Bourne were paired against league leaders Northampton Mens Own at the weekend, which was never going to be an easy task. Despite defeat the previous week against local rivals Deeping, the team were fairly confident with a virtually unchanged team for the first time all season. Conditions were windy to say the least but it was dry so handling and a running game were possible for both teams.

Mens Own kicked off and a positive shout from Hiscocks made the ball his , he collected and made an impressive charge up field into contact, support was on hand to enable Giullari to give good ball to Hounsell and in turn out to the backs who made good ground up the pitch, unfortunately the move broke down when the opposition held the ball up. Mens Own won the scrum but made no distance due to good work from Faversham and Thornburn in tying the opposition up resulting in a scrum of their own. Bourne lost hooker Mellor when he found he had a hamstring with less than 10 minutes gone, Thornburn junior replacing him.

Mens Own were awarded a penalty on half way which they kicked to the corner with, Bourne were then a victim to their own successes in earlier matches conceding a try in the corner from a catch a drive. The ball did look to have been grounded short but the referee awarded the try which was unconverted 0-5.

Bourne were again back in their 22, good scrummage ball allowed Hounsell to make a massive clearance kick up field, Jordan Boddey used his pace to put the opposition under pressure and a favourable bounce gave him the ball, Westcott was in support taking the play up to 5m out, where an offload to Dixon resulted in a try in the corner. Binns used the wind to good effect to slot the conversion from out wide. 5-7

Bourne were unlucky again when Hounsell again kicked and Westcott chased but unfortunately the ball was lost forward in contact at the opposition 22, Mens Own cleared their lines but Reeves ran the ball back at them, the forwards secured the ball and won a penalty 35m out , which into the wind was just too far for Binns.

The new look front row of Wood, Thornburn and Mamby were holding their own in the scrum, claiming their own ball well and managing to put pressure on the Mens Own ball, who were struggling to get the ball to their backs, Thornburn, Faversham and Rushton were stopping any forward movement from scrum moves and a stalemate was occurring in the game. Mens Own did then get the ball out their scrum half throwing the ball out way over an outstretched Binns hands, only to be plucked out the sky by their what seemed to be 7ft centre, he made good ground who fed the wing and despite the best efforts of Jordan Boddey, ran in under the posts, for a converted try 7-12. Another period of even play took place with Wood and Douglas having a few rumbles up the pitch, but unable to make that try line. Unfortunately for Bourne the big centre had woke up and received the ball just in his own half and went on a run, evading tackles all the way and again scored under the post, 10 – 19.

The last 10 minutes of the half Bourne were back on top after good work from Hiscocks and Wood, Jordan Boddey received the ball on his wing he off loaded to Hounsell who was unlucky not to score being held up 5m out. Mens Own won the scrum, but in trying to bring the ball to safety Thornburn Junior turned it over and earned a penalty 35m out, Binns made no mistake to bring the score to 10-19 at half time.

A number of changes were made at half time Castle replaced Giullari at scrum half and veteran Andy Dixon came onto the wing. Mamby who was confused after a bang on the head was replaced by Thomas. Play was again fairly even with Westcott working a good move with Binns, that gave Dixon some space on his wing unfortunatly he was bundled into touch. Mens own scored a further try with 15 minutes left in the game to make the score 10 – 24 , but there was no way Bourne were giving up. One move that impressed between Castle, Dixon and Westcott ended in a huge crossfield kick that Jordan Boddey just failed to gather. Mens Own were frustrated and the game was getting a bit scrappy but Bourne were on top for the final phase of the game. The match had been good tempered with the referee not really having to get involved, but with 4 minutes left the big centre got in an altercation with captain Dixon and the referee decided to blow early, disappointing really as a bonus point was still on offer against the league leaders.

Bourne should be commended for their commitment in this game, with hard tackling and overall good defensive strategy, which hindered the oppositions play. Attacking moves were also good, but unfortunately the ball did not run just right for more trys. Next up Bourne play Worksop in the cup at home 2PM kick off, when hopefully they will get the run of the ball.

Man of the match – Sam Thornburn for his tackling and being a pain to the opposition all around the field