McAvoy’s men end season in style with final triumph

GEORGE Robinson-Slater played a starring role as Newbury Blues lifted the Papa Johns Cup South Shield in Bristol on Sunday.

The tighthead prop was a key factor in the set piece as Blues came from 8-0 down to beat Gravesend 25-8 at Dings Crusaders RFC.

And it meant that Blues ended an up-and-down season on a high note, winning their final five games to end the campaign with silverware.

Blues head coach James McAvoy was thrilled with his side’s display.

He said: “The boys have had some tough days so to finish like this was great.

“That’s five wins on the trot and we have been playing some great rugby.”

Blues’ winning team is virtually the same that struggled for form midway through the season.

But the new attacking system has finally clicked into place and Blues have reaped the rewards.

McAvoy said: “We have embraced a much more uptempo system and from January onwards we have got better and better defensively.”

McAvoy also sang the praises of man-of-the-match Robinson-Slater.

He said: “George was immense in the set pieces and his work rate in the loose was incredible.

“Jonnie Lees was also notable for his carries, but on the whole it was a proper squad performance.”

The game, though, got off to the worst possible start for Blues.

They were reduced to 14 men due to a yellow card in only the third minute, and Gravesend cashed in to score an unconverted try.

Soon after the Kent side extended their lead to 8-0 with a penalty.

But after that, Blues took control, leading 10-8 at half-time before cruising away

to an ultimately comfortable win.

McAvoy said: “We have used 50 players this season, but over the last six weeks have found consistency.

“Now we can enjoy our time off and then crack on next season.”

After the game, Blues returned to their Monks Lane clubhouse, where they presented outgoing team manager Mick Futcher with a medal for his loyal service.