Bognor RFC vs Fareham Heathens RFC

Bognor RFC vs Fareham Heathens RFC
By Thomas James

Fareham started strong and moved the ball well against the home side early on. Bognor defended brilliantly in the early stages with Adam Knight and Tom Orchard in amongst the action.

Bognor knew they’d have to use their big ball carriers effectively in the beginning stages and Josh Burgess and Chris Webb made massive inroads as always.

Dave Sweeney was marshalling his back line well and summoned a loop round move, he fed Paddy Burnett who knocked on in the final third. Bognor’s first try came from young flanker Darren Bidwell, some great running lines from Sam Newcombe and Chris Hay meant Bidwell could support out wide and touch down. 7-0.

Frankie Jolley started immensely at scrum half despite a nervous looking warm up for the talented nipper. Bognor’s second try came after a quick round the corner carry from Tom James saw the tight-head bowl over the white wash to make the score 14-0 after a Sweeney conversion.

Adam Groome was flying around in the loose and managed to drag James Barlow around with him, the two linking well in the first half in attack and defence.

Bognor were giving away way too many penalties and needed to tighten things up, Joshua Riggall was Mr Reliable in the centre with his cannon of a right boot getting the boys out of trouble a few times.

Man of the Match Chris Webb was having the game of his life and couldn’t put a foot wrong, the second half whistle went and Bidwell tapped the ball back for the tonk loosehead who burst straight through to score immediately. 19-0.

It wouldn’t be a Saturday at Bognor RFC if Paddy Burnett didn’t get on the scorecard, the Irish winger chasing Bognor legend Lee Balchin’s try scoring record. 24-0 after a typical swooping run.

Tom James was subbed for George Hutchinson, Orchard subbed for Harry Edwards and the Veteran Tom Parsons was introduced for Chris Hay.

Hutchinson and Edwards made an instant impact, the two looking to cement their place in the future first team 18.

Hampshire Avenue then witnessed some true magic from the loosehead Webb, the slaphead offloading wonderfully out his left hand to Riggall who cantered over. 29-0.

Bognor looked tired and the heathens scored a simple try out wide after some poor tackling. 29-7.

Josh Burgess looked delighted with his teams performance and his vice captain Shane Stevens had a great return game at full back, the seasoned 15 stepping as we know he can and communicating well.

The final score came from Webb again, a great driving maul setup by Bognor helped the prop spot a gaping hole in the defence. Easy finish, 36-7.

Team Line-Up

1. Chris Webb
2. Adam Groome
3. Thomas James
4. James Barlow
5. Tom Orchard
6. Darren Bidwell
7. Adam Knight
8. Josh Burgess
9. Frankie Jolley
10. Dave Sweeney
11. Chris Hay
12. Josh Riggall
13. Sam Newcombe
14. Paddy Burnett
15. Shane Stevens
16. George Hutchinson
17. Harry Edwards
18. Tom Parsons