Andover 43, Millbrook 12
It was an emphatic return to winning ways for Saxon Safety-sponsored Andover last weekend, as they swept aside newly promoted Millbrook with a dominant 43–12 victory.
After back-to-back defeats, this fixture had the potential to be a tricky test for the ‘All Blacks’, especially against a Millbrook side who have impressed early in their Counties 1 campaign, including an impressive away win at high-flying Chichester. However, any fears of a slip-up were quickly dismissed as Andover controlled proceedings from the outset, showcasing power, pace and precision with ball in hand to terrorise the visitors all afternoon.
Andover were forced into several changes ahead of the game, with Alex Kane unavailable due to the birth of his second child – congratulations extended to him and his family – while Bryn Waite came into the back row for the first time this season. Skipper CJ Feirn moved into the centre due to a foot injury that prevented him from lineout duties, and Jake Kane stepped in at full-back.
Despite the reshuffle, Andover looked far from unsettled and immediately went on the offensive. Their early dominance was rewarded when Rich Retallick kicked to the corner following a penalty, setting up a textbook lineout move that saw Callum Barber-Starkey and Waite combine brilliantly for Barber-Starkey to crash over — his third try in as many weeks.
However, a brief lapse in concentration from the restart gifted Millbrook their only real moment of joy, as a mix-up in defence allowed the visitors to touch down and level the scores.
That was as good as it got for Millbrook. From then on, Andover were relentless. Man of the Match Roman Barton-Knott and the returning Stan Pearson were instrumental, consistently breaking the gain line and creating attacking opportunities. A powerful catch-and-drive set the platform for Feirn to cross for Andover’s second try, converted by Retallick. Both Feirn and Pearson then showcased their defensive steel with key turnovers as Millbrook threatened to rally.
Andover’s momentum continued as Pearson once again featured in the build-up to Sean Higgins’ try, before Nic Reed finished off a flowing team move following a superb 50:22 kick from Jake Kane, with Retallick adding the extras to give Andover a commanding half-time lead.
After the break, Andover showed no sign of easing off, making full use of the slope in their favour. Barton-Knott continued to wreak havoc with dynamic carries, linking the forwards and backs with ease.
An injury to Higgins forced Waite into the scrum-half role for the first time, but the disruption didn’t slow Andover down. Some slick handling from Harvey Maloney sent Evan Roll racing away to score, further extending the lead.
Although Millbrook defended bravely, the relentless running of Maloney, Stan North, and Kane continually tested their resolve. Missed chances frustrated the hosts, but those were soon forgotten when Tom Erskine powered straight through a ruck to score another well-earned try, Retallick again converting.
A yellow card for James Fleet briefly handed Millbrook a numerical advantage, and they capitalised with a second try. Yet Andover finished in style — Callum Hollinshead capped off the afternoon by collecting a superb offload from Roll before sprinting 60 metres to score, with Retallick rounding off the day perfectly from the tee.
Speaking after the match, Senior Coach Charlie Waite was full of praise for his side:
“We played very well today, and there were some superb individual performances — as well as some very selfless ones. The team is really gelling as a group, and we’ll have the chance to look at the wider squad this week in our cup game away to Cobham. It’s all very promising.”
Andover’s emphatic 43–12 win sends a clear message to the rest of the league — the ‘All Blacks’ are back on track and brimming with confidence.