Bourne edge through in fenland thriller

Making the short trip to Boston with a strong side (missing only their front row powerhouse Oglesbee), Bourne looked to notch their first win of 2010. Playing in icy conditions on Boston’s 2nd pitch Bourne made a strong start, as their youthful back line made incursions into Boston territory with almost every possession.

On 10 minutes Bourne drove deep into the Boston 22, with the home side being forced to handle in the ruck in order to stop Bourne’s progress. From the resulting penalty, Pick bounced off the first defender before embarking on an arcing run to the right hand corner where he crashed over to score.

Stalemate then ensued for the remainder of the half, with neither side able to exert their authority on the game. Boston reduced the deficit with a penalty from their fly half, before taking the lead following a series of drives by their forwards near to the Bourne line.

The lead was shortlived however, as a moment of inspiration from Bourne brought a second try. On his own 10 metre line, a cross-field kick from Whittock fell perfectly for Binns, who leapt higher than his opposite number to catch the ball before scooting in from half way to score under the posts. Dixon shanked the conversion but it crept over anyway, leaving the score 8-12 at half time.

The second half brought much of the same, with Boston spurred on by a vociferous home crowd. Using the pack to make ground, the game grew fractious and a fracas early in the half saw Boston reduced to 14 men. Undeterred, they continued to press, and a Dixon clearance kick was charged down leaving the Boston stand-off with an easy run-in and Bourne staring down the barrel of defeat.

There was still time remaining however; Boston continued to press and it took a huge tackle on his own line from John Adams to prevent the gap being extended. Increasing the intensity, Bourne pressed Boston back towards their own line, and in the final move of the game, the ball was moved through the centres to Binns, who rounded his man to score. Dixon converted to give Bourne the victory they just about deserved.

This weekend sees Bourne host Lincoln 4ths in the Merit League, kick off 2.15pm.

The Bourne Rugby Club website, www.brufc.net, has been recently upgraded to include a Club Shop through which you can purchase merchandise using Paypal; every purchase made helps the club financially.

Bourne RUFC: Xanti Xipu; Adam Binns, Glen Smith (John Motton), John Burgin, Mick Bennett (The Pigeon); Tom Dixon, Phil Whittock; Simon Pick, Barry Croft, Rob Coupland, Mark Bills, Steve Hirschfeld, Andy Sims, John Hume, John Adams.