With dark clouds overhead Bancroft wanted to start 2022 with a good performance and boy did they deliver.

Old B's were no mugs and started the game positively. Soon they were camped in the Bancroft half and made several surges in to the 22. Try as they might, through the forwards or with quick hands along the backs there was a solid wall of defence from Bancroft. A couple of penalties gave Bancroft some relief but Old Bs came back again and again but only to be denied by Bancroft.

It was more tha half way through the first half that Bancroft really got in to gear and worked their way down the pitch. A good line out ball was secured and the rumbling maul went towards the Old Bs line. It got stopped but a dart round the side secured the first points to Bancroft and with the conversion sliding in off the bar a 7 - 0 lead.

Bancroft were more secure and tighter with their play as they put Old Bs under pressure. The weather turned nasty and teh driving rain did neither side any favours. However, Bancroft showed good hands and after pressursing Old Bs in to mistakes secured an attacking lineout close to the try line. A good take, drive and a brust round the edge, another 5 points to Bancroft.

Both sides attacked with commitment but the defences were proving difficult to beat.

Bancroft came out full of vigor for the second half and quickly had Old B's pinned to their try line. The ball went one then the other, back again and again. As Bancroft probed the defence, provided they hed on to the slippery ball it was only a matter of time before the score, and so it came with a short drive.

Old Bs continued to play well and use their possession to create attacking opportunities. The Bancroft defence stood firm and when they had the ball Bancroft attacked with venom. From a few breaks Bancroft were unlucky not to score but they knew the time would come. It did as Bancroft attacked in waves before freeing up space on the outside for another try.

Old B's kept to the task but could not find a way through. another attack and another score as the final minutes ticked away.
A dull day but not a dull game, many plaudits to Bancroft and a great way to start the new year