Bourne RUFC 24 v 46 Bedford Swifts RUFC

For the first time this season, Bourne had a recognised back line on the pitch for their Midland 4 east league fixture against Bedford Swifts, unfortunately due to late drop outs reserves were sparse so it would be important to keep all the players on the field. Conditions were ideal for a free flowing game of running rugby with the sun shining down on Milking Nook Drove.

The game kicked off and Bedford seemed to settle quicker, as a result of poor tackling a gap appeared out on the wing and a try was scored out wide, Bedford also converted. 0-7 after 5 minutes. Bourne then lost Centre Thornburn to injury , replaced by his younger brother, skipper Dixon was also struggling with his knee but played on through the pain barrier.

The new front row partnership of Wood, Appleby and Taylor were providing a stable base for the scrum, with Faversham controlling things at the back to give scrum half Giullari good ball. Binns ran a good line to break the Bedford defence, before kicking ahead, Reeves chased the kick down but unfortunately it went into touch. The Bedford line out was put under pressure causing them to knock on giving Bourne the scrum, good control again led to a forwards drive over the Bedford line with Appleby touching down , 5-7.

Dixon was really struggling now and Bedford made use of the weakend back line to run in 2 quick tries ,despite the defensive efforts, neither were converted so the score was now 5-17 with just over 10minutes remaining in the half. Bourne did not let their heads drop though and kept the ball in the forwards, kicking ahead intelligently whenever possible. With pressure being put on the defence by both Jordan -Boddey and Reeves on the wings, producing a Bourne attacking line out. Taylor's pin point accuracy from the lineout and good takes from Hume led to a tight dominant forward drive over the line for Appleby to score his 2nd before Wood joined the party running in from 2 yards after an Ant Cooke offload/fumble. Adam Binns converted to make the score at half time 17-17.

Dixon left the field at half time , with Binns moving to flyhalf, Rushton moved from flanker to centre , meaning there was 2 back row in the centres. Hiscocks replaced Cooke in the 2nd row and Pick came on at flanker a welcome return after a 3 year absence. Bedford having attacked the new centre pairing and despite their best efforts they managed to score under the posts, 17-24. Bourne again fought back , keeping the ball in the forwards , Faversham ensuring good ball from the scrum and the lineout still working well led to trys being  disallowed twice, being judged as held up on both occaisions. Whenever Bedford did get the ball, they kicked clear but Xanti was fielding well at fullback and with the help of Reeves and Jordan Boddey on the wings putting Bourne straight back on the attack. After much pressure another lineout taken by Appleby was driven over, for Appleby to collect his hatrick, Binns added the extra with the conversion 24 -24.

In the final 10 tiredness began to show and whilst trying to push for a win the Bourne defence was again beaten on 72 minutes , this seemed to open the gates for a final push by Bedford and they scored 2 further trys before the end . Final score 24-46.

There were positives to come out of this game, the forward play at set pieces was excellent and is showing how training together is paying off. The penalty count was down for the team as a whole and the link from forwards to backs through Guillari is improving every game.

Next week Bourne travel to Nottinghamians Rugby club in the first round of the RFU cup, traing continues on Tuesday and Thursday 6.30pm start for anyone interested.

Man of the Match - Appleby