Match result: Birstall RFC 50 v 20 Bourne RUFC

LACK OF BACKS COSTS BOURNE AGAIN.
Bourne travelled to Birstall on Saturday for their latest Midlands 4 East (S) fixture against a team that were unbeaten in the league so far. With a depleted squad this was always going to be a big ask, skipper Dixon was away sunning himself on the beach and various other backs were unavailable, due to work and other commitments. Bourne travelled with a squad of 17, the 2 replacements being front row players, Binns moved to fly half whilst regular wings Jordan-Boddey and Andrew Dixon played in the centres, Lindley a flanker normally was on the wing.
The game kicked off with Birstall attacking, Bourne collected the ball cleanly and Giullari had plenty of time to pass to Binns who kicked up field to clear, Birstall however ran straight back at them and with some fast movement of feet and ball plus the help of some missed tackles managed to score a converted try with only 3 minutes on the clock. Heads did not drop and from the kick off Jordan-Boddey was the first there putting the opposition forwards under pressure, Hume and Appleby arrived next to tie the ball up and win a scrum. Although under pressure and the scrum going backwards Hill managed to secure ball for the backs and the Birstall back row were also up to soon so a penalty was awarded. Binns stepped up and slotted the kick from 35m out, 7-3. Birstall scored again in the corner after Bourne failed to clear their 22 and were turned over 14-3.
The heads of the team did not drop, and with the ball again being chased down from the kick off and sustained pressure a penalty was awarded 20m out. Bourne wanted to test their line out and kicked for touch, refusing the easy 3 points and as in previous weeks it paid dividends. Taylor threw accurately to Appleby who with the support of the full pack started driving towards the line, Reeves adding that extra bit for the final push, they travelled 10m and Hume was the man to touch down, Binns converted from out wide 14-10. Binns was kicking ahead at every opportunity and the tackles were coming in the mid field from Dixon and Jordan-Boddey trying to dampen the Birstall backs spirit. Unfortunately with the fast movement of the ball and the coming into the line of the fullback resulted in 2 further unconverted tries in the corners 24-10. Bourne picked up a consolation 3pts from a penalty which Binns kicked from 30m out just before half time 24-13.
Birstall scored a further try through their backs early in the second half, but then after a good run from Aiden Smith was stopped with a high tackle , Bourne again kicked for the corner, same routine Taylor, threw , Appleby caught and the pack drove for the line, Hume again touching down, Binns added the extras, 31-20. A sustained period of attack then took place by Bourne and Birstall were lucky to keep 15 men on the field after 4 penalties on the trot were awarded within 10m of the line. Wood, Hill and Hiscocks all had drives at the line but were stopped just short. The lineout also stopped working although with foul play on 2 occasions, after 2 tries from this play Birstall were being extra vigilant.
As Bourne tired with not enough replacements Birstall ran in a further 3 tries all by their backs, who you could certainly tell played together regularly and would be a match for anyone in this league. The final score ended up being 50-20 but some positives could be taken from the match. Bourne never gave up, Jordan–Boddey and Dixon tackled hard all game and Binns kicked accurately for goal and position. The front row of Wood, Appleby and Taylor again showed they are a match for any team and the line out again resulted in success. Jason Goodyear coming back from injury and Paul Mabey back from following Taylor Swift on the USA leg of her World Tour also accounted for themselves well when coming on in the scrum. Bourne’s next league match is November 7th which will also be the day of the first club lunch, when sponsors JJ Mac will be in attendance, for a team photo.

Man of the match - Josh Tarquin Jordan-Boddey (the Third) for his tackling and attacking play at centre
Coach’s Comment – Our weakened back line and unavailability cost us the game.