Team Selection: Ryan Morrel, now recovered from injury, returned to replace the injured Jordan Wayman on the right wing. Adam Higgins, making his first appearance of the season, replaced Jack Young at outside centre, Jack moving to the bench. Otherwise, the remainder of the team was unchanged from that that faced Bracknell last weekend. The back row remains unchanged for the fourth successive match. The weather was overcast with occasional showers but with a barely perceptible breeze. Underfoot, the pitch was in excellent nick with some ‘give’ in it after recent heavy rain.

The Banbury Bulldozer Breaches the Bournemouth Barricade

Banbury kicked off from right to left as viewed from the stand and to their left. Bournemouth got off to a fast start with prop Luca Firetto running the kickoff back deep into the Banbury half. The ball was released left, and Bournemouth had a a lineout inside the Banbury 22m. Driving off the lineout, the Bournemouth forwards were forced in field but the weren’t to be denied and flanker Smyth was over just to the left of the posts for his first score of the season. Inside centre Hancox kicked the goal and Bournemouth had taken an early lead.

4m: Bournemouth 7-0 Banbury

With both defences largely neutralizing their opponents best attacking efforts, both sides resorted to kicking in order to make ground. Eventually scrumhalf Harry Warr broke left and a kick into the Banbury dead ball area saw an awkwardly bouncing ball evade the defence and Higgins was there to seize the errant ball for the centre to ‘spot’ the ball for his try on his return. Hancox kicked the goal for 14-point lead

30m: Bournemouth 14-0 Banbury

The Bournemouth threes continues to show enterprise and right-wing Ryan Morrell was close to scoring down his wing but was forced into touch just short of the line. Bournemouth continued to pressurize, and Banbury yielded a penalty outside their own 22m for Hancox to kick his third goal of the afternoon.

39m: Bournemouth 17-0 Banbury

With an ominous foretaste of things to come, the Banbury forwards drove off a lineout inside the Bournemouth 10m to inside the Bournemouth 22m. A penalty saw them find touch to their left on the Bournemouth 5m. There was a certain inevitably about the way the Banbury forwards gathered themselves and remorselessly drove for the line. They went over close to the posts and with the kick to follow had reduced the deficit by a crucial seven points for referee Hoadley to blow his whistle to end the half.

40+3m: Bournemouth 17-7 Banbury – Half-time

Hancox almost immediately clawed back three points when he kicked his fourth goal of the afternoon from outside the Banbury 10m after a banbury infringement.

42m: Bournemouth 20-7 Banbury

Despite much evidence of Bournemouth ‘stealing’ Banbury ball they found themselves defending a line-out just 10m out from their own line. In a repeat of what they did at the death of the first half, the Banbury forwards drove for the line and scored to bring them right back in the game, if they were ever out of it that is.

54m: Bournemouth 20-14 Banbury

Crucially, as it turned out, a Hancox kick at goal, just three minutes later, bounced off the outside of the near post to leave the score at 20-14. With each side nullifying the other’s efforts it was late in the game when from a line-out inside the Bournemouth 10m. Harry Warr’s kick left saw Banbury have the throw-in inside their own 22m. They went left off the line-out but when awarded a scrum just outside their own 22m they broke left before kicking right. When Bournemouth stopped the threat, referee Hoadley took play back to an earlier Bournemouth infringement inside the

Bournemouth 22m. Banbury found touch to their right on the bournemouth 5m. I needn’t go into the gory details, but Hoadley blew for no-time when Banbury kicked the goal to seal their win.

80+9m: Bournemouth 20-21 Banbury – Full Time

Suffice to say, ’very disappointing’.

Bournemouth’s next match is next week (October 29) away to Camberley, KO 3.00PM.

However, you are advised to check the KO time before travelling. Ed

Doug Warren

Scribe, Bournemouth RFC.

Team Selection: A familiar look to last season but we welcome Harry Warr and Stanley Vincent to the side with the hope they enjoy their rugby with us.

The weather was bright with a noticeable Westerly breeze, that blew straight down the pitch. Underfoot, the pitch was in very good shape after the programme of watering throughout this exceptionally dry summer.

Bournemouth eventually prevail against their spirited opposition

RWB kicked off into the aforesaid wind from right to left as viewed from the stand and to their left.

Bournemouth got off to a flying start when with the first move of the match they ran the ball back straight from the kick-off. In a move that was to prove to be the hallmark of the afternoon’s play, the ball was quickly through the hands going left; Jack Young had too much pace for the defence and the inside centre was over wide out on the left. Full-back Ryan Morrell opened his account with a finely judged kick. All of which amounted to a similar start to the same game back in April but a tad quicker.

2m: Bournemouth 7-0 Royal Wootton Bassett

Bournemouth applied considerable pressure with much of the play deep in RWB’s half but the defence held firm. Although they were able to releve the pressure when Bournemouth were penalized it was a penalty as result of Bournemouth pressure gave Morrell the chance to add to his tally from outside the RWB 22m.

17m: Bournemouth 10-7 Royal Wootton Bassett.

After a strong run by Man of the Match openside flanker Ciaran Smyth Bournemouth almost scored but the RWB defence was rewarded with the put-in at a scrum. From a line-out a promising Bournemouth attack going right broke down wide out. From the resulting scrum RWB kicked right and the chasers regathered the ball, but a good tackle dispossessed them. Bournemouth countered dangerously going right and it was an illegal deliberate knock-on by full-back Dan Hale broke up the move. Referee Dan Evans’s yellow card indicated he had to spend the next ten minutes enjoying the game from the sidelines. Bournemouth found touch to their right but when they attacked left the move broke down for a RWB scrum inside their own 22m. Despite a good Bournemouth shove, RWB managed to clear right. The ball was kicked back regathered, and Morrell was over in the corner for his first try. With his only kicking blemish of the afternoon, he failed to convert his own try but, nonetheless, it was a 3-score lead with 30 or so minutes gone.

32m: Bournemouth 15-0 Royal Wootton Bassett

RWB were penalized right at the restart and Morrell found touch to his left outside the RWB 22m. RWB were penalized at the line-out. Quickly taken the ball was worked right and Morrell was over for hos second try. He kicked the goal and Bournemouth, agin taking advantage of the man short, were beginning to stretch away at 22-0.

38m: Bournemouth 22-0 Royal Wootton Bassett

Dale was restored but he was welcomed back by another Morrell penalty.

40m: Bournemouth 25-0 Royal Wootton Bassett

At the restart, RWB attacked promisingly down the right but a poor pass saw the ball in to touch rather than a player’s hands. Bournemouth attacked right of the line-out but when the move broke down Evans saw that is time for thw half-time oranges.

40+7m: Bournemouth 25-0 Royal Wootton Bassett – Half-time

RWB got off the worse possible start for the second half when they were immediately penalized and, from outside the RWB 22m, Morrell kicked fifth goal of the afternoon and increased the lead to 28 points.

41m: Bournemouth 28-0 Royal Wootton Bassett

Despite the formidable task facing them, RWB remained stubbornly defiant, and it was only good Bournemouth defence that kept them out. They were unlucky at a 5m line-out after Bournemouth had been penalized twice but were penalized in turn for Bournemouth to clear left

59m: Bournemouth 28-0 Royal Wootton Bassett

Mike Pope replaced Harry Warr and Tom Napier replace Henry Turner

Both sides showed a willingness to run the ball but both defences were equal to the task. No 8 Jake Guilford had a strong 50+m run from within his own half but was eventually hauled down short of the line. With perhaps some of us wondering whether Bournemouth would ever get an apparently elusive try-scoring bonus point, the deadlock was broken more than half-an-hour into the half. Bournemouth turned the ball over at an RWB line-out and the home side through their threes attacked strongly, first left then back right. RWB were penalized in their efforts to stem the flow. A quickly taken penalty almost caught the RWB defence off guard but they managed to keep Bournemouth out. What they couldn’t stop was Bournemouth being able to keep possession and they swept right for outside centre Jordan Wayman to go over in the corner. Morrell kicked the goal and Bournemouth lead 35-0.

75m: Bournemouth 35-0 Royal Wootton Bassett

Undeterred, RWB struck almost immediately with sweeping attacks off a line-out, first right then back left. Bournemouth were penalized and RWB found touch to their left on the Bournemouth 5m. Despite their best defensive efforts, RWB weren’t to be denied and the went over in the corner. A fine kick from the touchline secured the two extra points.

80+2m: Bournemouth 35-7 Royal Wootton Bassett

Bournemouth recovered their own restart but Stanley Vincent who had obly come on was injured and had to be replaced. Bournemouth had a scrum on the RWB 22m. Attacking right they were almost in but retaining possession and showing good patience the forwards drove replacement Tom Napier over under the posts for his try. Morrell added the two points.

80+10m: Bournemouth 42-7 Royal Wootton Bassett

To round it off, left wing Joshua Wickens picked up a loose ball after and exchange of kicks and, from the half-way line, wove his way through a perhaps tired defence to score under the posts. When Morrell’s kick went over, referee Daniel Evans decided he had seen enough and blew for no time.

80+17m: Bournemouth 49-7 Royal Wootton Bassett – Full Time

An entertaing match with some excellent three-quarter moves by both sides to excite the crowd. Clearly under the cosh from early on, witness that first Bournemouth score, RWB played with great spirit to to take the game to Bournemouth. Look how long an apparently dominant Bournemouth took to score a try in the second half. In addition, a couple of tries in an extended extra time perhaps unflatteringly boosted the difference.

Bournemouth’s next match is next week (September 10) away to Oxford Harlequins, KO 3.00PM. Check the KO time before travelling. Ed

Doug Warren

Scribe, Bournemouth RFC.

Team Selection: The forwards remain unchanged from last week against Royal Wootton Bassett, making it four games in a row. However, there were a couple of changes in the backs. Ashley Taylor moved from the left wing to take the place of right wing Zack Godfrey who was recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the Royal Bassett game. The returning Bailey Andrews made his full 1st XV debut in replacing Ashley on the left wing. On the bench, Luca Firetto who has been suffering ankle problems of late and having missed the last two games, makes a welcome return at the expense of Henry Turner who was with the twos. Youngster Max Robles, making his 1st debut, was preferred to Josh Wickens.

The weather was bright but over cast with a strongish Easterly breeze, that blew straight across the pitch but backed to the North in the latter stages of the first half so it blew left to right as viewed from the stand. Underfoot, the pitch was very dry and firm, the result of a very fine spell of weather we have been enjoying recently.

Bournemouth frustrated by a strong home defence

Weston-super-Mare kicked from left to right as viewed from the stand and to their left, i.e. with the wind blowing from their left.

Bailey Andrews, in his unaccustomed left wing slot, had a promising run early on but was bundled into touch by a defence that was to prove pretty sound all afternoon, a veritable Home Guard you might say. However, it was from a WsM lineout after a Bournemouth threat broke down saw the home side burst into the Bournemouth 22m where the Bournemouth defence was penalized. The penalty was quickly taken and WsM were over in the left corner. A well-judged kick meant WsM were leading 7-nil,

8m: Weston-super-Mare 7-0 Bournemouth

They were worrying signs that the Bournemouth scrum was struggling to hold the WsM shove. When a Bournemouth throw-in was ‘not straight’ the resulting scrum had to be reset as it broke up with the Bournemouth eight under some pressure. At the second time of asking, WsM broke left with a dangerous run by the backs of fully 40 metres deep into the Bournemouth 22m but the pass left was intercepted, and Bournemouth looked to break out. However, referee Binfield had been playing advantage and play was brought all the way back to a Bournemouth offside at the original scrum on the Bournemouth 10m. A fine kick secured the three points.

12m: Weston-super-Mare 10-0 Bournemouth.

Bournemouth showed some adventurous play with a nice chip in behind the defence but not being able to secure their own throw-in meant Bournemouth conceded their advantage. WsM were awarded a free kick from this scrum on their 5m and went left. Bournemouth turned the ball over and Jordan Wayman was over for an apparently easy score. The outside centre was able to make his fellow centre Grant Hancox’s task easier who duly obliged despite the difficult crosswind.

18m: Weston-super-Mare 10-7 Bournemouth

Soon after the restart, hooker Ben Kimber suffered a head injury and had to be replaced. Alan Manning took over as hooker and Luca Firetto came on as tight-head prop. WsM mounted another strong three-quarters attack, but the ball was lost forward for a Bournemouth scrum inside their own 22m. With both sides looking to play some enterprising rugby, scrum-half Connor Hutchison had a great break but when he chipped the ball forward, WsM broke back. However, a forward pass saw Bournemouth awarded a scrum on their own 22m. Another chip forward saw WsM run it back to their right but the ball was lost forward for a Bournemouth scrum on their 10m. No8 Joe Rees broke off the back but was penalized and Bournemouth found themselves defending a line out just 10 metres out from their own line on their left. WsM went left off the line-out and were almost in for a try-line drop-out. When WsM countered they were penalized but Bournemouth failed to find touch to their left. WsM kicked, were awarded a penalty and found touch to their right just 5 metres out from the Bournemouth line. The Wsm forwards drove off the line-out ‘crabbing’ left. They were forced to go right but when they came back left, they breached the defence and were over.

37m: Weston-super-Mare 17-7 Bournemouth

Bournemouth looked to reduce the arrears but a pass not going to hand broke up a promising scoring opportunity. From a scrum on their own 5m, WsM managed to resist the Bournemouth shove and broke out. A desperate Bournemouth defence managed to recover the ball but, when they looked to counter, were penalized on their own 22m. An easy kick increased the home side’s advantage and that pretty well ended the first half.

40+3m: Weston-super-Mare 20-7 Bournemouth.

There was just time to restart before the ball was unceremoniously kicked off by WsM to end the half.

40+4m: Weston-super-Mare 20-7 Bournemouth – Half-time.

A more confident Bournemouth scrum opted for a scrum in front of the WsM posts. With each pack looking to dominate their opposite number the scrum was ‘untidy’ and needed to be reset. Bournemouth attacked right off the scrum, but WsM were caught off side and Hancox kicked the goal from in front of the posts.

53m: Weston-super-Mare 20-10 Bournemouth

From a Bournemouth perspective, the second half proved to be very frustrating. Despite most of the play being in the home side’s half, Bournemouth were unable to break through. Often the Bournemouth ball carrier was tackled by two defenders but Bournemouth were unable to able to exploit the gap should have resulted. Despite this pressure, WsM had a couple of dangerous breaks and, but for a knock-on in each case with the Bournemouth line at their mercy, would surely have increased their lead and thereby frustrate any hope of a Bournemouth second-half revival. Nonetheless they did finally put paid to any lingering hopes Bournemouth might have had when they were awarded a scrum as Bournemouth attempted to break out from their own 22m. Going left they were over in the corner. Another excellent kick from wide-out and now into a strong Northerly wind only added to Bournemouth’s pain.

75m: Weston-super-Mare 27-10 Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s attempts to come back were frustrated by penalties and when they did win a WsM throw-in the final pass didn’t go to hand for a WsM line-out outside the WsM 22m. Despite their efforts to break out, Bournemouth managed to contain the threat and Binfield, having played three minutes of extra time, blew his whistle for no side.

80+3m: Weston-super-Mare 27-10 Bournemouth

Bournemouth dropped one place, swopping places with Brixham, to eighth and remain on 60 points: P26 W10 D0 L16; 640-663.

Weston-super-Mare remain 4th on 88 points: P26 W18 D0 L8; 726-485.

That’s it folks; the end of another season. Tempus fugit. Enjoy your summer break and we look forward to seeing you next season. Thank you for your support as always and for reading my report thus far. Remarkable!

Best wishes and stay safe

Doug Warren

Scribe (The only one they could get), Bournemouth Rugby.

Team Selection: The forwards remain unchanged from last week against Old Redcliffians, making it three games in a row. However, there were several changes in the backs. At full-back, the returning Alex Sutherland replaced Josh Wickens who was moved to the bench to replace Bailey Andrews, who was with the twos, for the just one change to the bench. Right wing Ashley Taylor was moved to the left wing in place of Jack Young, who was also with the twos. Zack Godfrey took over as right wing and his place at inside centre was taken by Grant Hancox moving from fly-half. Grant, in turn, was replaced by the returning Ben Meaden.

The weather was bright and sunny with a gentle Westerley breeze, that blew straight down the pitch. Underfoot, the pitch was very dry and firm.

Bournemouth prevailed in an entertaining ‘ding dong’ battle

RWB kicked off with the aforesaid wind from left to right as viewed from the stand and to their left.

Bournemouth got off to a good start when Man of the Match full-back Alex Sutherland fielded a RWB clearance kick to link with Mike Pope. The scrumhalf kicked and inside centre Grant Hancox, with a characteristic charge, made a great break. With Ben Russell in support, the flanker was there to go over for his fifth of the season. The reliable Hancox kicked the goal to extend his side’s lead

5m: Bournemouth 7-0 Royal Wootton Bassett

RWB showed how dangerous they might be when their threes ran the ball and Bournemouth were relieved to see the final pass not go to hand for a Bournemouth scrum. Pope was in much of the action with his kicks and a dart down the short side was promising but the kick went straight out, However, RWB always threatened, and their reward came at the end of the first quarter when, from a scrum inside their own 10m, RWB attacked right. Despite a great tackle by Sutherland, RWB recovered, and they were over in the corner. A great kick from wide out levelled the scores.

21m: Bournemouth 7-7 Royal Wootton Bassett.

In a period of play when kicking seemed to dominate it was a turnover at a RWB line-out saw Bournemouth attack right. Sutherland was in the line to make a crucial half break and a strong running attack was finished off by the boisterous Hancox when he scored in the left-hand corner. His kick at goal almost judged the wind to perfection but no cigar I’m afraid but at least Bournemouth had regained the lead.

32m: Bournemouth 12-7 Royal Wootton Bassett

However, RWB struck back almost immediately after the restart when Bournemouth were caught offside on their own 22m. RWB found touch to their right on the Bournemouth 5m. Thrown to the front, the RWB forwards drove for the line and, despite some fierce Bournemouth resistance, weren’t to be denied. A fine kick from wide out gave RWB the lead for the first time.

36m: Bournemouth 12-14 Royal Wootton Bassett

Again, with exchange of kicks dominating the play, neither side was able to break down the defence of the other. However, from a free kick that RWB ‘ran’, after Bournemouth had transgressed at a scrum, they attacked left. Jake Guildford intercepted the ball inside his own 22m and galloped up the field. Was the lock going to make it? Perhaps not but he made good ground and found fleet of foot left wing Ashley Taylor to his, well yes, left. As a result, RWB were issued the first of their three yellow cards by referee Jack Tompkins as they defended the threat. Bournemouth opted for a scrum ten metres out, went right and scored through the good offices of Hancox. The same player kicked the goal and Tompkins blew the whistle and they all trooped off to enjoy their half-time oranges and the coaches having a go about what went right and what went wrong I suppose.

40+5m: Bournemouth 19-14 Royal Wootton Bassett – Half-time.

Bournemouth soon found themselves under pressure after the restart. A knock-on at a line-out gave RWB a scrum from where they broke left taking play deep into the Bournemouth half. Despite dropping it and conceding a scrum they were awarded a free kick to set up an attack first right then back left. Despite a brave tackle in defence by flanker Ciaran Smyth Bournemouth were penalized. From in front of the posts RWB kicked the goal to reduce the deficit to just two points.

45m: Bournemouth 19-17 Royal Wootton Bassett

Bournemouth suffered a double whammy when they were guilty of being offside at the restart and, from the scrum on the halfway line, the RWB No8 broke off the back and went right. In the face of a good Bournemouth defence they came back left but broke out and were almost in but for the Bournemouth defence. However, the forwards regrouped, and they weren’t to be denied as they drove for the line to score under the posts. The kick was a formality and RWB had recovered their earlier lead.

47m: Bournemouth 19-24 Royal Wootton Bassett

Bournemouth soon struck back and, having had one ‘yellow carded’ player restored RWB had another sent off as they desperately fought to keep Bournemouth out. From a penalty, Sutherland found touch to his right on the RWB 5m. The forwards drove off the line-out and, despite being forced to ‘crab’ left, they went over under the posts for hooker Ben Kimber to score. Hancox kicked the goal to give a two-point lead.

54m: Bournemouth 26-24 Royal Wootton Bassett

Two minutes later left wing Ashley Taylor was over for Hancox to convert all happening too quick for you correspondent to record the action.

56m: Bournemouth 33-24 Royal Wootton Bassett

Bournemouth maintained the pressure if a little frustrated by ‘crossing’ here and ‘not straight’ there. It was from a line-out as a result of the later that RWB went left but got turned over and Hancox capitalized by scoring his third but failed with the conversion.

62m: Bournemouth 38-24 Royal Wootton Bassett

RWB struck back straight from the restart when they appeared to kick the ball out of Pope’s hands as he went to touch down for a drop-out to score an unconverted try.

65m: Bournemouth 38-29 Royal Wootton Bassett

Bournemouth were straight back down the other end. A drive off a line-out was ‘held up’ over the line for a scrum. RWB were penalized at the scrum and Hancox added to his tally.

71m: Bournemouth 41-29 Royal Wootton Bassett

Some promising Bournemouth moves were thwarted by the RWB defence, but a third yellow card saw Hancox kick another goal to end the scoring for the day.

78m: Bournemouth 44-29 Royal Wootton Bassett

Bournemouth continued to press in the closing minutes, but the RWP forced the turnovers and kept the home side out.

80+3m: Bournemouth 44-29 Royal Wootton Bassett

Bournemouth moved up two places, overtaking Brixham and Ivybridge, to seventh on 60 points: P25 W10 D0 L15; 630-636

Royal Wootton Bassett moved up one place, overtaking Okehampton. to 13th on 30 points: P25 W5 D1 L19; 464-826.

Bournemouth’s next match is in two-week’s time (April 23) away to Weston-super-Mare, KO 3.00PM. Check the KO time before travelling. Ed

Doug Warren

Scribe, Bournemouth RFC.

Team Selection: The forwards remain unchanged from last week against Old Centralians but a number of changes in the backs due to player unavailability. At full-back Josh Wickens comes off the bench to start his sixth game of the season all at full-back. Grant Hancox replaces Ben Meaden at fly-half and Grant’s place at inside centre is taken by Zach Godfrey, making his 1st XV debut. On the left wing, Jack Young returns to replace the unavailable Ryan Morrell. On the bench Bailey Andrews replaces Josh Wickens and Henry Turner replaces Luca Firetto.

The weather was bright and sunny with a gentle breeze, that blew straight down the pitch. Underfoot, the pitch looked in good ‘nick’ with a good covering of grass.

Bournemouth outgunned by hard-running backs (and forwards)

Bournemouth kicked off into the aforesaid wind from right to left as viewed from the clubhouse and to their left.

Old Reds secured the kick-off, went left and Ezra Caven, coming off his right wing. scored wideout. 30 seconds? Possibly? What was obvious, Bournemouth were facing a hard-running, aggressive even, back line who were going to be hard to contain. What was also ominous was that missing the kick at goal wouldn’t appear to matter in the scheme of things.

1m: Old Redcliffians 5-0 Bournemouth

After that initial shock, Bournemouth got themselves into the game, but promising moves seemed to end up being penalized. Nonetheless, Old Reds constantly showed what a threat they were and it was from a penalty under their own posts they found touch to their right on the half-way line. Driving off the line-out initially they released the ball left and Bournemouth were penalized defending the strongly mounted attack. Putting Bournemouth on the back foot, they found touch to their left inside the Bournemouth 22m. Driving off the line-out, they ‘crabbed’ right before releasing right. Coming back left, Bournemouth were again penalized in defence, but Old Reds chose to scrum the penalty. Releasing to the right initially but when they came back left, a wide overthrown pass saw them over in the left-hand corner. Fly-half Ash Groves, judging the wind nicely, curled his kick in to extend his side’s lead to 12-nil.

15m: Old Redcliffians 12-0 Bournemouth

Although the Bournemouth chase of the restart saw them turn the ball over their attack right didn’t gain enough advantage and referee Joe Binfield pulled play back to a Bournemouth scrum outside the Old Reds 22m. As Bournemouth attacked Old Reds turned the ball over and countered left. Bournemouth were penalized in defending the threat outside their own 22m and Groves pushed back inside the 22m, finding touch to his right. Bournemouth were again penalized under their own posts as they defended a strong-running attack first to the right then back left. From some 17 metres out, Groves kicked the goal.

21m: Old Redcliffians 15-0 Bournemouth

However, Bournemouth struck back almost immediately after the restart when Old Reds were penalized for ‘crossing’ as they tried to run the ball out of defence. Fly-half Hancox kicked the goal to reduce the deficit.

23m: Old Redcliffians 15-3 Bournemouth

With encouraging signs that the forwards were holding their own in the scrums and the defence working hard to stop the Old Reds’s aggressive attacks, it was disappointing at the ‘death’ of the half that Old Reds won one ‘against the head’ inside the Bournemouth 22m. Releasing right Old Reds scored wideout. Groves kicked the goal and Binfield blew for half-time.

40+1m: Old Redcliffians 22-3 Bournemouth – Half-time.

The second half got off to a disastrous start, reminiscent of the start of the game, when Bournemouth knocked on the restart kick. From a scrum outside the Bournemouth 22m, Old Reds went right, and they were over in the corner. Groves failed to convert but Old Reds had their bonus-point try.

41m: Old Redcliffians 27-3 Bournemouth

Bournemouth were penalized when they chased down the restart and found themselves defending a line-out on their left back on their own 22m. Old Reds attacked left and their strong running backs were too much for the Bournemouth defence and they were over for their fifth try.

45m: Old Redcliffians 32-3 Bournemouth

Outside centre Jordan Wayman got hurt after the restart, needing attention from the physio Andy Curtis, and had to retire to be replaced by right wing Jack Young, Bailey Andrews coming off the bench to replace Young. Bournemouth showed some promise in their attacking play but found it hard to break down the Old Reds’s defence and indeed had to be at their best to keep out the Old Reds when they countered. It was from the unlikely position of defending a line-out on their own 22m that led to Bournemouth’s first try. Winning a turnover at the line-out, don’t know exactly what happened, I can’t read my notes, but I do know Bournemouth broke left and Old Reds got penalized for their efforts in defending the breakout. Pope found a good touch further to his left on the half-way line. Driving off the line-out, the ball was released to Pope and the scrumhalf broke down the short side. A dummy saw him over (no the dummy is not me) in the corner for his second in successive matches. The reliable Hancox did his bit and at least Bournemouth had broken their try drought. At this point loosehead ‘Baz’ Magda and lock Joe Desmond were replaced by Henry Turner and Jack Hennings respectively.

60m: Old Redcliffians 32-10 Bournemouth

This small gain was quickly nullified when Old Reds recovered the restart, went left and were over in a trice. Groves gave the nail another little tap and Bournemouth were back where they were. Disappointing.

60m: Old Redcliffians 39-10 Bournemouth

Despite this setback Bournemouth recovered the ball as Old Reds attacked first right then back left from the restart and countered right. Awarded a penalty, Pope found touch to his right and Bournemouth attacked left but were bundled into touch for an Old Reds line-out. The Bournemouth did well against the Old Reds and were awarded a penalty when Old Reds were guilty ‘holding on’. Pope found touch to his left. Bournemouth drove off the line-out, crabbing right as Old Reds tried stop the drive. From just left of the posts, flanker Ben Russell broke off the back of the maul and was over. With an easier task than his earlier effort, Hancox kicked the goal.

69m: Old Redcliffians 39-17 Bournemouth

Disappointingly, much as happened after the earlier Bournemouth try, Old Reds promptly scored from the restart but this time there was a sting in the tail. Pope was ‘yellow carded’ for a deliberate knock-on under the posts and Old Reds were awarded a penalty try. A double whammy I’m afraid. Hancox took over as scrumhalf and Andrews came into his preferred position as fly-half. Jordan Wayman came back on to replace Jack Young.

71m: Old Redcliffians 46-17 Bournemouth

However, there was a spirited response from the Bournemouth 14. From a line-out on the half-way line to where Old Reds had cleared the restart. Bournemouth attacked strongly and under their own posts, Old Reds were penalized on the 5m line. The penalty was quickly taken, and the indefatigable Alan Manning was driven over for his third of the season. Hancox kept up his 100% kicking record to reduce deficit by a further two points. ‘Baz’ came back on to replace lock Jake Guildford.

76m: Old Redcliffians 46-24 Bournemouth

Old Reds were awarded a scrum at the restart and attacked right. The Bournemouth defence were awarded, in turn, a scrum but tight on their own line. Joe Rees broke off the back but Old Reds were awarded a penalty. Groves found touch to his right, but the throw-in was not straight for a Bournemouth scrum. Again, Rees broke off the back but this time Bournemouth kicked only to see it run back and Old Reds scoring. With Groves kicking the goal referee Binfield decided he had seen enough and blew for no side.

80+2m: Old Redcliffians 53-24 Bournemouth

Bournemouth dropped one place to nineth remaining on 55 points: P24 W8 D0 L15; 586-607 and Old Redcliffians remain 2nd on 104 points: P24 W21 D0 L3; 878-470.

Bournemouth’s next match is next week (April 9) at home to Royal Wootton Bassett, KO 3.00PM.

Doug Warren

Scribe, Bournemouth RFC.

Team Selection: Jordan Wayman, having recovered from injury resumes at outside centre in place of Alex Sutherland who, in turn, resumes at full-back in place pf Josh Wickens who is on the bench in place of Dan Boer. In the forwards, Balazs Magda returns after playing for Hungary against Luxembourg and resumes at LH prop in place of Tom Napier who is with the twos. With the return of Joe Rees at No8, Joe Desmond moves back to lock joining Jacob Guildford once again in place of George Randall who is with the twos. On the bench, the other change is Luca Firetto returns to replace Henry Turner.

Bright and sunny but with a now familiar Easterly breeze, that unwelcome chilly visitor from the Urals. Underfoot, it was very dry, dusty even. Astonishing for March but a result of the beautiful weather we have been blessed with over the last week or so.

Bournemouth prevailed against a determined opposition

Old Centralians kicked off into the aforesaid wind from left to right as viewed from the stand and to their left.

Bournemouth rebuffed an early OCs threat as they drove for the line from off a line-out. The forwards turned the ball over and centre Hancox broke out and hared up field chased by the OCs defenders. As he was threatened to be overhauled, Hancox kicked but it had too much on it and the Bournemouth chasers couldn’t get to it before it went dead. Bournemouth maintained the momentum courtesy of a clearance kick going ‘straight out’, attacking right off the line-out. Maintaining good ball retention in the face a determined OCs defence full-back, Sutherland was over wide out on the left. The wind didn’t curl the ball in as anticipated and Hancox’s kick at goal went sailing passed the far post to leave the score at 5-nil after just six minutes play.

6m: Bournemouth 5-0 Old Centralians

‘Losing’ flanker Ben Russell, ‘yellow carded’ for a high tackle in defending an OCs threat down the left, after 14 minutes made things a mite harder for the home side as they strove to contain the visitors which led to a period of play when the defences cancelled each other out. Nonetheless, as OCs drove for the line off the resultant 5m line-out Bournemouth turned the ball over and earned themselves a scrum. No8 Rees broke off the back and kicked. In what can only be described as some scrappy play with knock-ons and advantage being played Bournemouth steadied the ship and earned themselves another scrum. Eventually, breaking left, some great passing saw centre Wayman in unopposed and Hancox had a much easier opportunity to add two points for Bournemouth to lead 12-nil after 22 minutes.

22m: Bournemouth 12-0 Old Centralians

Rees fielded the restart and Bournemouth kicked. An exchange of kicks saw OCs attack first right then back left. A Bournemouth turnover saw Hancox kick clear but when OCs kicked back, a promising attack right came to a frustrating naught when the vital final pass didn’t go to hand. An exchange of kicks saw lock Guildford get injured to be replaced by Jack Hennings. OCs had a dangerous run off a line-out going and were for all money were in but Bournemouth had a 5m line-out instead. The forwards drove to the 22m and were awarded a penalty and Sutherland was able to further lift the siege by finding touch to hos right on the half-way line. Despite the throw-in being ‘overthrown’ Bournemouth recovered for Pope to kick. OCs cleared right for a Bournemouth line-out outside the OCs 22m. Going right Hancox cleared up some messy play and OCs got themselves penalized as they looked to take advantage. From in front of the posts, Hancox kiclked the goal to increase the lead to 15-nil.

32m: Bournemouth 15-0 Old Centralians

OCs responded almost immediately when Bournemouth ‘messed up’ the restart and were penalized. The OCs fly-half found touch to hos left on the Bournemouth 5m and with a seemingly inevitability their forwards drove over to score. Their fly-half kicked a fine goal and his side had almost halved the deficit at 7-15.

33m: Bournemouth 15-7 Old Centralians

Bournemouth responded in kind when fly-half Meaden fielded the restart kick return and moved right. Sutherland came into the line going further right stretching the OCs defence and when it came back left a vital Pope break had Meaden on hand again and he was over for a try. Hancox kicked the goal and Bournemouth had promptly nullified the OCs gain at 22-7.

36m: Bournemouth 22-7 Old Centralians

Pope kicked the OCs restart and flanker Smyth chased the ball down with a strong tackle but OCs almost broke out there was a knock-on for a Bournemouth scrum inside the Bournemouth 10. OCs turned the ball over and attacked right. They were, in turn, turned over and a Pope kick left was chased down by Morrell, but the left winger couldn’t gather cleanly and OCs had a scrum. A strong scrum saw the ball won against the head which set up a strong promising Bournemouth attack. However, an equally strong and robust OCs defence earned themselves a penalty to see off the danger. They ran the ball left taking play into the Bournemouth half before kicking right. Bournemouth recovered the ball and cleared left for an OCs line-out on their own 10m. Their forwards drove off the line-out, but a knock-on saw Bournemouth have the put-in at a scrum. Going right, they got themselves penalized for being off their feet at the break down and a further ten metres for complaining about the decision. OCs found touch to their left, but Bournemouth were awarded a scrum from where Pope promptly kicked the ball off the park to end the first half.

40+8m: Bournemouth 22-7 Old Centralians – Half-time

An early exchange of kicks resulted in an OCs line-out inside their own 10m on their left. Overthrown, Bournemouth recovered the ball and went left with lock Joe Desmond having a strong run into contact but was penalized for ‘holding on’ having taken play into the OCs 22m. Finding touch to their right inside their own 10m, the OCs forwards drove off the line-out into the Bournemouth half but when they released the ball left Bournemouth turned the ball over. A dummy from Pope and the scrumhalf was over under the posts. Hancox kicked the goal and Bournemouth had extended their lead at 29-7. A good start to the half.

47m: Bournemouth 29-7 Old Centralians

Bournemouth knocked-on the OCs restart and found themselves under some pressure not helped by conceding a free kick at the scrum. A strong running attack first right then back left had the Bournemouth defence on high alert but OCs got themselves penalized which enabled Sutherland to relieve the situation by finding touch to his left. Bournemouth attacked right off the line-out and OCs got themselves penalized again. Perhaps it was the wind, but Sutherland didn’t find touch to his left enabling OCs to run it back and then kick right for a Bournemouth throw-in.

As Bournemouth attacked right, the OCs inside centre was ‘yellow carded’ for a deliberate knock-on. Sutherland found touch to his left and Bournemouth threes attacked first right then back left off the line-out as they sought to pierce a determined defence but were penalized for ‘being over the top’ in the contact. OCs found touch to their right outside the Bournemouth 10m. The forwards drove off the line-out but a knock-on saw referee playing advantage for Bournemouth to attack right but they kicked the ball ‘straight out’ for an OCs line-out outside the Bournemouth 10m.

As Bournemouth defended the OCs attack left flanker Russell was ‘yellow carded’ for a deliberate knock-on and was shown the red card to end his participation in the game just 14 minutes into the half. The chance was taken for Magda and Wayman to come off and Firetto and Josh Wickens to come on.

OCs went right from the penalty but were penalized and Sutherland was able to press them back, finding touch to his on the Bournemouth 10m. OCs were awarded a scrum at the line-out and, for good measure, Bournemouth got themselves penalized. The result was defending a line-out on their own 5m. The OCs drove off the line-out ‘crabbing’ right so they were under the posts but the Bournemouth defence held and they couldn’t get over the line. OCs maintained the pressure releasing the ball left and eventually got over. The goal was kicked and Bournemouth’s lead, considering the circumstances, began to look a little precarious at 29-14 with 16 minutes or more left to play.

Bournemouth, however, soon struck back to settle some of the spectators’ nerves. The OCs restart kick return found touch to their right for a Bournemouth line-out on the OCs 10m. Bournemouth chose to kick left off the line-out and OCs managed to knpock the ball on. From the scrum outside the OCs 22m, great passing saw Sotherland over under the posts for his second of the afternoon. Hancox kicked the goal and once again Bournemouth had promptly nullified an OCs gain at 36-14.

69m: Bournemouth 36-14 Old Centralians

Winning two penalties at the restart OCs signaled their intent but it was obvious that the Bournemouth players, being a man short, ‘stepped up to the plate’, as our American cousins might say, noticeably upping their own intensity to neutralize the one-man advantage. Despite having a 5m line-out on their right, the Bournemouth forwards drove OCs back forcing them to release the ball left but were penalized under the posts. OCs took a quick penalty, but they still couldn’t get through as they first went right then back left. Bournemouth eventually ’won’ their penalty for Sutherland to find the sanctuary of the touch to his right on the Bournemouth 22m. Attacking left off the line-out, OCs were forced to concede another penalty and Sutherland again found touch to his right for a Bournemouth line-out outside the OCs 22m. Bournemouth attacked left, but OCs turned the ball over and kicked left for Bournemouth to find themselves with a throw-in but now back on their own 22m. They kicked and were grateful to see the kick return go straight out meaning that at least Bournemouth had moved up field to the OCs 10m.

Bournemouth drove off the line-out before releasing the ball only to get themselves penalized. The OCs kick failed to find touch, Bournemouth kicking the ball but again getting themselves penalized. OCs found touch to their right inside the Bournemouth 10m. Attacking first right then back left as they sought a way through, but Bournemouth got themselves penalized when they apparently had turned the ball over.

Finding touch to their left on the Bournemouth they attacked right, and someone found a gap and he stepped through to score, The kick didn’t succeed, and Evans blew for no side.

80+3m: Bournemouth 36-19 Old Centralians –Full Time.

Bournemouth’s next match is next week (April 2) away to 2nd-placed Old Redcliffians KO 2.00PM. Note two o’clock.

Doug Warren

Scribe, Bournemouth RFC.

Team Selection: A couple or so changes to the backs that played Okehampton a fortnight ago. Josh Wickens returns after an 8-game absence due to glandular fever and takes over from Alex Sutherland at full-back. Alex, in turn, moved to outside centre to take over from the injured Jordan Wayman. On the left-wing, Ryan Morrell came off the bench to replace Robbie Johnson. In the forwards Tom Napier started at LH prop in the place of Balazs Magda, away playing for Hungary against Luxembourg. In the second row, Joe Desmond moved to No8 in place of the unavailable Joe Rees. Joe’s place at lock taken by George Randall who joined Jacob Guildford.

Overcast but with a strong Easterly breeze, an unwelcome chilly visitor from the Urals. I know I said exactly the same last week but that was how it was. It then started to rain early in the first half making playing conditions thoroughly miserable, Siberian even one might say. Looking at the Launceston flag, the wind seemed to blow straight across the pitch from right to left as seen from a Bournemouth perspective. I say ‘seemed’ because it would appear that it was not the case on the pitch.

Bournemouth kicked off from left to right as viewed from the stand and to their left.

The kick-off went ‘straight out’ for a scrum back and Launceston capitalized on this with a strong scrum and winning a penalty. As a result, Bournemouth found themselves defending a Launceston line-out just outside their 22m. Launceston drove off the line-out into the 22m but determined Bournemouth resistance turned the ball over and released it to Pope, enabling the scrum to clear left for another Launceston line-out but beyond the 22m.

Launceston knocked on in the line-out for a Bournemouth scrum. The visitors struggled to contain the Launceston shove, but the ship was steadied, and Pope was able to kick. However, his kick was charged down setting up a strong-running Launceston attack down the left flank. Bournemouth managed to intercept the pass but Launceston promptly regained possession and went right. They drove for the line but were held up for a Bournemouth try-line drop-out. Sutherland kicked left and Launceston countered to their left. The ball ‘disappeared’ but the upshot was Launceston were penalized and Sunderland found touch to his left on the Launceston 10m. The Bournemouth drove off the line-out but Launceston countered and turned the ball over for a Launceston scrum. Bournemouth were penalized at the scrum, quickly taken by Launceston into contact before releasing left. The ball was kicked and fielded by full-back Josh Wickens. Quick feet enabled him to evade would-be tacklers going left before kicking. Launceston countered going left and back right as they looked for a way through the Bournemouth defence which was rewarded when Launceston were penalized for ‘holding on’. Sunderland found touch to his right outside the Bournemouth 10m. Bournemouth secured the throw-in and drive before releasing left. Inside centre Grant Hancox chose to kick further left and found touch outside the Launceston 10m. Bournemouth ‘nicked’ the throw-in and the forwards took play into the Launceston 22m if a little untidily, but something worked, and Launceston were penalized. Sunderland found touch to his left some ten metres out. The forwards worked the ball right and were almost in under the posts, but the Launceston counter was penalized when they encroached offside. Hancox kicked the goal for Bournemouth to take the lead, marking the end of a difficult start to the match.

16m: Bournemouth 3-0 Launceston

Launceston then kicked off right with the same result as Bournemouth’s earlier effort and yes it was a scrum back but this time a Bournemouth put-in. Pope slipped as he went right from the scrum but manage to recover and kick left, and Launceston were awarded a scrum on their own 10m. The scrum wheeled left, and Launceston released left where their winger had a strong run but was eventually tackled. The ball came back right but was dropped but referee Groves had been playing advantage and brought play back for a Launceston penalty outside the Bournemouth 10m. Launceston found touch to their left just ten metres out from the Bournemouth line. The Launceston forwards drove off the line-out ‘crabbing’ right to under the posts but lost the ball and Bournemouth were able to kick clear. The ball was well chased down, but Bournemouth were penalized on the half-way line in their efforts to recover the ball. With the weather worsening, Launceston found touch to their right on the Bournemouth 22m. As they attacked left they lost the ball forwardfor a Bournemouth scrum on the Bournemouth 22m.Pope kicked left from the scrum but Launceston returned the compliment to their rightand Bournemouth found themselves throwing into a line-out just ten metres out from their own line. Bournemouth secured the throw-in but the Launceston forced the turn over and they drove over the line but couldn’t get the ball down for a Launceston 5m scrum. The scrum wheeled and Bournemouth were penalized as a result. Launceston chose to re-scrummage. Bournemouth manage to disrupt the drive but Launceston broke off the back first going right then back left, then repeating the process only to eventually lose the ball forward and Bournemouth managed to break out. They kicked left but the Launceston kick right went straight out for a Bournemouth line-out on their own 10m. Little good it did them because first Launceston secured the ball and then Bournemouth’s efforts to recover the ball were penalized. Launceston found a very good touch to their right on the Bournemouth 5m. The throw-in was very untidy but the Launceston forwards managed to get the ball back to regroup. They drove for the line and despite losing the ball were awarded a scrum. Going left Launceston found a Bournemouth defence quickly up on them and they were forced back right by a good Bournemouth defence. As the Launceston forwards drove for the line Bournemouth turned the ball over and kicked. Launceston ran it back but managed to get themselves penalized. Sunderland found to his left inside the Launceston 10m. Bournemouth attacked right off the line-out but when they came back left the ball was lost and Launceston kicked right and had a line-out outside the Bournemouth 22m Coming left of the line-out, Launceston made a dangerous half break midfield, but Bournemouth were penalized in trying to defend it. With what proved to be the last kick of the half, the Launceston left-winger Daniel Pearce, from in front of the posts, levelled up at the scores at 3-all.

40+2m: Bournemouth 3-3 Launceston – Half-time

Jack Hennings replaced Joe Desmond at No8.

Launceston restarted left secured by Bournemouth who kicked and were given the put-in at a scrum on the half-way line. Pope broke right from the scrum and kicked. Despite a good chase Launceston held the ball up over the line for a try-line drop-out. In trying to secure the ball Bournemouth knocked it on for a Launceston scrum on their own 22m. Launceston kicked retrieved by Sutherland. Bournemouth kicked left and had a line-out inside the Launceston 22m. Launceston won the ball and kicked fielded by Wickens. The full-back did well to set up a Bournemouth attack first left then back right but Launceston turned the ball over and set up a strong-running counter going left taking play back to the half-way line. They kicked and Pope kicked the ball back. Launceston fumbled the ball and were penalized for their pains. Sutherland found touch to his right inside the Launceston 22m. Again, Launceston win the Bournemouth throw-in and kick to the half-way line. Pope retrieved the ball and kicked it back into the Launceston 22m for a Bournemouth line-out. Bournemouth attacked first left off the line-out and when they came back right, chipped the ball forward but had made little progress. Launceston cleared left for another Bournemouth line-out this time outside the Launceston 10m. Launceston were awarded a scrum at the line-out and broke off the back kicking right. Sunderland fielded the ball and kicked right for a Bournemouth line-out 10 metres out from the Launceston try-line. Launceston in countering the drive were penalized quickly taken by Bournemouth as they tried to keep up the momentum going left. Launceston were given a yellow card and Hancox from left of the posts put his side back in the lead at 6-3.

54m: Bournemouth 6-3 Launceston

Launceston restarted left but the ball went ‘straight out’ for a Bournemouth scrum back. Pope kicked off the back of the scrum, but Launceston recovered the ball and went left. With a strong run down that left flank, Pearce was too quick for the defence, and he was able to ‘spot’ the ball just left of the posts. He was perhaps too casual with his attempt at converting his own try and his drop kick missed to leave the score at 8-6 to the hosts.

57m: Bournemouth 6-8 Launceston

Hancox restarted right and Launceston’s attempt to clear was charged down. Recovering the ball attacked first left then right but the Launceston defence was up to the task and Bournemouth found no way through and were eventually penalized for being offside. Launceston found to touch to their left on the half-way line. Driving off the line-out Launceston conceded a scrum. Going right Hancox took the ball into contact but Bournemouth showed good ball retention in the face of a determined Launceston defence. Going right, they made a dent but when they came back left, they lost it for a Launceston scrum inside their own 22m.

60m: Bournemouth 6-8 Launceston

Tom Napier/1, replaced by Henry Turner from the bench, tactical.

65m: Bournemouth 6-8 Launceston

Grant Hancox/12 injured, replaced by Dan Boer from the bench.

Kicking left, Launceston found the touch for a Bournemouth line-out on the Launceston 10m. Launceston again managed to knock the ball back to deny Bournemouth, but the kick went ‘straight out’ for a Bournemouth line-out outside the Launceston 22m. Could Bournemouth do better with this throw-in? Well yes but Launceston turned the ball over and further Bournemouth got themselves penalized. Launceston kicked the ball into the Bournemouth half where Bournemouth were penalized for ‘holding on’. Bournemouth found themselves defending a line-out back on their own 22m. Driving off the line-out, Launceston ‘win’ another penalty. Kicking right, Launceston had the throw-in on the Bournemouth 5m. The Launceston drive for the line was held up and Bournemouth did well to ‘come up’ with the ball which was kicked right for another Launceston line-out but this time beyond the Bournemouth 22m. Again, Launceston drove off the line-out back into the Bournemouth 22m but got themselves penalized and a Sutherland kick relieved the pressure by finding touch to his right on the half-way line. This was rather spoilt by Launceston again stealing the throw-in and they again found themselves under pressure as the Launceston forwards drove, but a knock-on stopped that threat. From the scrum on the Bournemouth 22m Pope kicked and Launceston kicked the ball back. Bournemouth, promisingly, attacked left but a knock-on brought proceedings to halt for a Launceston scrum. They had a touch of the knock-ons as they went left for a Bournemouth scrum outside the Bournemouth 22m. Pope went right from the scrum, but his kick went ‘straight out’ and Launceston had a line-out on the Bournemouth 10m. Bournemouth went left off the line-out and kicked prompting an exchange of kicks. When Launceston ran the ball back, the ball carrier slipped but managed to recover to keep going as Launceston attacked left. The attack broke down and there was referee Groves blowing for no side.

80+1m: Bournemouth 6-8 Launceston – Full Time

Played in dreadful conditions it was frustrating to see so many promising moves come to naught because of handling errors but the players must have been frozen. Defensively, both sides worked hard to deny the opposition chances to score. Credit to both sides. Bournemouth now have 9 losing bonus the most in the division.; the nearest being 6 by Drybrook and Launceston. So, it’s been close but no cigar I’m afraid.

Bournemouth’s next match is in fortnight’s time (March 26) home to 10th-placed Old Centralians KO 3.00PM. We won 12-10 back in late November and this will be their third visit to Chapel Gate.

Doug Warren

Scribe, Bournemouth RFC.

Team Selection: A couple or so changes to the backs that played Ivybridge a fortnight ago. Alex Sutherland moved from outside centre to take over from Alex Peel at full-back, Sutherland’s place being taken by Jordan Wayman moving from the left-wing in turn replaced by the returning Robbie Johnson. In the forwards just the one change, Jacob Guildford coming off the bench to replace Jack Hennings at lock, with, George Randall returning to replace Guildford on the bench.

Overcast but with a strong Easterly breeze, an unwelcome chilly visitor from the Urals.

Bournemouth end a poor run with a handsome victory

Okehampton kicked off from right to left as viewed from the stand (with the wind) and to their left.

Bournemouth were put under early pressure by the visitors, reflected in the fact they were penalised for their defensive efforts. From a line-out on their left on the Bournemouth 22m, Okehampton pressed hard to breach a well-organised and determined defence which managed to force the attackers back to be rewarded with a penalty on the Bournemouth 10m on the left. From a line-out inside the Okehampton 10m, inside centre Grant Hancox made a half break taking play deeper into the Okehampton half. The ball was worked right as the Bournemouth threes pressed but play was halted while an injured Okehampton was treated. Play restarted with an Okehampton scrum on their own 5m. Despite the Bournemouth drive, Okehampton managed to clear the ball left for a Bournemouth line-out on the Okehampton 22m. Flanker Ciaran Smyth broke off the line-out going left to find Balazs Magda outside him and the prop was ‘in’ for his first try for the club and on his home debut. From just left of the posts, Hancox kicked the goal.

7m: Bournemouth 7-0 Okehampton

Bournemouth came straight back from the restart chasing down scrum-half Mike Pope’s kick and were awarded a penalty on the Okehampton 10m. Full-back Alex Sutherland found a good touch to his right inside the Okehampton 22m. Securing the ball, Bournemouth drove off the line-out, the Okehampton counter forcing the maul to ‘crab’ sideways into midfield where lock Joe Desmond drove over for his first score for the Club. This time from in front of the posts, Hancox kicked the goal.

10m: Bournemouth 14-0 Okehampton

No8 Joe Rees fielded the restart and took the ball into contact. Bournemouth kicked but Okehampton found it very difficult to make any progress in the face of the Bournemouth defence. Bournemouth, however, were penalised and Okehampton found touch to their left inside the Bournemouth 22m. Secured at the back, Okehampton drove but forced right into midfield and then less that ten metres out there was a knock-on and Bournemouth had the relief of the ‘put-in’ at a scrum. Rees broke off the back in typical determined fashion but when his progress was halted Bournemouth kicked only for Okehampton to run it back right and were almost in in the corner. Somehow the Bournemouth defence ‘came up’ with the ball and were awarded a line-out on their 5m. Securing the ball, it was released to Pope who kicked. Okehampton kicked the ball back to be gathered by Sutherland. The full-back, going right, took the ball into contact but there was Bournemouth knock-on and Okehampton had a scrum outside the Bournemouth 10m. Okehampton went right and left with good ball retention in the face of a vigorous Bournemouth defence. Nonetheless, Bournemouth forced the turn-over and kicked. The kick was returned to be fielded by Sutherland who kicked right to find touch outside the Okehampton 10m. Okehampton attacked right off the line-out and Bournemouth were penalised midfield. Play was stopped as another Okehampton player suffered an injury and had to leave the field of play and be replaced.

Okehampton found touch to their right inside the Bournemouth 10m. However, Bournemouth won the ball, attacked left and kicked, returned by Okehampton. Sutherland fielded the ball and ran right. The full-back got dispossessed and Bournemouth also got penalised. Okehampton found touch to their left outside the Bournemouth 22m. They attacked off the line-out with typical strong running backs but got dispossessed themselves wideout as they came back left. As Bournemouth countered Okehampton were penalised for a deliberate knock-on and Sutherland found touch to his right for a Bournemouth line-out outside the Okehampton 10m. Bournemouth attacked left off the line-out and the aggressive running Hancox made a dent. The forwards maintained the momentum and lock Jacob Guildford made it a pair for the middle-row men driving over close to the posts for Hancox to be given every chance to maintain his 100% conversion record.

30m: Bournemouth 21-0 Okehampton

Bournemouth kicked the restart back but the defence had to be at their best to resist the those Okehampton backs. They were up to it, turning the ball over and Sutherland took the ball into contact but when they came back left there was a knock-on for an Okehampton scruminsiae the Bournemouth 10m. They attacked left and the winger chipped the ball in behind the Bournemouth defence for a Bournemouth line-out inside their own 22m. Pope kicked and Okehampton attacked right but again the Bournemouth defence turned the ball over and kicked right. Okehampton kicked the ball back but in retrieving the ball. fly-half Ben Meaden got ‘pinged’ for ‘crossing’. Okehampton sought the sanctuary of the touch to their left and the throw-in on the Bournemouth 22m. Attacking right off the line-out Okehampton were ‘pinged’ in turn for ‘crossing’ and it was Bournemouth’s turn to seek the sanctuary of the righthand touch through the boot of Sutherland. From the line-out on their own 10m. Bournemouth attacked strongly but another knock-on meant an Okehampton put-in at a scrum on their 10m. Okehampton kicked but Sutherland’s kick went deep into the Okehampton half. Their clearance kick was fielded by Pope and the scrum-half took the ball into contact where Okehampton were penalised outside their own 10m. Sutherland pressed them further back with a fine kick to his right for a Bournemouth line-out on the Okehampton 5m.. The Bournemouth forwards drove off the line-out and were held up over the try-line for an Okehampton try-line drop-out. Sutherland fielded the ball and took it into contact, where supported by the forwards, they were again held up for another try-line drop-out. This time, Hancox was not to be denied and the inside centre added some variety to his scoring feats by crashing over wide out on the right. He then picked himself up and, to the obvious delight of the home crowd, kicked a fine goal. As the ball sailed between the posts referee Jack Tompkins blew for half-time and the chance for the combatants, and perhaps the referee as well, to troop off and enjoy those ubiquitous oranges.

40+4m: Bournemouth 28-0 Okehampton – Half-time

Now with the wind, the Bournemouth restart was kicked left. Okehampton kicked back and a good chase enabled them to recover the ball but were promptly disabused of such temerity and Bournemouth swung the ball left through some strong running backs. They came back right but some pretty slick passing went awry and Okehampton had a scrum on their 10m instead. Kicking from the base of the scrum, Bournemouth ran the ball back but play was stopped on the Bournemouth 10m due to an injury to outside centre Jordan Wayman who had to leave the field. As result, there was a minor reshuffle as full-back Sutherland took Wayman’s place and Ryan Morrell came off the bench as the replacement full-back.

From the resulting scrum, Pope had a ‘dart’ setting up a Bournemouth attack and they pressed going left but a pass didn’t go to hand bringing things to a grinding halt resulting in an Okehampton line-out outside their own 10m. Bournemouth seemed to have retrieved the situation by ‘nicking’ the throw-in but there was Tompkins indicating an Okehampton scrum instead. The visitors attacked left and kicked Bournemouth penalised for ‘holding on’ as they tried to secure the ball. Okehampton found touch to their left just ten or so metres out from the Bournemouth try-line. Bournemouth again managed to turn the ball over but rather spoilt things by losing it. A dangerous chip through, fortunately, resulted in nothing more than one of these try-line drop-outs. The Okehampton right winger did well with quick feet to avoid the would-be tackle but a knock-on spared Bournemouth further embarrassment. To make matters worse, Okehampton got themselves penalised at the resulting scrum and Sutherland was more than happy to bang the ball off the field of play to his left.

Not certain why Okehampton had the throw-in but I have a poor grasp of the modern laws and find sanctuary by drifting off to the saner times of my youth I’m afraid. Whatever, Okehampton had the throw-in outside the Bournemouth 10m and attacked left. The lively Bournemouth defence were again successful at turning the ball over to snuff out the threat. The Bournemouth kick saw Okehampton countering strongly down the right wing where Okehampton got themselves the throw-in at a line-out outside the Bournemouth 10m. However, Bournemouth again ‘nicked’ the throw-in and Pope kicked high. Okehampton countered with a kick of their own but Pope was again on hand to kick left to find touch inside the Okehampton 22m. Okehampton were aware a scrum at the line-out and then got themselves a free kick which went right for a line-out on the Bournemouth 10m.

Okehampton attacked first left then right testing the resolve of the Bournemouth defenders. They lifted the siege by turning g the ball over and countered right. A chip through was chased down by the alert Hancox who was clearly not in a mood not to be denied his second try of the afternoon. However, he rather blotted his copybook by failing to convert his own try from wide-out.

59m: Bournemouth 33-0 Okehampton

Okehampton restarted right but Bournemouth’s clearance kick went ‘straight out’ for an Okehampton throw-in just outside the Bournemouth 22m on their right. Again a similar pattern of play developed with the Okehampton backs attacking strongly first to the eft then back right but again suffering from Bournemouth turning the ball over. With an exciting passage of play, Bournemouth surged back up field for blindside Ben Russell to finish off the move by going over under the posts for Hancox to add the two points.

61m: Bournemouth 40-0 Okehampton

Guildford was replaced by George Randall.

On receiving the restart, Bournemouth attacked right but a forward pass gave Okehampton a scrum. Bournemouth won the ball and attacked left and were awarded a scrum just short of the Okehampton line but rather rebuffed this kind offer and were got themselves penalised. Okehampton found touch to their right outside the Okehampton 10m. Okehampton attacked left off the line-out before kicking. They managed to recover their own kick but nonetheless Bournemouth do well to recover the situation but not to the referee’s satisfaction and got themselves penalised instead. Onehampton committed the Cardinal of sins by not finding touch which enabled Bournemouth to run it back. Okehampton, however, redeemed themselves by turning the ball over but promptly lost it again when Bournemouth turned the ball over. As they countered a forward pass gave Okehampton a scrum inside the Bournemouth 10m. Okehampton attacked right off the scrum but were penalised for ‘holding on’ when tackled and Sutherland found touch to his left on the Bournemouth 22m. Bournemouth went right from the line-out taking play deep into the Okehampton half but the visitors were awarded a scrum just ten metres out from their on line.. The first scrum was reset but Bournemouth drove the second attempt and were given the put-in to a third scrum as a result. Attacking right, fly-half Meaden stepped through to score and Hancox to kicked the goal.

76m: Bournemouth 47-0 Okehampton

Okehampton restarted right and Bournemouth were penalised. Okehampton found touch to their right just ten metres out. Okehampton and with Tompkins playing advantage, Okehampton drove over to score wide out. The try was not converted but a spirited Okehampton had at least got a score.

80m: Bournemouth 47-5 Okehampton

Bournemouth had one last hurrah from the restart when they turned the ball over and attacked right but a knock-on effectively brought things to a close. Okehampton had a scrum outside their 22m but at the next stoppage, Tompkins blew for no time.

80+3m: Bournemouth 47-5 Okehampton – Full Time

Reflecting a very competitive division, Okehampton competed to the very end and were at least rewarded with a score. It should be pointed out an ostensibly dominant Bournemouth didn’t score in that third quarter. Losing three players due to injury, and I wasn’t even sure that they weren’t down to 14 players for a short while, didn’t help. However, from a Bournemouth perspective, it was pleasing to see such a spirited performance, especially defensively, from a team determined to end a poor run of results. Congratulations to Grant on being Man of the Match in a game where any of a number might have been similarly recognised. However, 22 points and the manner in which they were scored coupled with outstanding defensive work can hardly be ignored. It also made Mum & Dad very proud.

Bournemouth remain eighth on 49 points: P21 W8 D0 L13; 520-527 whilst Okehampton drop one place to 14th on 27 points: P21 W5 D1 L15; 401-702.

Bournemouth’s next match is next week is away to 6th-placed Launceston KO 3PM. With the current situation, viz a viz Covid, check the game is on before travelling.

None of what I have described above would have happened if it wasn’t for the support of the likes of Brian and Matt in our efforts to provide the opportunity for youngsters to play sport, in our case rugby football. It has become clear over these past two years what an important part clubs like ourselves play in maintaining a healthy spirit of community and the value of friendships thus forged. ‘Thank you’ gentlemen.

Dare I also add, wouldn’t it be better if a certain so-called grown-up got involved in rugby or whatever rather than visiting the most appalling atrocities upon an innocent people?

Doug Warren

President, Bournemouth RFC.

PS Please excuse the dilatory nature of the appearance of this report. Had trouble with a new internet provider but it appear, thanks to the Herculean efforts of my techno savvy son Toby, we are back up and running.

Team Selection: Having made a cameo appearance last week, Scott Chislett was replaced at inside centre by Grant Hancox, which means Grant completes a ‘full hand’ in the backs. Grant’s place at fly-half was taken by Ben Meaden who, in turn, was replaced at full-back by the returning Ryan Morrell. The pack was unchanged. On the bench, Alex Peel makes his first 1st XV appearance since early October, ironically also against Exmouth.

Overcast but bright with a noticeable Westerly breeze blowing straight down the pitch from right to left as viewed from the stand. The pitch underfoot was in good nick. It was exceptionally mild for late January.

Glen O’Hara • In Memoriam

On Friday night at Chapel Gate, before the 3rd XV’s game against East Dorset Dockers, a minute’s silence was held in respect for Glen O’Hara who died, after a long (seventeen months) illness in Bournemouth hospital on Tuesday, 25 January. Glen was well known at Bournemouth having refereed any number of games and, latterly, acting as assistant referee in some of our Level 4 games. We offer our sincere condolences to Glen’s family for their untimely loss.

Almost …

A keenly fought contest that was nip and tuck throughout with, from a Bournemouth perspective, a heartbreaking last-play finish to deny them a win.

Bournemouth kicked off from right to left, with the aforesaid wind, and to their right.

Exmouth were immediately awarded a penalty and ‘ran it’ from inside their own 22m going right before finding touch to their right outside their own 22m. Awarded a scrum at the lineout Exmouth lost it but a forward pass conceded the advantage back to Exmouth. From a scrum inside their 10m, Exmouth went right and a strong run by their backs saw them over in the corner. Fly-half George Meadows kicked the first of his five goals, a factor that proved crucial in Exmouth’s ultimate success. 7-nil down after just six minutes play was not the start Bournemouth were looking for.

Sutherland restarted right but, when Exmouth found touch to their left, their forwards tied up the ball at the line-out and Bournemouth conceded a scrum and then were promptly penalised. Finding touch to their left, Exmouth attacked off the line-out going right first and when they came back left they kicked. Fielded by Morrell, he kicked long to his left and well chased down by the Bournemouth threes putting the home defence under pressure. They managed to kick but nobody from Bournemouth took charge and the ball was allowed to bounce resulting in an Exmouth line-out on their right flank on their own 22m. Attacking first to their left, long missed passes stretched the Bournemouth defence. Retaining good possession, they employed the same tactic as they came right then back left but they couldn’t make any significant progress in the face of that Bournemouth defence. A kick ahead was knocked on by Bournemouth as they tried to recover the ball for an Exmouth scrum but they were still inside their own 22m. Bournemouth were awarded a scrum as a result of the pressure they applied but came under similar pressure from the Exmouth scrum. However, despite struggling to contain the shove, Rees at the back of the scrum got the ball away right. Despite a good Exmouth defence initially, a missed tackle enabled Taylor to escape and the winger scored wide out on the right. An excellent goal from the reliable Hancox saw the scores tied up at 7-all after 17 minutes play.

However, this Red Wall levelling up didn’t last long. Awarded a line-out to their left on the Bournemouth 22m gave Exmouth a strong attacking position and they attacked right but Bournemouth managed to turn the ball over and kicked which simply enabled Exmouth to set up another dangerous attack. From off the back of a scrum deep inside the Bournemouth 22m their forwards were almost in but Bournemouth’s defensive efforts resulted in Exmouth being awarded a penalty. From in front of the posts, Meadows did what he does best and Exmouth had restored their lead at 10-7 after 26 minutes.

Bournemouth restarted right and ran the clearance kick back but Exmouth were awarded a scrum on their 10m. Attacking right, Bournemouth turned the ball over and going left kicked to find a good touch for an Exmouth line-out inside their own 22m. They attacked first left but when they came back right Bournemouth were penalised. However, the Exmouth outside centre, Oli Cave whose pace and quick feet was causing the Bournemouth defence all sorts of problems was forced to retire nursing a head injury presumably as a result of contact in defending the Bournemouth threat. Exmouth’s kick left failed to find touch and Bournemouth attacked going left. Veneroso had a little dart from a maul midfield but was soon swallowed up and Bournemouth knocked on. Warwick had got hurt in the process resulting in a stoppage and was replaced by Roberts after 35 minutes. The Bournemouth drive in the resulting scrum was rewarded with a penalty and from inside the Exmouth 22m. Hancox kicked his second goal to tie up the scores once again at 10-all after 37 minutes.

Exmouth restarted left but the Bournemouth returning kick ‘went nowhere’ enabling Exmouth to attack right. However Bournemouth recovered the situation by turning the ball over and moving the ball right. A deft chip over the top was knocked on by Taylor which the player rather ruefully admitted after the game “would have been a ‘walk-in’ score” for him if he had only managed to hold on to the ball but instead it was an Exmouth scrum on the half-way line. Bournemouth seemed to have recovered the situation by a turn over at the scrum but their efforts were penalised as they went left. Exmouth found touch to their right inside the Bournemouth 10m. From the line-out, they went left but a strong run down that left flank was rebuffed with a Bournemouth turnover. However, the clearance kick right went ‘straight out’ and Exmouth had an attacking line out just outside the Bournemouth 22m. A strong run down again that left flank saw Bournemouth scrambling to keep Exmouth out and just short of the line managed to stop them and Hopkins blew his half-time whistle.

Half-time 10-10.

Exmouth restarted the second half by kicking right which Bournemouth returned by finding touch to their left for an Exmouth line-out on the Bournemouth 10m. Exmouth attacked left but when the Bournemouth defence seemed to have stopped them, an Exmouth forward picked the ball up from the bottom of a maul and was ‘gone’ to score, virtually unopposed, under the posts. Meadows’s kick was formality and Exmouth were back in the lead at 17-10 just a couple of minutes into the half. Very disappointing from a Bournemouth perspective.

Bournemouth restarted left, Exmouth running it back left but a chip was not recovered cleanly, rather like the earlier Bournemouth effort, for a Bournemouth scrum on the halfway line. Bournemouth threatened right but a knock-on in the contact gave Exmouth a scrum, still on the half-way line. From the scrum Exmouth went right but a kick was ‘over cooked’ and the ball went straight out for a Bournemouth line-out on the Exmouth 10m. Attacking right, Bournemouth were awarded a penalty and the left-footed Hancox found an excellent touch to his left on the Exmouth 5m. Bournemouth secured the throw-in and drove the ball but were penalised. Enterprisingly, Exmouth ran it left before kicking for a Bournemouth line-out outside the Exmouth 22m. Exmouth won it and went right before kicking. Bournemouth responded well by running it back making good yards. Hancox was almost in wide out on the left but Bournemouth regathered and Morrell was over in the corner. Hancox, from his ‘wrong’ side kicked an excellent goal to tie up the scores once again at 17-all after 51 minutes.

With both sides looking to attack, the defences held firm but it was from penalty on their own 22m that Exmouth found touch to their right inside the Bournemouth 10m. From the line-out they attacked first left then back right and a clever chip over the top eventually breached the defence. The ball was regathered taking play into the Bournemouth 22m. Retaining possession, Exmouth pressed through their forwards as they moved sideways into the middle of the field. There Bournemouth were penalised and from in front of the posts Meadows kicked an easy goal to restore his side’s lead at 20-17 after 63 minutes.

Bournemouth responded almost immediately. After an exchange of kicks at the restart, Bournemouth attacked off a line-out on the halfway line. Exmouth turned the ball over and Bournemouth had another line-out on their 10m on their left. Securing the ball, the backs this time made a great break working the ball right to Sutherland. He and Taylor combined well to create the opening for Sutherland to burst through to score wide out on the right. Hancox’s kick for goal looked to be going over for all money but at the last moment the wind caught the ball and, frustratingly, it drifted wide of the far post. However, Bournemouth had taken the lead for the first time in the match at 22-20 after 67 minutes.

After an exchange of kicks at the restart, Exmouth had a line-out inside their own 22m. Another exchange of kicks off the line-out saw Bournemouth have the thrown on their own 10m. Attacking first left then coming back right the Exmouth defence was penalised midfield. Hancox found touch to his left on the Exmouth 10m. However, Exmouth ‘nicked’ the throw and attacked first left, then back right before kicking. After another exchange of kicks, Bournemouth ran the ball back and a chip over the top saw Exmouth forced into touch for a Bournemouth line-out on the Exmouth 22m. Securing the ball at the back, the Bournemouth forwards drove the ball and were awarded a free kick. Hancox found touch to his right for an Exmouth line-out on their own 5m. The Exmouth forwards secured the ball at the back and Meadows kicked the ball long down that wind. A good chase saw Bournemouth under some pressure but the ball was in touch for a Bournemouth line-out inside their own 22m. Crucially, Exmouth again secured the throw-in, the forwards drove for the line and scored. To add insult to injury, openside flanker Smyth was ‘yellow carded’ for his efforts in trying to stem the flow. Meadows kicked another excellent goal, Hopkins blew his whistle for no time and Exmouth had won a close fought contest 27-22.

22-27 Full-time.

Losing set piece ball was crucial in this match but otherwise Bournemouth competed and. dare I say, could count themselves unlucky to lose. Their demeanour after the match showed how much it mattered.

Bournemouth remain seventh on 41 points: P18 W7 D0 L11; 433-473 whilst Exmouth remain 5th on 54 points: P18 W10 D1 L7; 440-389.

Bournemouth’s next match is the week after next (February 12th) home to 3rd-placed Hornets KO 2.00PM. With the current situation, viz a viz Covid, check the game is on before travelling. There may well be catch up for the postponed League match’s next week.

Doug Warren

Team Selection: Three changes in the backs; one of personnel and two positional. Dan Boer moved to right-wing in place of the unavailable Ryan Morrell, Grant Hancox replaced Dan Boer at outside centre and Richard West came off last week’s bench to replace Hancox at fly-half. In the forwards a number of changes. The front row was totally reformed from that that started against Royal Wootton Bassett last week: Riad Lynch gave way to the returning Mike Davies at loosehead prop and was on the bench; Hooker Ben Kimber was replaced by tighthead Alan Manning and Manning was replaced by Luca Firetto, making his first start since the game against Ivybridge at the end of October. The second row of Robbie Heath and Pete Roberts was totally replaced by Connor Scott and Joe Desmond. Even there there was a late change, when Scott was replaced by Michael Treloar making his first 1st XV appearance since breaking his thumb in the warm up down at Ivybridge in March 2019.In the back row there was a change for the first time in five matches with Kimber replacing the injured Ciaran Smyth at open side flanker. On the bench besides the aforementioned Lynch, Lewis Nicholls was a late call up in place of Smyth when it was realised Smyth’s injury was not worth risking him having to play and thus retained his place on the bench. Ashley Taylor returned after missing the game against Royal Wootton Bassett as the third member of the bench.

Overcast with a stiffish Easterly breeze blowing from right to left as viewed from the stand. Before kick-off, there was a minute’s silence for ‘Rusty’ Hext, grandfather to Jamie Hext, Brixham’s scrum-half.

I know the headline above is a nonsense, two halves of the same can’t be unequal, but in scoring terms it was. What was equal though was that each scored two tries but it was not the same with penalties. Penalty goals may not attract the same tariff but they sure do take their toll.

Brixham kicked off from right to left and, thus, with the aforementioned wind and to their left.

Bournemouth secured the kick-off and released left for fly-half Richard West to clear back right for a Brixham line-out on the hallway line. They attacked strongly going right but a pass didn’t going to hand causing a hiccup. However, they recovered from that and switched left. Coming back right they made a half-break midfield taking play into the Bournemouth 22m which had the Bournemouth defence at full stretch. However, when that same defence prevented any further progress, referee Groves brought play back to an earlier misdemeanour for Mitch Pinkus/ the Brixham full-back to find touch to his left just 10 metres out from the Bournemouth line. The Bournemouth forwards stopped the Brixham drive off the line-out and they were forced to crab sideways where a knock -on under the posts gave Bournemouth the relief of the put-in at a 5m scrum. West cleared right but Brixham had a line-out still inside the Bournemouth 22m. Good news though, Bournemouth managed to ‘nick’ the throw-in and the forwards drove off the line-out before scrum-half Sammy Veneroso released left to West who kicked right. He failed to find touch and Brixham ran the ball back at Bournemouth going right. The Bournemouth defence was ‘rewarded’ with the put-in at a scrum midfield but inside their own 22m. West’s clearance right was ‘sliced’ and the wind didn’t help but the ball was safely in touch if only just outside the 22m. Maintaining this early pressure, the Bournemouth defence finally yielded when the Brixham full-back got over in the right-hand corner. With an excellent kick, the same player added the two points.

8m: 0-7/tc; Mitch Pinkus/15/tc.

West restarted left and fielded the Brixham kick return. The fly-half swung the ball wide where full-back Josh Wickens came into the line to, in turn, feed left-winger Oli Grainger- Williams. He couldn’t find a way through and Bournemouth switched back right as they probed the Brixham defence. A West kick was charged down but went into touch for a Bournemouth line-out. Brixham knocked on at the line-out and from the scrum, right-wing Dan Boer came off his wing to provide the extra man as Bournemouth went left taking play into the Brixham 22m. Finding no way through, Bournemouth switched back right where Wickens came into the line but was promptly tackled. He laided the ball off but when Bournemouth went left they knocked on in midfield but Brixham had forced play back and they had a scrum on the Brixham 10m.

The Bournemouth scrum drove their opposite numbers back but, under some pressure, Brixham managed to get their kick away only for the ball to go ‘dead’ for a Bournemouth 22m drop-out. They almost recovered the restart but Brixham managed to retain possession and set up another dangerous attack going left. Coming back right they almost broke through midfield but were penalised for ‘holding on’ and West was able to find the sanctuary of the touch to his left on the Bournemouth 22m. Bournemouth drove off the line-out before releasing to Veneroso who made some 20 metres down the ‘short side’ but knocked on in the contact for a Brixham scrum on the Bournemouth 10m. The dominant Bournemouth scrum drove Brixham back in some disarray and Groves penalized them for

‘standing up’ and West found touch to his left beyond the Brixham 10m. Bournemouth were not able to take advantage of this promising attacking line-out because the throw-in was ‘not straight’ and Brixham had a scrum instead. Again, however, the Bournemouth scrum retrieved the situation as, again, Brixham were penalized as they were being driven backwards. West again found touch to his left inside the Brixham 22m. The throw went to the back of the line where Bournemouth managed to hold on to the ball after a little juggling and released it right. In the face of a determined and well organised Brixham defence they made no progress and came back left looking for that vital way through. This constant ‘sniping’ had its reward when Brixham were penalized and Bournemouth opted for a scrum on the Brixham 5m, rather than, say, for a kick at goal. Although, as before, Bournemouth drove Brixham back they managed to disrupt the scrum and recovered the ball but Bournemouth managed to turn the ball over. and went left. Even at this short range they still could find no way through in the face of the determined Brixham defence. It was the same coming back right only this time Bournemouth were penalized for ‘holding on’ and Pinkus found a good touch to his left and Bournemouth found themselves defending a line- out on the half-way line.

Going right off the line-out, a pretty fierce pass wide out rather spoilt things for Brixham and they had to concede a scrum to Bournemouth inside their own 10m. However, Bournemouth found themselves on the back foot in the scrum but they managed to get the ball away to their left only to get themselves penalized midfield. Pinkus duly punished them by finding touch to his left outside the Bournemouth 22m. A dangerous attack right was stopped short of the line but when Brixham worked the ball back left Pinkus was over in the corner for his second try. The full-back then kicked for goal and, despite some initial disappointment by some of the home supporters as to where the ball was going, Pinkus had judged the wind perfectly as he saw the ball curl in inside the far post for another excellent goal and to double his side’s lead.

29m: 0-14/2t2c; Mitch Pinkus/15/tc.

West’s restart left didn’t ‘go ten’ for a scrum back. The forwards retrieved that situation by winning the ball and Bournemouth made a half break going right before coming back left where they got themselves penalized. Pinkus went for touch to his left but failed to find touch and the ball was recovered by his opposite number, Wickens. Bournemouth worked the ball left and West found Grainger-Williams but the ball was knocked on for a Brixham scrum outside the Bournemouth 22m. Despite the pressure the Brixham scrum was under from the Bournemouth shove, they managed to get the ball away left. A knock on by Bournemouth in the contact gave Brixham the put-in at a scrum on the Bournemouth 10m. Bournemouth got themselves penalized and Pinkus kicked another fine goal from range and to increase his side’s lead.

34m: 0-17/2t2cp; Mitch Pinkus/15/p.

West restarted left and Bournemouth did well to recover the ball to set up another attack first down the left then back right all in the face of this determined Brixham defence. It was this defensive pressure that yielded another penalty for Brixham and, from inside the Bournemouth 10m, Pinkus kicked the goal for Groves to blow his whistle for half-time.

40+2m Half-time: 0-20/2t2c2p; Mitch Pinkus/15/p.

Bournemouth had an early scare in the second half when having ‘lost’ a line-out on their left, Brixham went left from a scrum and kicked. Winning the ball back on the Bournemouth, Brixham were awarded a score. They went right from the scrum. Right-wing Matt Crosscombe had a strong run and Brixham were almost in at the corner but were forced to come left. A Brixham knock-on gave Bournemouth the put-in at a scrum on their own 5m. Veneroso released the ball to West and the fly-half found a good touch to his left on the half-way line. The line-out was a bit untidy but they got the ball away left where the Brixham defence was penalized on the half-way line. West kicked left but failed to find touch and Brixham’s kick right found touch for a Bournemouth line-out outside the Brixham 22m. Bournemouth drove off the line-out and Brixham were penalized in their efforts to stem the tide.West found touch to his left inside the Brixham 22m and was replaced by Ashley Taylor.

47m: 0 v 20/2t2c2p; Richard West replaced by Ashley Taylor.

Brixham knocked on in the line-out but when Bournemouth attacked right off the scrum they also knocked on for a Brixham scrum. Despite the Bournemouth shove, Brixham managed to hold on to the ball enabling them to kick right. The ball went ‘no where’ in the stiffish breeze and Bournemouth had a line-out on the Brixham 22m. Bournemouth drove off the line-out before releasing the ball wide to the right before switching back in field but again a knock on in the contact yielded a scrum to Brixham but at least they had advanced inside the Brixham 22m. Brixham broke off the back of the scrum but were penalized for

‘going off their feet’ as they supported the ball carrier. From just ten metres, Hancox at last got Bournemouth on the scoreboard.

55m: 3/p v 20/2t2c2p.

An exchange of kicks at the restart saw Bournemouth knock on midfield. Nonetheless, the Bournemouth forwards recovered the situation with their pressure in the scrum being rewarded with a penalty. Hancox, now at fly-half, found touch to his left outside the Brixham 22m. Bournemouth secured the throw-in and the forwards drove, splintering the Brixham attempts to stem the flow before releasing the ball left. The Brixham defence forced Bournemouth into touch for a line-out just ten metres out from their own line.

Bournemouth, however, were penalized at the line-out and Pinkus found touch to his right on the half-way line. Brixham went left off the line-out and Bournemouth were penalized for their defensive efforts and Pinkus was able to press them even further back finding touch on the Bournemouth 22m. Crosscombe came off his wing to provide the extra man as Brixham went left. A little chip over the top almost saw them in but Bournemouth were penalized anyway and Pinkus banged the ball over to nullify Bournemouth’s small gain earlier.

61m: 3/p v 23/2t2c3p; Pinkus/15/p.

Bournemouth restarted left but, having taken the ball back inside their 22m kicked the ball straight out for a Bournemouth line-out inside the Brixham 22m. Bournemouth attacked right off the line-out and Brixham were penalised for a high tackle, Bournemouth opting for a scrum. Typically, Wickens came into the line as Bournemouth went right and the full-back was over. Hancox kicked the conversion and Bournemouth had a glimmer.

65m: 10/tcp v 23/2t2c3p; Wickens/15/t, Hancox/R10/c..

Almost immediately after the restart, were penalized for being offside in midfield. Pinkus, from inside the Bournemouth 10m had a ‘go’ for goal but pulled his effort to the left of the far post for a Bournemouth 22m drop-out. Recovering the ball tighthead prop Luca Firetto broke away on a charge. The ball went right and there was Wickens in the line again but was forced into touch for a Brixham line-out on their own 22m. Brixham kicked off the line out but their chasers were penalized and Hancox kicked left, pressing them back to their 22m again. Bournemouth lose the throw-in but when they recovered the ball Hancox kicked back left for the ball to go over the Brixham try-line for a try-line drop-out. When Brixham recovered the ball, Crosscombe kicked fielded by Wickens who set up a promising attack going right but, when the ball came back left, a forward pass brought progress to a shuddering halt and Brixham had a scrum outside their own 22m. Inside centre Adam Higgins was injured in the process and was replaced by West.

76m: 10/tcp v 23/2t2c3p; Higgins/12 injured, West on.

When they went right off the scrum, Brixham were penalized and Hancox found touch to his left outside the Brixham 22m. Bournemouth secured the throw-in and the forwards drove the ball with Groves playing advantage. When insufficient had been gained the referee came back to the original infringement. Hancox found touch to his left, just ten metres out from the Brixham line. Bournemouth attacked right and replacement Ashley Taylor was over in the corner. Hancox failed to convert but at least Bournemouth had a matching second try.

79m: 15/2tcp v 23/2t2c3p; Taylor/R14/t, Hancox/R10/c miss.

Brixham restarted left and Bournemouth fielding the ball went left but the ball was kicked straight out for a Brixham line-out on the Bournemouth 10m. Brixham attacked left but the Bournemouth defence held firm but, nonetheless, they got themselves penalized for being offside. Maintaining the momentum, Brixham took a quick penalty and Bournemouth were immediately penalized again. This time, from inside the Bournemouth 10m, Pinkus rounded

off a very fine personal performance by kicking an excellent goal into that fresh wind, that had blown throughout the match, for Groves to blow for no time.

80+5m – Full Time: 15/2tcp v 26/2t2c4p; Pinkus/15/p.

For Mitch Pinkus to score all his side’s 26 points was quite remarkable, his goals alone outscoring Bournemouth’s efforts. Bournemouth was a little more democratic in the sense they shared the points scoring. Disappointing but Brixham’s defence proved very hard to breach.

Bournemouth remain sixth on 38 points while Brixham moved up one place to 7th on 33 points.

Bournemouth’s next match is next year (8 Jan) home to 11th placed Camborne KO 3PM. With current situation, viz a viz Covid, check the game is on before travelling.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers.

Doug Warren