After last weeks mammoth away win against BBO 1 champions Bracknell (don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before? also their only defeat of the entire season) it was always going to be a challenge to replicate that style of play. In the event this was a match which showed promise, from both sides, but which never really bore fruit.

It looked like the party was going to be spoilt by Witney who scored first, unconverted 0 - 5. Cents scrum was completely dominant, despite the over officious referees attention, and with the Taylor and Oakley the engine room was well and truly stoked. Frankly the first half lacked highlights, but a fine Casey try did brighten things. After a period of pressure from the home side, effervescent scrum half Gough, supporting his natty summer hair cut, spotted a lack of defenders behind the advancing forwards and deftly chipped over the top for Casey to gather and tootle over to score. Converted by Leicester.

Half time came which gave the ref breathing space to clear his whistle of spittle. Jelly babies, sour plom thingies and juicy orange segments caused decision making problems for some of the squad.

First blood was drawn in the second half by centre Griffiths who was on hand to support full back HGK who had made a fine break. Leicester calmly stroked the extras (I think I’m still allowed to write that, this day and age). Second blood (yer what?) was drawn by Gough after a trade mark Leicester break. Converted by Leicester to make it 21 - 5. Lets get the party started….

We had several “mini highlights” to brighten the afternoon. Flanker Clement latched on to a ball in mid field and found, much to his horror, that the opposition parted in front of him as he just kept trundling forward. Eventually he got up ended, but a fine break nevertheless less. Flanker Clark weighs in at about 3 stone 7 at the best of times which means he leaps like a salmon at lineout time, in fact his jumper have been known to throw him in to the air he’s so light. Today however he also came of age with his tackling as on a number of occasions he felled opposition players.

Hang on, hold the party. Party poopers Witney had other ideas. With time running out they ran in two very late tries, one converted to make the final score 21 - 17. Not a classic, but a win for the Cents and a deserved bonus point for Witney.

The result meant that Cents secured 4th spot in the league. Top three were over 25 points ahead of the chasing pack, in a three way mini league of their own.

Massive thanks to all those that have supported the squad this season. Thanks also to those that toil tirelessly to get the squad out; Neil for sorting our fixtures, Rob for sorting the kit and physio SJ with magic hands and a constant and endless supply of tape per match, and of course to profile pic Paul for providing a stream of superb photo’s.

Yes we have the odd blip when the squad contrive to give coaches and supporters grey hairs with completely pants performances. That said when we string it together we are a match for ANY team in the league. Those that witnessed out narrow loss to Chinnor and the fine away win at Bracknell will testify to this. Onward and upwards next season…..

Quotes of the day;

• Nice nudge
• Shine a light
• Nowhere

Bernie Leicester.

As a postscript to this match report, readers should know that Rob and Bernie have stepped down for next season from running the Mighty Cents, their job has been done and they've passed the batton onto safe hands. The team wouldn't be where they are today without the massive effort that Rob and Bernie have put in. As Mr Oakley said last Saturday after the final whistle, the team have grown from a bunch of lads who have a drink, to a bunch of lads who train on a Thursday............. and then have a drink!