Last gasp kick denies All Blacks (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Last gasp kick denies All Blacks

11:31pm Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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Fordingbridge 13 Andover 13.

Oakwood sponsored Andover were looking for revenge for the 30-27 loss at the Goodship Ground and were boosted with the return of their full Fijian contingent.

Andover played up the slope against the much bigger pack and the forwards battled throughout even managing to win a couple of scrums against the head.

Fordingbridge missed two early penalties and Andover had several good opportunities in the first half, particularly a pass from Stuart McRae to Bill William which was judged forward. Two Marc Wilding penalties gave Andover a 6-0 lead but Fordingbridge responded with a penalty just before half-time to make it 6-3.

The second half saw anogood performance from both sides but defences were holding firm until with 16 minutes left Gerry Narruhn broke and the ball was quickly moved wide to William to score in the corner. Wilding was left with a difficult conversion on the touchline but slotted with ease taking Andover 13-3 up and setting up a tense last 15 minutes.

The Fordingbridge flanker was sin binned but Andover were unable to capitalise and later Sam Fletcher was also sent to the bin. With their player returned Fordingbridge were able to use the advantage and scored in the corner. Their goal-kicker superbly converted to take his side within three points with minutes remaining.

In the last minute another penalty in front of the posts gave the home side three points and a 13 all draw.

Andover face league leaders Gosport and Fareham at the Goodship Ground tomorrow for the fourth and final meeting this season. They travel knowing they are one victory away from the league title and automatic promotion.

Try: William, Cons: Wilding .

Pen: Wilding (2).

Lots more from Andover RFC in Friday's Advertiser.