Bournemouth v tunbridge wells

During the clash between Bournemouth Rugby (Lions) and Tunbridge Wells, we were treated to a rollercoaster of a match that saw both teams leave everything on the field. Tunbridge, riding high in the league standings, faced off against the Lions still to show their capability side eager to prove their mettle.

The match started off with a one minute round of applause for Richard Maddrell one of our under 9s parents and father to Brodie Maddrell sadly passed away on Tuesday 19th September. Richard was a larger than life character and always brought brightness and a big smile on those grey rugby days to our under 9s. Brodie was invited to run out with the first team is a show of solidarity.

From the first whistle, the Lions showcased their determination, securing possession off the kick-off and capitalizing on an early penalty. However, lineout woes haunted them, allowing Tunbridge to gain ground. The Lions’ defensive prowess was on full display, pushing Tunbridge back, but a moment of ill-discipline handed the visitors an opportunity to clear.

Tunbridge’s defence held strong, keeping the Lions at bay. After a series of kicks and turnovers, Tunbridge kick a 50/22. In attack they managed to breach the Lions’ defence and put the first points on the board, leading 0 – 7.

Kick off goes all wrong straight out but good scrum for the Lions forces Tunbridge to kick. Unfortunately, the bouncing ball gives Hogan issues and goes out for Tunbridge line out inside the Lions half. Tunbridge put the ball through hands and find room in the corner. Score 0 – 14.

The Lions responded with vigor, orchestrating a series of plays and a relentless attach which leads to a Ryan Morrell’s try, followed by a precision conversion by Hancox, narrowing the gap to 7-14.

Connor McCarffrey catches the ball from kick off, box kick and Tunbridge try to run but ball knocked on, Lions scrum. Ball won but the penalised for lions off their feet in subsequent play. Tunbridge kick to touch now on lions 22. Lions give away another penalty for bring down maul. Tunbridge elect to kick to touch, rolling maul finds it way over the Lions lines. Kick good 7 – 21.

Morrell chasing the ball from the kick off managed to win the Lions a line out which sets the Lions with a attacking platform. After a series of plays Tunbridge give away penalty. Lions go for the posts, good by Hancox, 10 – 21.
Great kick chasing this time by Stan Vincent wins the ball. Cross field and then kick forward. Tunbridge kick ball off the pitch due to pressure. Lions secure then ball in hand to Morrell who find a gap and goes in for his second. Hancox kicks 17 – 21. In the final few minutes of the first half the Lions with the ball with the forwards progress back down to the Tunbridge line. But a knock on just before the line keeps the score at 17 – 21 as we go into second half.

At half time the Lions are unlucky to be behind. There is not much between the two teams but Tunbridge have taken the most of their opportunities. The Lions have put on a good display just need to cut out those errors which is allowing Tunbridge into the game. Half time score 17 – 21.

The second half opened with the Lions on the offensive. They displayed remarkable resilience, earning crucial penalties and exploiting Tunbridge’s mistakes. A magnificent passage of play culminated in Ash Taylor’s try, putting the Lions ahead for the first time at 24-21.

Tunbridge, undeterred, seized an opportunity off a Lions’ mishap and regained the lead, 24-26. The Lions, determined to reclaim the momentum, pressed forward, but a lapse in concentration allowed Tunbridge to widen the gap to 24-31.

In the dying moments, the Lions fought valiantly, but Tunbridge found gaps in their defence, securing three late tries to seal a 43-27 victory. The scoreline, though not entirely reflective of the Lions’ spirited performance, highlighted the importance of maintaining focus throughout the match.

Despite the setback, the Lions have shown significant improvement in their set plays, providing a solid foundation for future successes. Addressing early-game vulnerabilities will be a priority as they look ahead to their next challenge against Brighton.

Final Score: Bournemouth Rugby (Lions) 27 – 43 Tunbridge Wells

Man of the Match: Joe Desmond (Bournemouth Rugby)

Next Match: Bournemouth Rugby vs. Brighton (Away), October 14th, 2023