BOURNVILLE 2'S EXCEL IN DUEL IN THE SUN

In the sweltering conditions of Saturday afternoon Bournville Second team inflicted a heavy and ultimately very satisfying defeat on Sutton RFC by 17 points to 54. This victory was made all the more impressive after the disappointing loss to the same opposition just a few weeks ago.

After a shortened warm up session prior to the match (initially consisting of throwing a ball around in the now popular “Ultimate Frisbee-esque” multi directional touch game) we moved onto some dynamic stretching exercises completed in a straight formation, shoulder to shoulder repeating each exercise twice to ensure that our athletic bodies were ready for what lay ahead.

To the right we could hear a slight murmuring from the Sutton team as they whimpered their pre-match routine, sounding not altogether together! This was in stark contrast to Bournville as we bellowed out our "On side, On Side, HIT" calls in unison, showing our concentration and importantly our intent. A criticism of the team in games gone by was a question of preparation and whether we were up for it. That was not in doubt here.

Forwards and Backs split. Addis throwing some lineout ball, Virgo marshalling the backs through some fazes. After 10 minutes we joined up again, made some more plays across the pitch from side to side. Simple communication led to simple plays. The team was looking good. We returned to the changing room doused in sweat. In need of non-alcoholic fluids and ready for a rousing speech from coach Al Cullotty.  The sun had clearly got to Al as well because he was smiling far more than usual but the steadfast desire for the team to win was still there as was the commitment to fast flowing attractive rugby.  He gave instruction, as he does every week, that victory will come with precision under pressure and imploring the team to remain focused at all times, by putting pressure on the opposition, keeping standards high and converting the chances that would naturally come with the skills possessed within the team. In Geraint’s absence Al also challenged the forwards, noting that the front five needed to remain tight in the scrum and work around the park to disrupt the opposition. It was clear however that with the awesome back row line up of Nancarrow, Al Dicko and Augie, we should aim to hit the opposition hard across the park, look to intimidate them and with that offer supporting lines of attack wherever possible.

After further rousing words from Captain Jacobs the team re-entered the pitch passing the Sutton first team warming up for their cup fixture on the corresponding pitch, strangely many of the faces looked familiar to the first time we played them this year, but I could be wrong. 

The opening minutes were intense and from the start we showed our intent. On catching the kick off the ball was quickly played through the hands to the wing, before an unfortunate knock on lead to a scrum. After a pick up by the Sutton back row the ball was quickly turned over and before anyone knew what was happening Augie moved his hairy frame down the right wing knocking green shirts flying as he went and scored with ease. The opposition were angered at their lack of tackling, while we relaxed in the knowledge that a try had been scored so quickly giving us the perfect start. Those feelings were curtailed somewhat however as we turned round from the try line to see that centre Charlie was lying on the ground unable to continue, somehow injuring himself watching everyone else run! He was immediately replaced by Nancarrow’s mate; Jonny Neil, who made his debut for the club.

The Bournville backrow continued to dominate the turn over ball which enabled the backs to have ample opportunity to use ball in hand and stretch the opposition. Virgo at 9 sprayed the ball around with ease, linking with Jacobs at 10 who himself made good ground and was breaking the game line with every play. Harry Rice’s effort at the end of the first half saw him run through the entire opposition after collecting a kick through from his opposite number, a special score and a candidate for try of the season. The end of the half saw us 26 points to 7 up after another try from Augie, in a similar display of powerful running to the first and an 8th try of the season for the young at heart front row forward Jason Allen who collected the ball from Al Dicko after a now trademark powerful break through the heart of the opposition, allowing Jason to out run his much younger opponent to score between the posts. Jacobs converting 3 of the 4 scores.

Half time saw a content but focused team gasping for air and listening to the coach. Again we needed to keep our concentration and not consider the job complete. We discussed that we needed to work harder at the breakdown and ensure that the ball was not slowed down. If Virgo was caught up in the maul then someone else had to step in and ship the ball wide as soon as we could. We set ourselves the target of getting past 50 points by the end of the game. Pearson replaced Charnley on the wing.

The whistle went and the forwards chased the kick, not letting the pressure relent. Nancarrow put in a hard tackle on the catcher forcing him to knock on. A number of plays ensued including several energy sapping scrums but it wasn’t long before Augie again went over for his hatrick try. At this stage we let our foot off the gas to a degree and it needed some words from captain Jacobs and Vice Bradley to keep the team focused. 

Before long the team were back on song; Richards undertaking a number of mazey opposition splitting runs, Harry tackling with his head, Bradley running around aimlessly in support of the glory boys scoring the tries but never getting the chance himself, Minty scaring the opposition with his side steps and so on. Evan Byrne was clearly focused on this game after implementing a somewhat shocking pre-match action of not going out the night before and getting wasted. A ploy that paid dividends as he dug in his ample frame in the second row position to ensure that the scrums were secure and crucially heeded the request of Al Cullotty at half time by ensuring that he took ownership of the ball at the breakdown when Virgo was caught up in the play.  On several occasions he made a simple pass to Jacobs or broke through the opposition line himself with speed and an eye for a gap that was throw back to his early days of playing at 10.  Personal performance of the season from Byrne.

The ever present front row of Willetts, Addis and Allen were now dominating the opposition as they have most games this season, a credit to their fitness and strength in the conditions. Pearson and Nancarrow added tries after good passages of play and mistakes by the opposition respectively and Cobb replaced Augie with fifteen minutes to go.

It was the final try of the game however that was the most pleasing for the coach and players alike, leading to loud cries of approval, high fives all round and some looks of bewilderment at the role played by the author of this match report.  Al Dicko never tiring in his role in the back row, broke through and passed inside to Bradley in one of his almost omnipresent support line positions who then, with what can only be described as telepathic communication, lighting fast reflexes and the personification of precision under pressure, made the defence splitting pass onto the oncoming express train that was Dave Pearson who ran through scoring the try that ensured that the team passed their 50 point target.

All in all a great performance in difficult conditions that showed the skill, determination and fitness of the Bournville second team to be a force to be reckoned with.

Well done lads.

The try scorers were – Judo x 1, Augie x 3, Harry x 1, Dave Pearson x 2, Nancarrow x 1. Jacobs Conversions x 7. = 54 points.

Team – Jason Allen, John Addis, Pete Willetts, Evan Byrne, Matt Bradley, Al Dicko, Pete Nancarrow, Augie, John Virgo, Paul Jacobs (capt.), El Mintos, Jonny Richards, Charlie, Mike Charnley, Harry Rice.
Replacements – Dave Pearson (on for Charnley at 41 mins), Jonny Neill (on for Charlie at about 58 seconds), Richard Cobb (on for Augie at 65 mins).

Match report written by Matt Bradley.