Match result: Bourne RUFC 32 v 10 Worksop RUFC

Bourne were in cup action at the weekend against Worksop, who are in Midlands 4 the same as Bourne , but the northern division, they currently sit mid table in that league so it was certainly not going to be an easy match. Conditions were dry, the only hindrance being a gale blowing across the pitch, which was bound to aid whichever team had it in its favour.
There were a number of absences from the previous week due to injuries, trips away and work but there was still a good competitive team on the field. Bourne chose to take the wind in the first half and put good pressure on the opposition straight from the kick off. Bourne won their first 2 scrums and were moving up the field. Good ball from Hill to Giullari allowed him to give quick ball to Dixon who had sneaked round on the blind side to score in the corner. 5-0
Woksop were having a fair amount of play but not breaking the Bourne defensive line with the Bourne flankers of Forbes and Hume slowing down any quick play. Xanti back from injury was playing at fullback and when he caught the ball in open play and made a great kick ahead, winger Reeves made sure his man went into touch giving a lineout just inside the 22m mark. Bourne tried a training ground move, with Appleby throwing in and Young 2nd row Legge played it off the top to Forbes on the front peel who ran in from 20m out, 10-0 unconverted, with the strong wind kicking was always going to be difficult.
The early points gave the forwards confidence and Wood went on a strong run through the opposition to make good yardage, his forwards supporting with Goodyear and Hiscocks also taking the ball forward, Giullari then released the backs with Jordan Boddey having a good run up to the 22 before being forced into touch. The lineout was turned over at the back by Hill and Hume and when Giullari got the ball he passed to Forbes who crashed through the opposition to score from 10 out, 15-0.
Play got a bit scrappy for the next 15 minutes with numerous penalties being conceded, which helped Worksop move into the Bourne 22, although held out for a while Bourne finally succumbed to a forwards drive, that gave the visitors a score in the corner, 15-5. Bourne were trying to use the wind as much as possible and a clever kick ahead from Dixon was chased down by Jordan-Boddey to put more pressure on the opposition, the line out was lost on this occasion and they manged to clear their line. On half way Forbes turned over the ball and Giullari fed Croker who chipped over the opposition and chased his own ball, collecting just short of the 22 and ran in a try under the posts, 20-5. Dixon somehow manged to hit the post with his kick which was the closing play of the half 20-5.
With the wind now in their faces, the game certainly was not over, the opposition were putting some big boots up field at every occasion possible. Exton now on the field made a number of tackles, Legge, Dixon and Wood also putting big hits in, but eventually after a sterling defensive effort, the Worksop forwards again pushed over for a try 20-10. Bourne re-gathered themselves and kept the ball tight for a while, Wood made an impressive run looking like a back with the yardage he ate up and Hill aided the attack with an additional yard! A cheeky kick through from Exton took the Worksop fullback by surprise and bounced off his body towards the try line, Jordan Boddey was on hand to pick up the loose ball and score his first long awaited try 25-10.
Worksop were still not finished and veteran Dixon took the full force of their No8 on the charge, with a great tackle that left him on the floor holding his shoulder, he was however fine to carry on. Neither team were making much headway but Bourne had just enough time to make another score, Hill picked up at the base of the scrum and his back row partner Thomas moved it forward, Dixon then broke with the ball and timed his pass to youngster Rushton to score his 1st senior try under the posts, Exton converted this time to bring the score to 32-10. With the game over Hume decided he needed a breather and took a pointless Yellow card , but the 14 men held out for the last 5 minutes to make the final score 32-10.
This puts Bourne in the 3rd round which will be played on January 2nd the draw being made in a couple of weeks. This Saturday its back to league action away at Bedford Queens which with confidence high should be a good match.
Man of the match – Will Legge, for his lineout play and tackling around the park