banbury v Bournemouth

Team Selection: In the backs, there was one positional and one personnel change: Fullback Ryan Morrell moved to the left wing to replace the injured Ash Taylor and Ryan, in turn, was replaced by Mike Pope coming off the bench. The forwards: were unchanged.

The weather was grey and over cast with the threat of rain.

Disappointing End to the Season.

As in last week’s game, losing two players to yellow cards in the first few minutes of the game didn’t help Bournemouth’s cause. As it was, Bournemouth conceded a score within a minute of the start and we never got into the game during the that first half. Down by 19 points after 25 minutes, Bournemouth pulled one score back when, a couple or more minutes later, inside centre Aam Higgins forced his way over for a try, converted by his fellow centre the ever-reliable Grant Hancox. With Bournemouth getting in the game much more effectively, a chance went a-begging when the ball was knocked on in front of the posts to frustrate a promising move. Nonetheless, the pressure yielded a penalty as Banbury strove to keep the visitors out and Hancox kicked his second goal. Banbury kicked the restart straight out and from a solid scrum Bournemouth went left and were almost in, but the try was not awarded. Bournemouth’s efforts also did not meet with the referee’s approval and Banbury kicked the ball off to end the half.

That was as good as it got, I’m afraid. Bournemouth failed to score in the second half and Banbury added two more tries to gain a 5-point win. Although lower than us in the division, Banbury remain a bogey side for us, and we have only won once in seven encounters.

That’s it folks. The end of another season. Thank you for your support throughout and we look forward to hosting you all next season. Stick with us. Your company is always a pleasure as well as vital. Thank you also to all those who make this at all possible, the management, the support staff and we especially value the treatment the boys get from Luisa and Mateo. However, I must pick out one person whose contribution to the Bournemouth effort and that is the indefatigable Gemma Buchanan. Not certain where would be without her. ‘Thank you’ Gemma. However disappointing Saturday might have been I hope you have all enjoyed the season nonetheless.

Doug Warren, Bournemouth RFC.