Bournville 2s got their season up and running at the first attempt with a hard fought victory against a physical Old Salts side.

After the initial exchanges, some good work from Bournville’s forwards in the loose led to a penalty ten yards from the Old Salts line.  Marcus Tomlinson made good yards with the initial hit, and Bournville were able to recycle the ball to create an opening for John Addis to bundle over from close range for the team’s first try of the season, subsequently converted by scrum-half Brett Toole. 

However, having taken the initial lead, Bournville failed to capitalise and some rusty set piece play allowed Old Salts a period of extended possession and territory which ultimately culminated in a try in the corner for the home side’s winger.  Old Salts maintained their momentum and were able to utilise their size up-front to power over for a second try to go 10-7 ahead.

This seemed to wake Bournville up and some good interplay in the backs coupled with powerful counter-attacking from Jason Allen at full back gave Bournville good field position from which to seek a second try.  Spurred on by the prospect of a half-time rest, the Bournville pack utilised their dynamism to great effect, with Matt Bradley and Marcus Tomlinson making quick yards through the centre of the pitch with a series of pick and goes which ultimately led to another Bournville penalty.  The tap was again given to Marcus Tomlinson who demonstrated electrifying pace to run an extended arc around the narrow Old Salts defence and score a well-deserved try shortly before half-time. 

Half time score: Olds Salts 10 - Bournville 12

Bournville started the second half as they finished the first, pressing for another score, and, with both sides still relatively evenly matched, it took a moment of inspiration from the Bournville backs to increase their lead further.  After the pack had secured set piece ball on the right hand side of the pitch, Evan Byrne, who had been proving a thorn in the Old Salts’ midfield all afternoon, was able to pick a perfect inside pass to allow Muaz Buaben to scythe straight through the Old Salts defence and score the try of the match to put Bournville 17 – 10 ahead.

Bournville then lost the outstanding Jason Allen and Evan Byrne to injury, and it was only some excellent defensive work from Mike Charnley and Jack McCarthy which kept Old Salts from extending their lead.  With the final whistle fast approaching, Bournville’s resolute defence held on to repel several Old Salts attacks, ensuring a first win of the season for the away side.

Full time score: Olds Salts 10 - Bournville 17

Man of the Match: Marcus Tomlinson