Boosted with a strong 8x man bench, the 3s went into the warm up quietly confident of securing a result against a traditionally strong S&L outfit. It’s nice to see some things don’t change despite there being a new captain for the 3rd XV… the toss was lost, which resulted in Ns kicking off down the Billing Road slope.

After some sustained pressure, big carries and good breakdown work, S&L broke the deadlock to go 0-5 up. The 3s hit straight back with some pressure of their own, some excellent backs play, allied with S&L indiscipline meant the 3s had their first visit to the opposition 22. A scything run by hat-trick hero Josh Gillett sliced S&L apart, meaning the 3s registered their first score. 5-5. This kickstarted the 3rd XV, with strong carries from Matt ‘The Loon’ Newsway, Connor Horsler, Josh Gillett and Simon Portwain constantly giving the team go forward. After a monstrous scrum was won against the head, Greg Alcock picked and darted right, tiptoeing down the touchline before offloading to the onrushing Laurence Knowles who scored. 10-5.

S&L picked up momentum, running hard lines and battering past a few would be tacklers however, the 3rd XV defense stood strong and put in some big shots (Simon Portwain led) as well as some suspect ‘speed bump’ shots (Jamie ‘The Apprentice’ Russell led). Another dominant scrum saw the 3s camped in the opponents 22 and after a change of direction, Jamie ‘The Apprentice’ Russell fed Josh Gillett who went over for his 2nd score. Conversion missed (tough day for the kickers), 15-5.

Another ONs score before the break from Connor Horsler, let’s say this one was converted! 22-5 ONs, HT.

S&L started the second half much stronger going down hill, and despite wave after wave of pressure, they could not get over the line. They settled for a penalty, duly converted by their fly half. 22-8.

Some ill discipline from the 3s gave S&L a sniff and they worked their way into the 22. A tap and go penalty from 5m out was scored by their fly half and the deficit narrowed to 22-15.

This gave the 3s the motivation they needed to step up another gear and after some great link up between forwards and backs, another try was scored - 27-15.

S&L then fell foul of the referees whistle and after a catch and drive lineout and lots of grunting, Matt Newsway stretched out his 3m long arm and scored, despite protests from the opponents that he was short of the line. Conversion slotted, 35-15.

The 3s really turned it on, with some marauding forwards and backs linking up to score a staggering 11x tries throughout the game! Highlights included some slick interplay between Stuart MacDonald, Greg Alcock, Matt Newsway, Connor Horsler and Simon Portwain resulting in a 45m score. A midfield scrum 6-7m out led to a bold call of cheese - it came off handsomely and Rob Kyle scored in the corner (he also converted a peach of a touchline kick!)

A strong showing from the 3rd XV, the fans at Billing Road were thoroughly entertained and in good spirits. The hard graft in training and gritty, close encounters against the likes of Wellingborough and Casuals led to a huge win.

Final score:
ONs 63
S&L 20

MOTM - none other than hat-trick hero Josh Gillett. First senior game playing centre, gelled incredibly well with Horsler and played magnificently.

DOTD - rather naively, he thought that since his transition into the forwards he would only ever play in single digits… Ed Lee slotted onto the wing, attempted a chip and chase that didn’t quite come off… tough day for kickers off the tee as well as out of hand!

Scorers:
Gillett x3
Horsler x2
Alcock
Knowles
Kyle
Newsway
Portwain
Savage

Conversions
Gillett
Horsler x2
Kyle