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Newbury Blues head coach James McAvoy reflects on narrow Chobham loss




Newbury Blues head coach James McAvoy was positive following his side’s narrow defeat away to Chobham on Saturday.

His side lost 20-19 at Fowlers Wells, but McAvoy was realistic in his assessment.

“We got off to a good start again which is pleasing because we’ve spoken about that a couple of times now,” he said.

“We’re playing well and to our pace in the first five or ten minutes of the game.

“Other than that, in reality this game was a frustrating one.

Rory Jones soars as Newbury Blues face Chobham - Photo: Peter Branch
Rory Jones soars as Newbury Blues face Chobham - Photo: Peter Branch

“At the end of the game we had an opportunity to win it, a penalty five metres from their line.

“The leadership group decided to go for the lineout and it got stolen.

“It happens at the top level. I back the boys to make those calls and we can discuss afterwards whether it was the right one.

“The message for the whole group is that it’s about action and not words now.

“We need some action from the players now.”

Jamie Futcher in action as Newbury Blues face Chobham - Photo: Peter Branch
Jamie Futcher in action as Newbury Blues face Chobham - Photo: Peter Branch

Chobham made the first breakthrough of the game after seven minutes, as they went 5-0 up.

Man of the Match Ali Magee tied things up in the 12th, before Alec McCormack converted for a 7-5 lead.

Harry Edwards scored Blues’ second try of the game on 35 minutes, with McCormack converting to make it 14-5.

Chobham would take control however, scoring twice in a fifteen minute period to make it 17-14.

Jamie Futcher’s try on 70 minutes restored the lead, but a penalty kick for the hosts four minutes later was enough to secure a 20-19 win.

Harry Edwards scores as Newbury Blues face Chobham - Photo: Peter Branch
Harry Edwards scores as Newbury Blues face Chobham - Photo: Peter Branch

Saturday saw absences, as captain Dan Thorne missed out due to a concussion, while outside centre Oli Rhoads completed a move to Reading based National League 1 side Rams RFC.

“We’re really pleased for Oli, he’s had a great start to the campaign,” McAvoy said.

“Some of the boys will go down to support him this week when he faces Cambridge.

“Dan was out with concussion, but based on the stages of play protocol, if his contact training goes well this week he should be back for Saturday.

“He’s our leader and captain, but Alec McCormack has come in and he’s someone who can play to that same model really well.

“There’s some debate around Oli’s jersey. Harry Isaac is there defensively, it’ll be interesting to see how he works forward in terms of attack, as that was one of Oli’s strengths.

“That’s my job, to push players and make sure we’ve got enough strength.

“The Stags are having a great start to the season and we’re looking at a couple to see if they can make the step up.”



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