By Claire Morley.
Pumas v Northampton Casuals
The Pumas suffered their first defeat of the 2009/10 season on Saturday. Northampton Casuals, on tour from the UK, beat the home side 43-19.

The game started with the Casuals keeping the game in the forwards and picking and driving the ball up field, it was only due to some great tackling by the Pumas that didn’t score.  The home team took the lead initially when Man of the Match Can Özyürük made a break and kicked ahead, scoring under the posts and then converting the try taking the Pumas to a 7-0 lead.
The Casuals made it a very physical game, fielding a very strong pack. Although most of the touring side were veterans, they also had two young back row players, one of whom plays for the Wasps academy side. It wasn’t long before their talent paid off with three tries in quick succession. The Pumas came back with Can setting Hilmi Kocak up for a try, which Dinçhan Kilercioglu converted. At half time the score stood at 17-14 to the Northampton Casuals.

In the second half the Pumas once again took the lead with Batuhan Öksüzal chasing down a kick and putting Emre Taskin in for the score. However the Casuals upped their game scoring a further four tries before the final whistle.

The Pumas continue their bid to retain the Turkish Champions title playing their next league game on Saturday (March 13) in Istanbul against the Ottomans. (Click thumbnails to see pics full sized)

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