Mowden marching on with another victory

IN turning an early 10-0 deficit into a 31-10 lead, Mowden adapted superbly to their enforced changes and the questions posed by high-flying Hartpury.

There were at least three forwards well beyond the usual student age in the Gloucestershire side, but with a willingness to run from anywhere they initially threatened to beat Mowden at their own game.

Inbetween scoring the first two and last two tries, however, they were punished for every lapse as the more clinical Mowden machine notched its 12th successive win.

The run now faces its sternest test, away to clear leaders Richmond, followed by the visit of second-placed Blackheath when Rob Conquest and Peter Homan will be on England Counties duty.

Conquest's absence will be felt, especially as the second row partner with whom he built such a strong bond, Tom Jubb, seems unlikely to feature again.

Mowden began their winning run through fielding a settled side, but in recent weeks have lost Jubb, flankers Ali Bone and Luca Petillo, plus centre Garry Law.

There were more injuries on Saturday, with wingers Homan and Jake Henry, plus centre Chris Auld, leaving the field.

The versatilty, as well as the depth, of the squad has been proven, however, with Simon Uzokwe, originally signed as a prop, finishing the match on the wing after scoring two tries from blind side to take his season's tally to 15.

Santiago Socino, who took over at open side from Petillo, reverted to hooker when Mowden took the chance to send on Joe Craggs and Rory Duff.

At least that gave some local flavour to a team which began with three Argentinians, Gaston Demergasso impressing on his first start at hooker alongside Socino and scrum half Bruno Bravo.

There was an almost telepathic understanding as Bruno's reverse pass flicked off the deck sent Socino under the posts for the 40th-minute try which put Mowden ahead. But the best try was the fifth and final one.

Not for the first time, it involved some skilful play from Jamie Barnard, who began at full back before moving to the left wing.

He took a switch pass from replacement Matt Walsh on halfway and found Uzokwe on a burst which took him to the 22 before sending Jake Woodhouse over.

That was the only try fly half Warren Seals failed to convert and he also added a penalty on the stroke of half-time for a 17-10 lead, ensuring that Law was not missed.

The interval lead was a little flattering as Hartpury's kicker missed a simple penalty and all the conversions until they scored a length-of-the-field try in the last move of the game.

Against well-drilled opponents, Mowden conceded five penalties before Hartpury infringed. Uzokwe broke off a powerful driving maul to romp over, then Socino's try followed a series of pick-and-drives.

Seven minutes after the break Uzokwe showed his pace when narrowly winning a chase following a chip by Walsh.

A catch-and-drive finished by skipper Gareth Nesbit made it 31-10 before Hartpury came back with three tries, interrupted only by Woodhouse's touchdown.

It meant the try count was 5-5 in a thrilling game, but the kicking made the difference.