CRESSWELL AWAY TRIP GIVES CONFIDENCE BOOSTER

There was a number of unavailability’s and Bourne travelled the 70 minute journey with just the bare minimum 15 players. Cresswell play in the league below Bourne, but had a full squad out and playing on a pitch that had grass as long as a field with no subs was going to be tiring.

Bourne kicked off with the forwards putting good pressure on the opposition forcing them to kick, this was fielded well by Berry who danced forward before passing to Xipu who had come into the line from fullback, at the breakdown Payne was there to support the move which took Bourne up to the 22. Cresswell managed to win the scrum and again chose to kick the ball deep into the Bourne half, Bentley fielded this well and made good yards before passing on to Dixon who drew his man before passing to Bonham who scored out wide. 5-0

Bentley was again the instigator for the next try catching a loose penalty kick from the opposition and running it back at them, Berry and Xipu continued the move which was took into contact by Hume, Wood and Appleby secured good ball to keep the move going forward which Thornburn used to supply Dixon who went through the gap to score under the posts, 12-0

A commanding call from Mabey at the restart again resulted in text book ball which Dixon made good use of, he broke on his own supported by the busy flanker duo of Payne and Nassu and then pop up on the end to score again just to the right of the posts. 19-0.The next try was not long in coming with Mabey taking control at the re start securing the ball followed by a trundle up the pitch, the forwards were working well as a unit and both Jamie Berry and Sleight took the ball forward, secure ball was then put through the hands of the backs to wing Bentley, who again scored under the posts, 26-0, this was after just 20minutes of play.

It was the forwards chance to show what they could do in the lineout now, an accurate throw to the front by Sleight was played off the top by Jamie Berry to Thornburn, he took the ball on himself off loaded to Payne who found Xipu in support,the ball was then moved fully across the back line and Bentley scored in the corner, unconverted, 31-0.
Play was a bit messy for the remainder of the half and some loose passes which if they had been bettrer seen wing Jordan-Bonney add to the score, half time 31-0

Bourne were glad of the break to get some water on board as service had been some what slack in the first half, it also gave a rest from the long grass. Rejuvenated as a team it was Mabey again who shouted loudest at the kick off and secured good ball, Bentley made a huge kick forward that was chased by Jordan Bonney and Bonham, the Cresswell player caught the ball but Bonham ripped it off of him and then dragged him over the line with the ball to score out wide, unconverted , 36-0.

A scrum resulted from the kick off this time as the safe hands of Mabey knocked on this time, the scrum performed well though and number 8 Hume passed to Dixon then to Berry who ran in to score another converted try, 43-0
Straight from the kick off it was Sleight who secured ball this time allowing Thornburn to make a break, he fed Berry who ran the ball in, only to be told he had gone over the dead ball line by the referee who some home managed to see it from halfway! The resulting 22 went straight into Berry’s hands and he tried a ambitious drop goal from half way just missing wide of the uprights, resulting in a further 22.

Good ball off the top by Nassu at the lineout gave the backs time to try a training ground move , which made a gap for Bonham who scored his hatrick try , 48-0. Cresswell were getting niggled by now and when Payne again turned over a ruck showed their disappointment by trying to rough things up, the resulting handbags saw the team spirit as everyone stood together as a team against the opposition.

Bourne did score one final try when a penalty was awarded 10m out taken quickly by Thornburn who passed to Dixon to score 53-0 final score.
Although a league below to travel with 15 players on a pitch with long grass and being dominant to the end, boosted team morale and confidence ahead of next weeks Rugby cup match against East Retford at home 3pm kick off.

New players always welcome at training each Tuesday and Thursday night 6.45 to 8.15.

Man of the Match – Paul ‘Mamby’Mabey

Coaches quote – Pre season training is paying dividends with improved fitness and handling, a good solid team performance.