Buzzards’ season looks set to end in disappointment after defeat to rivals Bugbrooke on Saturday realistically ended their hopes of promotion.
The 13-8 loss leaves Buzzards a massive 15 points adrift of leaders Huntingdon & District and nine behind Bugbrooke in the second play-off place.
With just three games to play, starting at home against Huntingdon on Saturday, the gap looks too big for Buzzards to make up and another year in the Midlands 2 East (South) division is on the cards.
It was a great afternoon for rugby at Bugbrooke, and the game was played at breakneck speed, with both teams trying to gain the ascendency.
Leighton scored the first points with a penalty from Dan David after 23 minutes, and almost added to that as both Whitehouse and Irwin went close to scoring tries.
Knock ons or silly penalties cost them dear as just after losing Aaran Perry with a bad ankle injury, the home side opened the scoring to take a 5-3 lead into the break.
Another Buzzards chance went begging after the restart and Bugbrooke made them pay by scoring their second try moments later.
The game then developed into a very cagey affair with Buzzards knowing they had to chase the game to try and keep their season alive.
It seemed to be that every time Buzzards got close to the Bugbrooke line, they seemed to give away a penalty that only the referee knew what was for.
Bugbrooke extended their lead with a penalty, but with nothing to lose Buzzards hit back with a try finally scored by Ollie Taylor who managed to force his way over following some good phases of play.
It was too late though and Buzzards are left hoping for a miracle to make the play-offs.