Gainsborough hang on for narrow win

Bourne travelled away for the first time this season in the Merit League, and came across a Gainsborough side who have proved tough opponents over the years. With a similar profile to Bourne, fielding their 1st XV in the Merit League, Bourne knew to expect a close game. Skipper Smith had a number of changes forced upon him through player absence, but Bourne travelled with a strong side.

Starting strongly for the second week running, Bourne opened the scoring when the returning Tom Bishop went over after 10 minutes, with Smith unable to make the conversion. With Bourne’s pack making continuous gains in the loose, Bourne looked to extend their lead in the early part of the game, but the home defence held firm.

Gainsborough came to life in the second part of the first half, and rattled Bourne with two unanswered tries to go in 12-5 up at half time. A rousing team talk from Smith at half time got Bourne to start sparking, but in spite of an enthusiastic start to the second period, Bourne could not translate this into points.

More sterling work from the Bourne pack saw Bourne make multiple incursions into the home 22, but each time they came away with nothing. This changed with 20 minutes to go, as good ball for the backs saw the ball reach Needham on the wing. Enjoying a purple patch currently, the winger strode in from 20 metres out for his third try in 2 weeks.

With all to play for the game was stolen by Gainsborough with only minutes to go, as a further try extended their lead to seven points. Back came Bourne once more, but pressure told as the final scoring pass failed to reach its man on two occasions. Bourne look forward to welcoming Gainsborough for the return fixture on 12th February next year.

Bourne RUFC: Mark Cochran; Adam Binns, Tom Bishop, Tom Dixon, Mark Needham; Glen Smith, Xanti Xipu; Rob Coupland, Neil Oglesbee, Simon Sleight, John Adams, Tom Douglas, John Hume, John Turner, Mark Bills. Repl.: Steve Hirschfeld, Tom Adams.