Bognor 11 - Alresford 5

The first rainy Saturday of the season saw Bognor host the Hampshire side Alresford in what would be the hardest test of the season so far.
Bognor started off well and looked to carry strong and swiftly. George Castleton and Chris Webb began the forward phases from the passing of Jack Hornibrook who was in excellent form coming into the match. Alresford defended well around the ruck area but struggled out wide against the hands of David Sweeney and the pace of Sam Newcombe.
Sean Power was the first on the score sheet in the match, the youngster playing his final game for BRFC following confirmation of his dream move to Loughborough University; all at Bognor wish the magical Fly-half a successful and life changing experience as he embarks on uni life. 3-0, penalty for X-Factor Power.
Darren Bidwell looked to be injured early doors but slowly became a nightmare around the park for Alresford, the back row / second row utility replicated a FlyMo easy glide in the way he was chopping absolutely every Alresford carrier.
Captain Joshua Burgess was as always leading by example, tackling everything in sight and running with conviction in the loose. The number 8 is certainly proving on the pitch that he can lead this Bognor team for years to come.
Bognor weren’t playing badly, however the Alresford scrum was making the home side’s look weak and they dominated in this area. The away side scoring a pushover on the Bognor 5 and made the score. 3-5.
After half time Bognor knew they had their work cut out if they were going to come out with a W in the now horrendous downpour. David Sweeney was next to grab some points, the inside centre running a wicked line through the midfield and showing he can just about let the handbrake off. 8-5. Power missed conversion.
For the rest of the match Bognor showed a never ending passion and determination to ensure the away side would not score again, Lee Mason did what was asked in the scrum and hit a number of rucks. Bidwell, Castleton and Webb stood up front and made sure no one broke the gain line.
The back 3 of Shane Stevens, Dan Robinson and Paddy Burnett did not have much ball during the match; but when they had to work they proved their worth and solidified their positions in the squad for the near future.
Alex Bosley was dogged in the final parts of the game after taking a while to build into the occasion. Bidwell again and again made yards when he carried and destroyed opposition in the loose, but his most important role was the line out and he stole at least 60% of the away sides ball.
Matt Cox and Will Cullen were introduced and both made a great impact, Coxy definitely strengthened the scrum and helped bore the away side with his awful chat.
Bognor scored next with an easy penalty for Power, 11-5. The away side did not stop coming at Bognor and the Hampshire Avenue boys threw everything they had at the enemies and emptied the tank.
The final whistle blew and the home side erupted into ecstatic celebration. Well done Bognor and good luck for the rest of the season Alresford.