Brave Bourne Beaten by Stamford

On a typical November afternoon John Hume lead his inform Bourne team to take on Stamford 2nd XV just five weeks after the close encounter between these teams at The Drove.

Bourne began the game on the back foot with the Stamford pack applying pressure on the Bourne try line but strong defence from Karl Gray and Tom Douglas saw the travelling team steal the ball and clear their lines. Stamford had a firm hold of the game and after twenty minutes were finally rewarded as they took the lead after quick ball to their back line saw an overlap created for the outside centre to run and easily score under the posts.

Bourne refused to lie down and began a solid period of position with Tom Dixon bursting holes in the Stamford defence on his return from injury and Jordan Payne commanding his forwards around the pitch. Despite all the position Bourne were unable to create any clear cut chances and break into their oppositions twenty two. The Bourne pack were digging deep to compete with the very impressive home pack but injuries to front rows Simon Pick and Donk Hill saw Bourne have to reshuffle.

The game would then swing back into the favour of the home team. A big kick for touch from a penalty saw Stamford have a line out five metres from the Bourne try line and following securing the line out a big push saw them crash over for their second try of the game providing a 12-0 half time lead.

Bourne began the second half the brighter of the two teams with James Beanland and Man of the Match Calum Weston proving why they have been such an important part of Bourne’s back line in the early stages of the season by breaking tackles and gaining yards over the game line. Despite such a gallant effort by the Bourne players the home side began to pull away when a clever blind side move saw them cross in the corner and convert to extend their lead.

Bourne began to look tired and despite their best efforts a quick fire fourth try put the game beyond them. They dug deep to see the game out but in the last play of the game Stamford would score once more to complete their victory.

Bourne are in Merit League action again this Saturday when they take on Kesteven 3rd XV at The Drove, 2.15pm kick off.