PREPARATIONS for the new Midlands 5 West (South) campaign took a knock for Rugby Welsh after they fell to a 10-18 friendly defeat at home to Daventry’s second team.
Welsh came up against a strong and well organised Daventry outfit and despite being defeated, there were plenty of positives to take from the match.
The signs looked ominous when Daventry arrived with a large squad and went through some impressive training moves ahead of kick-off.
However Welsh started well, particularly upfront, where they refused to let their bigger opponents dictate events with Andy Higham and Lorenzo putting in huge tackles.
Welsh took the lead after 15 minutes when following a lineout they drove their opponents back fully 25 metres and Wayne Grant crashed over for the unconverted try.
This led to a change in Daventry tactics as they began to move the ball wide and they were soon in front following a penalty and an unconverted try from their powerful centre.
Despite further pressure, Welsh held out to leave Daventry with a narrow 8-5 half time lead.
Playing conditions worsened in the second half with the wind and rain affecting play.
Daventry became frustrated as despite having most of the position they were unable to break down their opponents with Buckland orchestrating the midfield defence effectively.
Eventually Daventry extended their lead with a penalty and unconverted try however Welsh can be pleased with their fitness levels as they fought back well in the last ten minutes.
They were rewarded for their efforts even though the try from Jason Reynolds was bizarre, as a speculative kick from Angus Wilson came off a Daventry player leaving Reynolds an open run in to the try line.
Welsh mounted further pressure in the final minutes but Daventry held on to secure their victory. Welsh begin their league campaign on Saturday against Copeswood at Alwyn Road.
