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McAvoy praises ‘resilience’ as Blues battle to Guildford win




Newbury Blues head coach James McAvoy was pleased with his side’s hard fought win over Guildford on Saturday.

Blues hosted the side second from bottom with hopes of getting back to winning ways, having played the division’s top two sides back to back.

It was the visitors who had the best of the early going, putting Blues 5-0 down within the opening five minutes.

They were 12-0 up before the Newbury response began, as captain Dan Thorne went over for their first try before converting to halve the deficit.

Newbury Blues' Dan Thorne on the charge - Photo: Peter Branch
Newbury Blues' Dan Thorne on the charge - Photo: Peter Branch

The game became one of both sides trading kicks to gain field position, neither side wanting to make a mistake in the middle third of the field.

Some good attacking play made it 17-7 to the visitors, but Blues responded as a great tackle by Harry Waye-Branch led to a Blues attacking scrum.

The ball was moved swiftly from left to right and Josh Bartlett's perfectly timed pass to Ali McGee saw him run in for Blues’ second try of the game.

Thorne kicked a penalty to take the score to 17-17 at the break.

Fifteen minutes into the second half Guildford gave away a penalty and Thorne's successful kick put Blues ahead for the first time in the match.

The match was decided by a penalty awarded to Blues, which Thorne slotted over to regain Blues slender lead with about five minutes left to play.

The final play saw Blues turn over the ball just outside the Guildford twenty two and kick it into touch to secure a 23-20 victory.

Newbury Blues' Josh Bartlett races through - Photo: Peter Branch
Newbury Blues' Josh Bartlett races through - Photo: Peter Branch

“We were 12-0 down after probably 12 minutes,” reflected McAvoy.

“It was a real dogged, resilient performance to come back.

“We went down by a similar amount of points in the last two games, so I was pleased we were able to stay switched on.”

Newbury Blues' Ben Hicks in the scrum - Photo: Peter Branch
Newbury Blues' Ben Hicks in the scrum - Photo: Peter Branch

Brothers Ashley and Kyle Doel both drew praise in the second row, with the latter being named Man of the Match.

“Having that Doel-Doel partnership has brought a lot of stability to us,” he said.

“Both of them enjoy being out there together.

“They also compete for the England Fire Service squad at the same time.

“Kyle is consistent, he drags in defenders, he gets the extra half metre.”

Newbury Blues' Kyle Doel, Man of the Match - Photo: Peter Branch
Newbury Blues' Kyle Doel, Man of the Match - Photo: Peter Branch

Blues are now ninth, fourth from bottom, and face seventh placed Chobham on Saturday.

“The boys are excited for this one,” he said.

“We owe them one, it was particularly tight last time.

“They’re set piece dominant, they enjoy the fight.

“If we can move them around, we’ll find success.”



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