A strong start from a squad featuring a number of new recruits

Having endured a roller-coaster season during 2018/19 Bourne started the 2019/20 season with a statement of intent. Having gone down convincingly at Sleaford in the corresponding pre-season fixture just twelve months before the side did well to finish 14 - all this time round and arguably should have left with more.

Missing a number of recognised 1st XV players Bourne treated the game as a development fixture with the opportunity to dust off the cobwebs and to gauge the progress of a number of fringe players after a decent pre-season training campaign. Additionally, it was the first chance for new coach Andrew Brown to put his stamp on the side and for a number of new players to prove their worth.

Kicking to Sleaford to start the game Bourne were immediately starved of possession but they weren't phased at all and their first up tackling was clear indication that they were physically and mentally prepared for the challenge.

Bourne eventually got their hands on the ball and although they looked confident with the ball in hand they were met well by the Sleaford defence and there was little opportunity for the visitors to make ground.

Sleaford took control in attack once again and quickly caught Bourne napping inside their own twenty-two. From a scrum just fifteen metres out Sleaford made light work of attacking the fringe of the scrum and their centre evaded some sloppy defence to take the home side in front. With the conversion added they were 7 - 0 up after ten minutes.

Although possession and territory swapped over the next few minutes the score remained the same and Bourne began the second quarter chasing the game. Jack Lagdon playing at flyhalf had enjoyed a good first twenty minutes and continued this form into the second twenty. With increased pressure Bourne won a number of penalties and worked their way upfield. Lagdon made a quick break and despite being snagged at the tryline managed to offload to Adam Binns who, although normally a regular in the 1st team backrow, was helping his side out with a stint on the right wing. Chris Warnes, covering at scrumhalf, added the conversion and the game was level.

Bourne's pressure continued in the second quarter and new prop Simon Jakeman showed what an asset he will be utterly dominating the scrum and repeatedly sending Sleaford pedalling backwards. Jakeman was well supported by Wally Wallis who has joined Bourne this season as a result of the Club's link with the East Anglian Regiment, 'The Poachers'. In the backs Aaron Harding, another Poacher, also enjoyed a good game and Adam Castle, back in Bourne during his university holiday, showed why the Club are so keen to have him involved moving forward.

Bourne started the third quarter well with total control of the scrum and an improved performance at the lineout. Ten minutes into the second half, with a number of senior players on the field, the guests looked like they might run away with the game but the Sleaford defence remained up to the task and Bourne were unable to break the deadlock. They looked to have finally created a swing in momentum winning a penalty inside the Sleaford twenty-two but confusion over what was to happen next led to a lineout. Although the lineout had improved with the arrival of the right personnel it was, on reflection, less likely to trouble Sleaford than the powerful Bourne scrummaging and this theory was proved correct when Bourne immediately conceded a free-kick at the lineout handing possession back to the hosts.

Sleaford found themselves on the up in the dying minutes of the quarter and quickly worked their way towards the halfway line. It was a moment of luck for Bourne that brought about the next points. In the dying minutes of the quarter Sleaford kicked long into the Bourne half. The kick was fielded by wing Josh Lynch who took a chance and kicked the ball back into the Sleaford half. Failing to anticipate Lynch's returned kick Sleaford were slow to react and Jack Berry, having taken over at flyhalf, ran onto the ball as it bounced loosely and crossed under the posts untroubled. Warnes once again added the extras.

Bourne's points brought an end to the third quarter and they started the final twenty minutes in front. Despite taking the lead their poor discipline within the third quarter continued to plague the visitors and they conspired to throw away their lead. Rotating a big squad on a hot day would be difficult under any circumstances but Bourne struggled to settle in the final stages of a close game and eventually their lack of structure lead to sloppy defense and Sleaford crossed once again to go level.

Sensing they might throw the result away Bourne buckled down and some hard work saw them progress upfield. The introduction of new prop Dan Wiggin in the second half seemed a timely inspiration as he showed what a dynamic player he is and the involvement of 1st XV regular Sam Thornburn in the backs had a similar effect.

Bourne looked to have sewn the game up as they were awarded a penalty in front of the Sleaford posts with five minutes to go. Caught up in the concept of a pre-season friendly Bourne spurned the opportunity to kick three points and chose instead to try and run the ball. Seconds later they managed to reverse their fortunes as Sleaford were then awarded a penalty.

Sleaford took control of the game in the dying minutes and unfortunately for Bourne the game was brought to an end as they took possession one last time. A draw was a fitting conclusion for a pre-season friendly but Bourne were undoubtedly left feeling they had missed an opportunity to get off to a winning start.

Josh Lynch was a contender for Man of the Match as he put in the sort of performance that has become expected of him over recent years but the award went to Charlie Short, the 2018/19 Young Player of the Season, who continues to impress with his potential.

Bourne player-coach Brown praised his side's efforts: "That was a good start. Even with a number of regulars missing we were capable of putting in place some of the stuff we've worked on in pre-season and it's great that we used a decent number of players, especially as so many seem capable of playing at the right level. Looking forward Brown went on to say, "It wasn't perfect but as the season progresses we'll do well if we continue to have the right guys training as hard as they have so far. The more we practice the better we'll get and the more consistent we'll be."

Bourne Chairman Ted Thornburn was pleased with his side's efforts but was quick to point out the additional benefits of seeing so many players representing his Club: "We have our best chance for some time to get a regular 2nd XV playing. There were a number of players missing today and their return will obviously bolster the 1st XV, which is important, but it will also increase the size of the senior squad. It's imperative this year that we run a 2nd XV so that these additional players are involved as much as possible. The Club will progress massively if there's a greater number of players competing for places."