Sat 9 Oct 2021
Milton Keynes 1st XV 24 – 20 High Wycombe 1st XV
Twenty-four hours later Wycombe supporters will still be wondering how they lost this match in a crazy final few minutes after a controversial try sends Wycs to another away defeat. In selection Wycombe were forced into seven changes five of which were in the backs meaning there were a few new combinations.
It was Milton Keynes who struck first when a penalty for not rolling away presented their fly half with a comfortable three points 3-0. The away team hit back when some sustained pressure forced a goal line drop out. This was kicked straight out, and Wycombe opted for a five-metre scrum. With dominance in this area, it was not long before the Wycombe forwards shunted the home team over the line for number eight Zak Gregory to pick up and score, James Shuck added the two points 3-7. More strong work at the scrum put the Wycombe in good field position and a precise kick from fly half Ben Fletcher forced the Milton Keynes full back to field the ball five metres from his line, an excellent chase forced him to put a foot into touch. With the lineout working well Wycombe secured the ball and rumbled over the line with Tom Boardman scoring, 3-12. With half time looming a loss in concentration and several missed tackles allowed the Milton Keynes number eight to score 10-12. On the stroke of half-time Wycombe extended their lead with a penalty from Shuck 10-15.
Wycombe were playing with the slope in the second half but for a second week the penalty count against the away team was halting any progress made. When continuity was found Wycombe looked dangerous and from an Aryton Hooker break and a strong carry from Anthony Farthing secured the ball close to the line. The forwards took over and Tom Boardman bundled over for his second try 10-20. With seven minutes to go and no further score Wycombe were looking comfortable to see the game out for a victory but from a big clearance the Milton Keynes winger picked up the ball inside his own half and brushed off several tackles to score in the corner, an excellent conversion cut the deficit to 17-20 with three minutes to go. The home team secured the re-start but then knocked on and from the scrum Wycombe decided to pick and go to run down the clock. With only seconds left a knock on presented the home team with a scrum inside their twenty-two. With possession secured they went wide and made a break down the left touch line. As the cover tried to come across the Wycombe players and bench were adamant that the Milton Keynes player left the field of play but with the Milton Keynes flag staying down the referee awarded the try, another excellent kick from the touchline stretched the final score to 24-20.
Firstly, congratulations to Milton Keynes who never gave up and found a way to win the game. As for Wycombe, they must cut out the penalties and learn from their mistakes if they are going to win matches.
Matt Lewis
