Strong borough performance against A league opposition

Pulborough 17 Eastbourne 17

Devoid of any controversy our Daily Prophet sport correspondent has been encouraged to explore pastures new in his writing style. Whilst minding my own business on the touchline I was approached by an insidious snape-like creature who suggested that this week's report should be themed, and up piped a helpful little house elf to suggest Harry Potter. Those who are rather more familiar with characters than I am, will be aware that this approach could rapidly become offensive and probably result in legal action. After all there is unlikely be any great queue to be likened to Ron Weasley, Scabbers or indeed Hermione. Anyway that's enough about the coaches, and this ridiculous idea.

This was a competitive game with with Boro dominating the scoring in the first half and Eastbourne the second. The scores in each half didn't really reflect the balance of play but ultimately a draw was a fair result. The opening was a bit messy with Dumbledore regularly blowing the whistle (this is all PJ's fault) but things settled down quickly and the Boro backs were soon creating space with a good supply of ball from the forwards. Joe was once again prominent and created the space for Jacob to swoop like a phoenix for the first try. Sadly I have to report that his mother will need to watch this on youtube before being able to actually claim that she has seen this, but I am pretty sure that Eastbourne caught the action and will make it available. There followed a period of Eastbourne pressure with Harry (L not Potter) doing well to hold them up over the line, Joe putting in some heavy tackles and Michael appearing to hold up the entire Eastbourne pack on his own at one point. Once they broke out Harry delivered a well-weighted kick for the chasers, Ewan and James F, to race for the touchdown. James won. Clairvoyant Chris was replaced by Prof Trelawney this week but the tea reading was equally accurate and it wasn't converted. I can also report that the term "dapper" was used to describe our clairvoyant. Bet you never thought to hear that. More E'bourne pressure followed but Boro resisted and from a tap penalty Joe (frankly Fluffy is less terrifying) charged in for a well deserved try. This was converted and Boro are up 17-0.

A very satisfactory first half with many players making an impression. Owain and John were continually and successfully, seeking the ball out at the breakdown; the forwards all put in strong performances with Dan J, Tom G and Billy running aggressively and Dan continues to soar above the opposition at the lineouts.

Boro started the second half strongly with Dan again prominent and Jay showing great pace and strength but E'bourne continued to apply pressure and eventually were rewarded despite determined defensive work from Boro. No problem for Prof. Trelawney (17-5). The game continued to move from one end to the other with neither side able to make an impression. Ewan, now at fly half, seemed destined to be hit by several bludgers at one point but evaded these with snitch like agility and the apparent ability to run with his nose on the ground. Following his own handling error, Chris got straight back to tackle the E'bourne player and make up for it. However, more E'bourne pressure resulted in try under the posts and a nervy finish for Boro. The defense remained ferocious with Charlie Ansell showing that he isn't just a wing, regularly turning the ball over and running with great strength. Eventually however E'bourne broke through and scored with minutes left. 17-17 and the conversion from just to the right of the posts. I turned to Prof Trelawney for a reading....

Conversion missed.

This competitive game finished at 17-17. A draw is always a bit unsatisfying for all (like the Deathly Hallows part 1) but was probably fair. Fortunately Dumbledore wasn't called upon to arbitrarily award points to one side or other in order to manufacture a win for the good guys but, if he had been, then a number of Boro players emerged with great credit. Overall a very good team performance, not perfect, but so far improved from last season...... A draw against really competitive A league opposition is an encouraging result and the boys can move on with confidence.