Bletchley succumb to High Wycombe's second-half onslaught
Bletchley’s hard-work was undone in a competitive second-half
It was a close encounter but Bletchley narrowly missed out on the win against High Wycombe on Saturday, going down 27-20.
In a hard-fought second-half especially, Bletchley came back with a losing bonus point, but it could have been the full compliment.
The visitors made a confident start, when just six minutes in, flanker Jordan Murray powered over from close range following a series of direct carries, giving Bletchley an early 5-0 lead.
The visitors then extended their lead when a High Wycombe yellow card reduced their numbers, and with their numerical advantage, Wade Twiselton finished strongly to cross the line. Fly half Cameron Watkins converted to make it 12-0.
The hosts responded with their first converted try of the afternoon to reduce the arrears, but just a minute before half-time, Elliott Hales finished confidently to send Bletchley in 17-7 up at the break.
Wycombe though would hit back in style in the second-half to take the game away from the visitors, compounded when, just after the restart, Watkins limped out with a hamstring strain.
And the home side immediately capitalised a Bletchley tried to reshuffle, converting again to make it 17-14.
Bletchley maintained composure, and at 67 minutes, Hales stepped up to slot a penalty kick, extending the advantage to 20-14.
However, the hosts edged back in front. A penalty on 71 minutes reduced the deficit to 20-17, before a further converted try shortly afterwards gave Wycombe a 24–20 lead.
A final unconverted try at 77 minutes extended the home side’s advantage to 27–20, which ultimately proved decisive.
Bletchley were reduced to 14 men late on when scrum half Jack Sharp received a yellow card at 78 minutes for an attempted interception.
The result leaves Bletchley tenth in Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern North, just outside the relegation spots. This Saturday, they hosts sixth place Oxford at Manor Fields, kicking off at 2pm.