BOURNVILLE MADE TO WORK HARD FOR VICTORY

Bournville returned to the University after 2 long away trips to face a strong Worcester Wanderers side. Having already had a hard fought match against Worcester at the start of the season Bournville were keen to put in a good performance to continue their run of victories. Adrian Maynard was unable to shake off his injury from last week so Hesy Fakatou came into the second row with Rob Griffin moving to the flank. Chris Humphrey returned to the starting line up with Adam Coniff having to settle for a place on the bench.

The game started at a frantic pace with Bournville having the better of the early exchanges. After a number of bruising runs in the Worcester 22, they were forced into conceding a penalty which Alex Warner happily converted. Worcester finally managed to get some possession and following a good break from their number 8 they were attacking the Bournville line. After some miscommunication in the Bournville defence Worcester’s second row went over for the first try of the match. This was to be the last time in the half that Worcester entered Bournville’s 22.

From the restart Bournville’s improved defence pressurised Worcester into making mistakes deep in their own half. After a number of well worked phases Alex Ward showed great footwork to jink his way through the Worcester defence and score a try under the posts, converted by Alex Warner. Bournville continued to apply pressure to the Worcester try line and were given an opportunity to extend their lead with a penalty, well converted by Alex Warner.

Bournville were starting to dominate and following some quick phase play Rod Petty’s elusive running drew 3 defenders before he gave the incisive pass to Chris Humphrey to run in unopposed to score. As the half was drawing to a close Worcester were holding their own but Bournville put together some of their best hands with Dan Barratt, Alex Ward and Paul Cox involved before Carl Colvin went over the line in the corner. Bournville led at half time 23-5.

The second half started in the same fashion as the first with Bournville flying out of the blocks. After strong running from Rob Griffin and Hesy Fakatou, Bournville were able to spin the ball wide for Carl Colvin to score his second try of the match.

Worcester came straight back at Bournville and started to play rugby in the Bournville half. Worcester to their credit held on to possession well, really testing Bournville’s ability to defend and stay disciplined. Unfortunately the referee took exception to Ian Coles tackle without rolling away and was shown a yellow card.

This spurred on Worcester who scored a try from a well worked driving maul. Worcester continued to pressurise the Bournville try line and were rewarded with another try courtesy of their fly half. This brought the score back to 28-15 and Bournville realised they were still in a game.

In the final quarter of the match Bournville repeatedly repelled Worcester’s attack and finally managed some worthwhile possession of their own. Bournville were looking for another score to ensure victory and were stretching a tiring Worcester defence. After a number of infringements Worcester's tight head prop was sin binned for hands in the ruck. Despite the power play advantage Bournville couldn’t add to their earlier scores due to some resilient Wanderers defence.

With the game nearing the end Worcester pressed hard for a try scoring bonus point which their second half performance deserved.  Bournville defended resolutely deep in their 22 with some solid first line defence which continued until the last play of the game when Worcester’s flanker burrowed over from close range. Worcester’s fly half converted the try from the touchline to give them 2 losing bonus points and leave the final score at 28-22 to Bournville.

Former Player of the Season Adam Cristol, returning to training after a lengthy injury lay off was pleased with a number of aspects of the performance, “It’s great to see the boys continuing their unbeaten run against a tough Worcester side. We have definitely improved so far this season and I was impressed with our clinical finishing first half and flat line defence in the second half. I can’t wait to be back playing with the boys.”

Next week Bournville travel to Strafford who have not had the best of seasons so far, only winning 2 out of their opening 10 fixtures. Bournville will be wise to take note of Stratford’s home form as they have won 2 games and only lost to Burton by a point. Bournville need to win and keep the pressure on Sutton Coldfield who are still top of the pile.

Bournville line-up: 1. Paul Coles, 2. Phil Brown, 3. Ian Coles, 4. Simon Homer, 5. Hesy Fakatou, 6. Rob Griffin, 7. Matt Dickerson, 8. Nick Southern, 9. Rod Petty, 10. Alex Warner, 11. Chris Humphreys, 12. Paul Cox, 13. Carl Colvin, 14. Dan Barratt, 15. Alex Ward, 16. Dean Bick, 17. Pete Nancarrow, 18. Adam Coniff STAND OUT PLAYERS: Rob Griffin & Carl Colvin

Match report by Dicko. Match pics by Sully - click here. League table - click here.