Huntingdon 19 - 7 Newmarket

Last season’s two meetings between these teams both resulted in narrow 2 point victories for Huntingdon. For three quarters of this match it looked as if the score would be equally close.  On a rock hard surface the game see-sawed back and forth as both teams tried to find some early season rhythm on a hot day.

After 15 minutes Newmarket broke the deadlock.  Inside centre, Nathan Buckle, gathered the ball from a scrum and ran straight and hard from 20 metres to touch down under the posts. Joe Stafford converted with a drop goal as the ball fell off the kicking tee with the Huntingdon forwards bearing down.

Huntingdon were always alert to the opportunity of a quick throw or penalty tap and after considerable pressure they drove over for an unconverted try.

Taking advantage of the good running conditions and full value for defensive kicks, the teams played end to end rugby for the first ten minutes of the second half without either being able to convert.  Gradually, though, too much loose ball given away by Newmarket and  strong running from the Huntingdon backs resulted in them scoring two quick tries. The final score perhaps not doing justice to how well-matched the teams were.