines the home team ran the ball back and went through over ten phases of play to score an excellent length of the field try 5-5. Ill discipline from the home team gave Wycombe excellent field position and a strong break from Tom Bosley took play inches from the line. Unfortunately, the support couldn’t get to him quickly enough and the ball was turned over. With no defence at home Bicester ran the ball up to the halfway line where the away team were penalised. This took play deep into the Wycombe half and another penalty gave Bicester three points 8-5. Wycombe hit back when a long raking Billy Bickford kick was bobbled into touch by a Bicester player. A great break from Ollie Fennell-Wells put Wycombe on the front foot. With the ball recycled quickly Billy Bickford went over to score, kick missed 8-10. The lead didn’t last long as a penalty pushed Wycombe back into their twenty-two and a good lineout enabled Bicester to score through their forwards 13-10. In the dying seconds of the half the away team were reduced to fourteen players when Toby Disbury was yellow carded for bringing down a maul.
Half Time 13-10
Wycombe had hung in well but were now playing up the slope and in the second half struggled to get out of their own half. Anytime Wycombe gained possession they were forced to kick the ball to get out of their twenty-two. With the lineout and scrum also struggling this meant for a very long half of rugby. This enabled Bicester to pile on the pressure and although Wycombe defended manfully the pressure told. Bicester scored three tries and a penalty to take the score out to 35-10 with five minutes remaining. Wycombe did manage to secure field position and were then rewarded with a penalty. Instead of kicking to touch they went quickly and carried the ball into the Bicester forwards. Spotting a gap on the blindside Liam Dudley was able to go over and score 35-15.
Full Time 35-15
Firstly, credit to Bicester who thoroughly deserved their victory and played some good rugby. As for Wycombe with so many changes this was always going to be a difficult match. The players never gave up, defended well and showed that they could create chances when they had the ball
Next week home to Marlow.
