March Bears 59-0 Heathens

In their first game back after Christmas the Heathens travelled to the Fens with something to prove. First game back post Xmas and everybody went into the game with something to prove. It was unfortunately however a similar tale to the start of the season in that the Heathens spent most of the game defending. After bravely resisting wave after wave of opposition attack, somethings got to give. Once the Bears had a taste for scoring they kept at it and were unrelenting in their set piece and phase play. Heathens remained undaunted and showed great character despite the run of play being against them. Scrums improved through the game and Bears did not get it all their own way in open play either. Pressure in defence forced a number of errors when a try looked imminent and powerful tackles set up a number of turnover balls as well. The times Heathens had ball in hand produced some beautiful rugby for the traveling support pwith strong carries by Adam O'Leary, Peter McFayden, Will Burke, Jack Baxter, to name just a few! The majestic dancing gazelle George Osbourne was a menace in defence and a threat in attacked before unfortunately sustaining an injury that'll see him out for a few more weeks.

The score line doesn't reflect the tenacity in which the Heathens played but it was still an enjoyable game. Fair play to March Bears who worked hard for their tries and, as cliché as it sounds, rugby really was the winner throughout this game. Young players are coming up through both clubs to play for the senior teams and there was fantastic moment when a Bear of 5 years scored his first ever try and the whole team when nuts to celebrate for him. Man of the Match was Jono Lawton, who above all else came into the game eager as a first cap rookie, and a special mention also to Jack Baxter who's return into the Heathens squad was explosive. Captain Reece Gratton showed humility in leadership by accepting a less favourable award for being made a mug out of by a young whippersnapper and losing his ankles when a clear shot at a charging centre became an ungainly pirouette-sit down while the Bear scored. It should be noted that Will Smith only avoided the honour as he made a swift exit, gifted Bears a try when Heathens had a 3 man overlap.