Nutt's try the spark for Oxon's triumph

From the archive, first published Tuesday 29th Apr 2003.

Oxfordshire 40, Bucks 18: A spectacular try by winger Martin Nutt was the feature of Oxfordshire's comfortable victory over Bucks in their opening Tetley's County Championship clash at Chinnor on Saturday.

With Oxon leading 21-11 midway through the second half, replacement Nutt gathered a loose ball close to his own 22 and proceeded to carve his way through half the Bucks side with elusive sidesteps and subtle changes of pace.

The Oxford Harlequins winger was caught just ten metres short, but still got up to re-gather and go over the line for a try that brought the crowd to its feet.

That score, in effect, ended the Bucks resistance, and two more scores sealed a handsome success.

An Oxon victory had always looked on the cards, especially as Aylesbury were involved a league play-off and most Marlow players declined to turn out for Bucks.

However, the visitors started strongly and led 11-5 after 25 minutes.

Their pacy New Zealand full back Johnny Smith kicked two penalties and then took advantage of a misaligned Oxon defence to set up a try in the corner for right wing Kas Rothwell.

Oxon had a clear advantage up front and their first try came from lock Andy Milburn following a catch-and-drive from a line-out.

However, in touching down for a try, Milburn suffered a bang on the head and could take no further part in the game.

This gave Oxon a dilemma, as they were without a second-row replacement. Flanker Tom Johnson came on, with Darryl Griffin moving to lock, where he enjoyed a storming game.

Although reducing Oxon's effectiveness in the line-out, the substitution increased the side's mobility. This showed in the last 15 minutes of the first half, when they scored 16 points.

After Andy Noyce landed a penalty goal, another catch-and-drive from a line-out brought a simple try for hooker Tristan Nicholas.

Noyce kicked a second penalty, before concerted Oxon possession led to Jamie Cope's well-timed pass giving Johnson a clear run to the line.

Bucks resisted well in an injury-disrupted third quarter, before Nutt's try opened the floodgates.

A break by fly half Darren Oxley, carried on by centre Johnny David, led to a try from Noyce.

Then, talented young centre Matt Goode, a silky-smooth runner, was awarded a try despite dropping the ball over the line. Noyce converted the last two tries for a personal tally of 15 points.

Although outclassed, Bucks never gave up and had the last say when Rothwell scored his second try, converted by Martin Wright.

One concern for Oxon came when full back Dave Boreham limped off with a hamstring strain just before the end.

They will be hoping he is fit for their second match in this three-match group against Dorset & Wilts at Swanage on Saturday, May 10.

The group winners will then play a semi-final on May 17, for a place in the Shield final at Twickenham seven days later.

Oxfordshire (Chinnor unless stated): D Boreham (Ox Harlequins), A Noyce (Banbury), J David, M Goode (Banbury), B Hopcroft (Henley), D Oxley, G Phillips, S Matthews, T Nicholas (Henley), B Harris, A Milburn, M McNally (Banbury), D Griffin (NEC Harlequins), J Cope (Ox Harlequins), P Hennessy (capt). Reps: T Johnson for Milburn (17), M Nutt (Ox Harlequins) for Hopcroft (52), J Winpenny for Harris 68), T Whelan for Nicholas (72-82).

Bucks (H Wycombe unless stated): J Smith, K Rothwell (Slough), K Mann, J Dollery (Marlow), M Wright (Basingstoke), S McLoughlin (Slough), J Cotter (Drifters), A Foyle, D Mitton (Slough), T David, M Lay (Onley), P Mole (Esher), P Mason (Slough), A Edwards (Slough), R Blundon. Reps: N Brooks (Chinnor) for Edwards (32-40 and 54), S Jarrold (Am & Chiltern) for Dollery (25-27) and Mann (70), S Molloy for David (54), S Logan (Drifters) for Smith (68).

Referee: G Hughes (RFU).

OTHER RUGBY RESULT

Grove 3rd/4th 60 (J North 3, A Haynes 2, D Nicholl, M Lewis, D Hutchinson, S Coad, P Morrison; cons R Sevier 5), Bicester 3rd 31 (tries D Downer 3, M Lewis 2; cons N Smith 3).