Old Centralians 45
Newbury Blues 3
OLD Centralians were made to work hard for victory to secure home field advantage in the play-offs.
In ideal conditions for Cents, the home side were able to move the ball from all over the park and their free running backs enjoyed a steady stream of ball which was used effectively.
Although their first two tries came about from old fashioned catch and drives from lineouts near the visitors try line.
Captain Pete Willetts opened the scoring for Cents, followed by Sam Preece, and both tries were well converted by Connor Gwilliam from difficult positions wide out.
After this initial burst of scoring, Newbury responded with a penalty after they had come close on a couple of occasions to scoring a try.
Cents completed their first-half scoring when centre Ryan Townsend completed a sweeping attack from the home side.
This try was also converted by Gwilliam to give Cents a commanding 21-3 half-time lead.
Cents started the second half on the attack and were rewarded with three quick tries from Ben Slatter, a second for Preece and Lewis May.
Gwilliam converted one of the tries and by the start of the final quarter Cents led 38-3.
Newbury kept fighting all the way through the match, but Cents were too good for them.
Cents finished their scoring with a second try from Willets and this was also converted by Gwilliam for a comprehensive final score.
Man of the match: Dan Knapman
