Sat 29 Nov 2025, 14:15
We always knew what a challenge was ahead of us in this match, Blackburn are far from a weak side, and they brought their usual intensity and strength that was to be expected. Outside of a few good opportunities in the first half, even a try that would've needed TMO in the pro game, try-scoring chances were slim for us. We took a couple of important injuries in the first half too, losing our fly-half and some of our pace in the back three. We knew we had to make adjustments and early on people were having to play out of position, well done to all people who did. It was a tough hit that right on half-time Blackburn were able to use their size and power to get themselves a try, a tough thing to take right on half-time. 5-0.
The second half started similarly to how the first half ended, with Blackburn capitalising on us adjusting our game and getting another try making it 10-0. Massive credit to every single player out there, because I can easily say that was one of our best defensive performances of the season, outside of those 2 tries, we handled everything that Blackburn threw at us, which, to their credit, was a bloody lot. Our tackling and aggression was absolutely fantastic. What I've always been able to say about this 2s side, is that we never gave up. We never stopped grafting, and worked until the final whistle. After gaining some good territory, we got a maul going that got us over the line with Jamie Butler dotting the ball down - a true team effort 10-7. With less than 5 minutes left, yet again we kept working and not giving up. Again we were able to build up some phases and after a few penalties going our way, we had a mighty swing of momentum. A quick tap and go penalty gave the wonderful Dale Beardsall a chance to smash through 2 defenders to get the ball over the line, a huge effort that gave us our just rewards.
Jamie Parker put in an impressive performance with his boot converting both tries, leaving the score at 14-10 with 3 minutes left. A monster 3 minutes of defence was needed, and after a terrifying penalty given away, every single player worked hard to stop the attack, getting a huge turnover, with the ball getting kicked out of play - game over. TMV victory.
Shout out to Chris Nicolescu on his first match for TMV, who was seriously impressive in the centres, what a great addition he will be. Shout out to Charlie Baguley for making his 2nd team debut, having to play out of position for the majority due to injuries, but the man never gave up so well done.
Over the last few seasons we've prided ourselves on the amount of young talent coming through and yesterday was another example of that, with so many youngsters taking to the field and showing the fearless attitude that comes with being an MV player. Well done EVERYONE. Few things to build on, but what a great team effort.
Final Score 14-10
Tries: Jamie Butler x1 Dale Beardsall x1 Conversions: Jamie Parker x2
MOTM: Gareth Adams
DOTD: Not awarded, no one was stupid enough!
Photo Courtesy of Ian Rogers - Try scorer Dale Beardsall taking on Blackburn defence.
