Although the Semi’s and finals had been cancelled due to the cancelations throughout the season there was still a lot ridding on the final game of the season. MSP were 2 points above OBU before the match and the winner would secure third place and perhaps second place?
The Bunnies build up was less than ideal, only 12 players turned up to training on a boggy Nairnville pitch and struggling for numbers on Saturday the hard task of beating MSP was only getting harder.
All the bad build up was forgotten when The Bunnies got on the field and produced some of their best football of the season. The first ten minutes had some outstanding pick and goes from the forwards with good interlinking backs play, this built great pressure on MSP and they cracked when Jerome finished off a great spell of forward play.
The score was added to shortly afterwards. Shane kicked long from inside the Bunnies half and a good chase created enough pressure on MSP created a superb turn over. After a few more pick and goes Andy dove over for the second touch down of the game. Shane slotted the conversion and a penalty soon after and the Bunnies were dominating the game 15-0.
MSP were not about to roll over though and started to gain more position and territory. The line was threatened and when Ben Neilsen was given a yellow card The Bunnies were under the pump! Some desperate defence close to the line was enough to see the Bunnies go into half time with a sizable 15-0 buffer.
In the second half MSP had full woken from there slumber.. The Bunnies no longer were talking about bonus points but survival. MSP crossed for their first try about 15 minutes into the half and the news got worse when Arthur went off with concussion. The pressure was relieved when Willie made a great break and broke into MSP’s half, he linked with Shane however MSP’s full back didn’t commit and shadowed Shane and Thursten over the touch line within there 20/20. The bunnies go close again when a cross kick had a wicked bounce, Andy got the bounce his way and made a bee-line for the try line only to be bundled into touch meters out.
MSP’s second try was a long range attempt; although the bunnies had the numbers to defend a few weak tackles meant MSP could stroll under the posts. With MSP’s kicker off injured the back up kicker looked nervous lining up his shot and after a good charge he got psyched and missed a sitter, meaning MSP need another try to win.
After a close finish The Bunnies held out to a 15-10 win to secure 3rd place. There best result in the competition for many a year.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to such a successful season, it’s been a good one!
Man of the Match: John Bradbury had an outstanding game for the Bunnies. John hadn’t had much game time this year due to Uni commitments but he produced a blinder from nowhere and generated great go forward every time he go the ball. Another mention should go to Ryan and Mike C who also had a great game.
Casualty's: Andy C broke his thumb, Arthur Concussion
Scorers:
Tries: Jerome Churchman, Andrew Carnegie
Con: Shane Binnie 1/2
Penalty: Shane Binnie 1/1
Yellow cards: Ben Neilsen
