A converted penalty try in the last minute of the game was just not enough to get a point for Biggleswade. But away from home and on a very tacky pitch it was a spirited result.

Playing up the slope in the first half Biggleswade were rocked back by an early score. But they rallied well and went forward with much more intent. Matt Keen restored at fly-half in place of the injured Adam Sewell injected pace and flair. While Tom O’Connor now a much stronger player thanks to his work on building sites always looked dangerous.

It was Tom O’Connor in the centre that made a big dent in the opposition’s line. It put Biggleswade in a good attacking position. From the next passage of play he rounded off the move with a try in the corner.

Exploiting home advantage Long Buckby added another try just before half-time to lead 12-5 at the break. But with the advantage of the slope to come Biggleswade were more confident than in past weeks.

But Buckby on their own patch (more a cabbage patch) seemed to have the game wrapped up when they added another try and a penalty to take a comfortable lead. Turning with confidence on the slippery pitch was always a lottery.

Biggleswade refused to lie down and the arrival of Steve Cocozza playing his first game of the season after a long lay off with a strained calf added the impetus required. .

Perky scrum half Ross Taylor in the thick of the action all afternoon went over for a try from close range after good work by the forwards. Mark Rastrick adding the conversion from a long way out. Then in the closing seconds Buckby did everything illegal to stop Biggleswade scoring giving the referee no choice but to award a penalty try.

Conditions were not good for rugby with a blustery wind, sticky ground and a slippery ball that was constantly covered in mud. But Biggleswade played with some spirit and a dogged determination that made the journey seem worthwhile.

Team: A Burke, D Rogers, R Collarbone, I Jones, T Griffiths, M Peace (S Cocozza), K Marshall, I Robinson, R Taylor, M Keen, M Rastrick, M Cray, T O’Connor, I Beckitt, S Churms.

This Saturday Biggleswade entertain Rushden & Higham the only team they have beaten in the league this year. But after going more than half the season without a win Rushden’s most recent results have been better.

Biggleswade slumped to another defeat despite a bright start. The result leaves them anchored to the foot of the table and relegation almost certain. It was their first game together for three weeks. A friendly and the re-arranged league match against BBOB were both off.

Biggleswade started strongly suggesting that a close match was in prospect. The pressure forced errors from the visitors. Eventually at a third attempt Biggleswade went into the lead as a result of a penalty from captain Mark Rastrick this week playing on the wing.

Tom O’Connor and Martin Cray were in the centre with Matt Keen at full-back. Martin Matthews came into the side on the wing with Martin “Potton” Peace returning to the pack. Ian Robinson made a welcome return at number eight and was a live-wire throughout especially from the back of the lineout.

The early lead was short lived. On almost their first visit to Biggy’s half Stockwood went through a yawning gap in the centre for the opening try. Stockwood added another before half-time. The defence was stretched so thin that it was three quarters against props that was no contest.

The score stayed 10-3 to the visitors until deep in the second half. Stockwood added a penalty and then another late try.

Adam Sewell was forced to retire with a damaged foot. Simon Rutt was summoned from the distant third pitch to take his place. It was Simon’s first outing for the 1^st XV this season. Afterwards he claimed that if he had been given a pass earlier he would have scored. Always the optimist is Simon. It would have been from his own half with the covering defence rapidly approaching like a swarm of bees!

Next week is an away trip to Long Buckby. This is the second of five successive league matches that will decide Biggleswade’s fate. The other games are Rushden & Higham (home), BBOB (away) and Blackley (home). The remaining matches are Stockwood Park (away) and Oadby-Wyggestonians (home).

Team: A Burke, D Rogers, R Collarbone, I Jones, T Griffiths, M Peace, K Marshall, I Robinson, R Taylor, A Sewell (S Rutt), M Rastrick, T O’Connor, M Cray, M Matthews, M Keen.