2ND HALF TRY BLITZ BRINGS NEW YEAR WIN

After a much needed Christmas break Bournville started 2012 with a home fixture against Camp Hill. This fixture had been easily won earlier in the season but Camp Hill have been playing better rugby and would provide a sterner test. Bournville were also able to welcome back a number of players including Ian Coles, Simon Homer, Thomas McIntosh, Adam Coniff and Alex Ward. One last minute change saw Steven Rice come in for Carl Colvin, with Rod Petty moving to the centre.

Both teams started slowly, as is traditional of the first fixture after the Christmas break. Bournville took control of possession and Alex Warner gave them the lead with nicely struck penalty. Camp Hill responded well and took the match to Bournville with strong running and quick ball. After a quick tap penalty Camp Hill ran through a disorganised Bournville defence to score the first try of the game through their full back who also converted. The match was now being played at a frantic pace with both teams looking to take control. Rob Petty landed an audacious 50 metre drop kick to bring Bournville within a point.

The match continued to be entertaining with both teams showing signs of rustiness from a 3 week layoff. Later in the half both teams traded penalties in what was starting to look like an even encounter. As the half was coming to an end Bournville were able to put together their best move of the match. A half break from Alex Warner followed by a cheeky kick to Chris Humphrey saw him beat 2 defenders before being held up just short of the try line. Bournville then span the ball wide and Rob Griffin chose to ignore the 2 man overlap and powered over the line for a try to give Bournville a 16-10 lead at half time.

At the start of the second half Bournville seemed to go up the gears and Camp Hill struggled to cope with their powerful style of rugby. Camp Hill started to give away more penalties and they were lucky not to have a player sin binned after a number of infringements in their 22. Bournville took this opportunity to kick to the corner and give the pack the chance to assert their dominance. After a well taken lineout and driven maul Phil Brown went over for the try. Bournville continued to pressurise Camp Hill up front with Adrian Maynard and Nick Southern both carrying the ball through the defenders. Bournville were given another chance for a try with a lineout 10 metres out. Following a well-controlled maul Ian Coles went over for Bournville’s 3rd try.

As the half progressed Bournville were presented with another opportunity for a driving maul with a lineout 5 metres out. Camp Hill tried to prevent the score but they were deemed to have illegally taken down the maul and Bournville were given a penalty try, converted by Alex Warner. Bournville were starting to enjoy themselves and playing rugby befitting of a team second in the league. After patient build up play Hesy Fakatou drew in 2 defenders before giving a well-timed pass for Adam Coniff to run in unopposed for another Bournville try. Camp Hill never gave up and tried to get out of their half and mount an attack. From a well chased clearance kick Dan Barratt ran on to the bouncing ball at pace before stepping through the advancing defensive line. With 40 metres to go to the line he used his pace to go around the covering tackles before powering through the wing and fullback to score an excellent individual try.  This left the full time score at 43-10 to Bournville.

After the match injured star centre Robin Eatough was pleased with the result, “At the start of the match you could see some of the lads had had too much Christmas turkey but come the second half they put in a top performance. Let’s hope we can continue this form for the rest of the season.”

Next week Bournville travel to Lichfield, who had a good win away to Walsall to start their 2012. Bournville were also buoyed by the news that both Sutton Coldfield and Old Halesowen, who won their fixtures missed out on losing bonus points.  Bournville need to continue this form next week to keep the pressure on Sutton at the top of the table.

Bournville line-up: 1. Paul Coles, 2. Phil Brown, 3. Rob Sigley, 4. Hesy Fakatou, 5. Rob Griffin, 6. Adrian Maynard, 7. Thomas McIntosh, 8. Nick Southern, 9. Steven Rice, 10. Alex Warner, 11. Chris Humphrey, 12. Paul Cox, 13. Rod Petty, 14. Dan Barratt, 15. Alex Ward, 16. Rob Sigley, 17. Simon Homer, 18. Adam Coniff STANDOUT PLAYERS: Chris Humphrey

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