Sittingbourne Youth Rugby

Sunday 19 February 2012
Folkestone 0 - Sittingbourne 79

After a two-week lay-off due to the snow, Bourne’s U15s were raring to go and were far too strong for their hosts, Folkestone. When Folkestone’s kick off didn’t travel the required 10 yards, Bourne elected for a scrum on half-way and were straight on the attack. Bourne drove the ball up-field through centre Gomm before sweeping the ball wide for fellow centre Bunting to score in the corner and kick the conversion from the touch line. Bourne extended their lead with a brace of tries from their forwards with both flanker Billy Huntley and second row Teeder scoring after piercing runs. Further Sittingbourne pressure drove Folkestone back deep into their 22 and when their clearance kick was charged down, Bourne’s full-back Parr pounced on the ball for their 4th try. Folkestone tried valiantly to match Bourne’s elusive driving play, but their attacks were met with some stern defence and they were forced to kick for field position. Bourne took every opportunity to counter attack when they turned over Folkestone possession and two further tries, one for Bunting and one for winger Adaka, were the rewards for some evasive running and quick hands in the backs.

Winger Davies opened the scoring in the second half when his numerous breaks through the Folkestone line were finally rewarded with a try. This was closely followed by a score by full-back Tom Collins from a well-worked overlap and a second for flanker Huntley after a set piece back row move from a scrummage carved open the Folkestone defence. Bourne were now in complete control of the match and the powerful running of prop Finch and No 8 Jenkins lead to a further 2 tries each as they forced their way through a tiring Folkestone defence. Bunting converted three of the tries and Collins another four to complete a resounding 79-0 victory.

Squad: Adaka, Bradford, Budgen, Bunting, Clarkson, B Collins, T Collins, Davies, Finch, Gomm, Hobson, B Huntley, T Huntley, Innes, Jenkins, Parr, Rushworth, Teeder, Thomas.

Diving over to score a try

Sunday 29 January 2012
Sittingbourne 17 - Gravesend 20

Sittingbourne U15s were jut edged out of a closely fought match with Gravesend on Sunday. The lead changed hands several times as both teams threw caution to the wind and engaged in a fiercely contested game of attacking rugby.
Bourne started well when they recovered possession from the kick-off and their forwards rumbled up field. Sniping runs from scrum-half Bunting and flanker Jenkins drove the ball into the Gravesend 22 and forced a penalty from which lock Teeder crashed over for a try. T Collins converted for a 7-0 lead. Gravesend playing with the slope, then subjected Bourne to a sustained spell of pressure. Bourne battled to break out of defence but despite some strong runs by centres Gomm and Budgen and a near interception try by winger Wood, Bourne’s final execution let them down and Gravesend picked up a brace of tries from well-worked overlaps to give tham a 10-7 lead at half time.

Bourne were straight back on the attack in the second half with some solid work in the scrum and lineout starting to pay dividends. Winger Adaka opened the scoring when he jinked through a series of defenders for a try after a blindside break by Jenkins. Bourne were denied the extra points when full back T Collins’ conversion struck the bar so had to be content with a 12-10 lead. Further good work in the loose by forwards B Huntley and Innes set up Bourne’s third try when Bourne’s backs spun the ball wide for winger Parr to outpace the Gravesend defence. A number of piercing drives followed before prop Thomas crashed over. Bourne were now 17-10 ahead and looked to have done enough to clinch the win but in the end they ran out of steam and some loose tackling out wide was punished by two late Gravesend tries. Although finally losing 20-17, Bourne produced some good spells of rugby to build on in their East Kent Cup Final with Canterbury next week.

Squad: Adaka, Boyes, Bradford, Budgen, Bunting, Clack, Clarkson, B Collins, T Collins, Driscoll, Finch, Gomm, B Huntley, T Huntley, Innes, Jenkins, Nayler, Parr, Rushworth, Teeder, Thomas, Wood.

Sunday 8 January 2012
Sittingbourne 20 - Thanet 14

Bourne showed great character in winning a fiercely contested encounter with Thanet at Gore Court on Sunday. Bourne started the stronger dominating the early set pieces and with some piercing runs from centres Gomm and Bunting and winger Wood, were soon camped in the Thanet 22. A series of scrums followed and although Bourne crossed the line three times, flanker Huntley twice, they were unable to ground the ball and Thanet slowly forced their way back up-field. Thanet then took advantage of some poor Sittingbourne discipline and with some strong driving runs, translated a series of penalties into a converted try. The score, however, seemed to spark Bourne into action and from the kick off Bourne drove up-field through second rows Innes and Thomas with flanker Jenkins finally setting up a ruck in the Thanet half. No 8 Nayler broke down the blind side from the breakdown and provided a perfectly timed pass to put winger Adaka clear. Adaka outpaced the Thanet cover defence and scored under the posts. Bourne were again on the attack from the restart when from half-way, full-back Collins fired a spiralling kick deep into the Thanet half. Bourne’s forwards secured the lineout and B Huntley drove the ball in-field before Bourne’s backs spun the ball wide and Collins finished things off with a try in the corner and a 10-7 half-time lead.

Thanet started strongly again in the second half and when Bourne failed to deal with the restart, a series of Thanet drives from the resulting lineout yielded another converted try and a 14-10 lead. Bourne’s forwards now dug deep and started to convert their dominance in the scrummage and lineout into good field position from some strong driving play led by Huntley and Jenkins. Having crossed into Thanet’s 22 the ball was spun wide to outside centre Bunting who jinked through three tackles to score. With a narrow 15-14 lead, Sittingbourne left the crowd on tenterhooks for the next ten minutes as both teams fought hard for a further score. Finally the game breaking moment came from Bourne’s fly-half Budgen who cut through the Thanet defence and jinked his way up-field. Although the final pass did not go to hand, Bourne won a penalty from the resulting scrummage. Electing to run, Jenkins broke through the Thanet defence and his fellow forwards ensured quick ball for Bourne’s backs. Some more slick handling made space for centre Gomm to cut through and score to seal a 20-14 victory.

Squad: Adaka, Boyes, Budgen, Bunting, Clack, Clarkson, B Collins, T Collins, Davies, Gomm, Hobson, B Huntley, T Huntley, Innes, Jenkins, Nayler, Parr, Thomas, Wood.

(pictures here)

Sunday 18 December 2011
Old Williamsonians 0 - Sittingbourne 53

Sittingbourne U15s ended 2011 with a resounding 53-0 victory and hat-tricks for centre Bunting and flanker Jenkins. Bunting opened the scoring after some strong Sittingbourne defence forced a turnover in midfield. Clarkson snapped up the loose ball and drove deep into the Williamsonians’ 22 before setting up a ruck and the scoring opportunity for Bunting. Bourne’s second came from another turnover but this time the ball was spun wide before centre Wood fed winger Driscoll who jinked past two defenders to score. Winger Davies was the instigator of Bourne’s third try and last of the first half when he thwarted another Williamsonian attack by stealing the ball from his opposite number. Bunting was in support and scythed through the Williamsonian defence before feeding Jenkins to score.

15-0 up at half-time, the second half could not have started better when Jenkins crashed over for his second after taking a quick penalty. Bourne’s fifth came after a break from flanker Gomm with centre Rushworth carving open the Williamsonian defence and feeding Bunting for his second try. The scoring now continued at a pace with Jenkins scoring from a pick-up from the back of a scrum and Bunting from the kick-off after a fifty-yard run. Prop Finch scored a further try from a ruck before Williamsonians staged a fight back crossing Bourne’s line twice, but some fierce tackling prevented the ball being grounded. Bourne finished the match with their 9th try from flanker Gomm whose tireless work in both defence and attack was rewarded with an interception try. Bunting and Rushworth both converted two second half tries each to stretch Bourne’s winning score past 50.

Squad: Adaka, Boyes, Bradford, Budgen, Bunting, Clack, Clarkson, B Collins, T Collins, Davies, Driscoll, Finch, Gomm, Hobson, T Huntley, Jenkins, Nayler, Rushworth, Thomas, Wood.

Sunday 11 December 2011
Sittingbourne 15 - Medway 7

The wet and muddy conditions dominated Sunday’s match between Sittingbourne and Medway U15s at Gore Court as both teams struggled to cope with the slippery ball. Medway arrived four short in their backs, so four of Bourne’s squad gallantly stepped in to play for Medway and ensure a competitive game. Bourne, starting down the slope, created the most opportunities in the early phases of play, but struggled to take advantage of a number of overlaps and convert the early pressure into points. Finally, however, twenty minutes in, Bourne took a scrum against the head and quickly moved the ball wide through half-backs J Hobson and B Collins and inside-centre Gomm whose well-timed pass put fellow centre Bunting through the Medway defence. Bunting then outpaced the Medway full-back to slide in for a try. Bunting picked up his second try shortly afterwards. Again the ball was moved quickly wide from a scrum and just as another wayward pass looked as though it was going to ground, winger Davies plucked the ball off his bootlaces and powered around his opposition winger, slipping the ball back inside for Bunting to score and put Bourne ahead 10-0 at half-time.

The second half saw Bourne’s forwards slowly start to muscle their way into the match. Some strong rucking forced a penalty just outside the Medway 22 and a set piece penalty move catapulted Jenkins through the Medway defence. With Jenkins tackled just short of the line the ball was spun wide but full-back T Collins failed to touch down for a try in the corner. Medway cleared their line and put together a string of drives up-field before centre Gomm crashed through Bourne’s midfield to score. Gomm’s try against his own team, as he played for Medway in the second half, left the game finely balanced 10-7 going into the last 10 minutes. However, Bourne’s forward power finally secured victory after a couple of drives by prop Thomas and winger Adaka were finished off with a try for second row Teeder and Sittingbourne finally winning the closely fought contest 15-7.

Squad: Adaka, Boyes, Bradford, Budgen, Bunting, Clarkson, B Collins, T Collins, Davies, Driscoll, Finch, Gomm, Hobson, T Huntley, Innes, Jenkins, Nayler, Rushworth, Teeder, Thomas, Wood.

Sunday 27 November 2011
Westcombe Park 32 Sittingbourne 5

Sittingbourne U15s 7-match unbeaten run came to an end at Westcombe Park on Sunday when they crashed to a 6 try to 1 defeat. This was Bourne’s 4th away match on the trot and it showed as they were slow to start and failed to recreate the free flowing rugby of previous weeks against a very well drilled Westcombe Park team.

Playing down the slope, Bourne won their fair share of the possession but their attacks were thwarted by some strong Park tackling and too often Bourne were turned over in the loose play. Park on the other hand took their chances well with 2 tries from well-created overlaps in the backs and almost scored a third however prop, Finch, prevented Westcombe Park’s flanker from grounding the ball.

10-0 down at half-time, Bourne turned to play up the slope and unfortunately conceded another try almost from the restart. Bourne’s heads were now down and three further Park tries followed as Bourne failed to cope with the fast hands and footwork of the Westcombe Park backs. To their credit Bourne rallied in the last 10 minutes when some strong runs by flankers Billy Huntley and Samuel Jenkins forced a penalty in Park’s 22. Second-row, Harry Teeder, smashed through the Park defence before Huntley crossed for the try.

Sunday 20 November 2011
Thanet 5 - Sittingbourne 40 (East Kent Cup)

Sittingbourne U15s powered their way to the East Kent Cup Final with an emphatic 40-5 victory over a strong Thanet 15 in their semi-final match at Broadstairs on Sunday.

Fired up from the kick-off, Bourne’s pace and commitment was far too much for their hosts as pressure from some fierce rucking and tackling resulted in a try for flanker Jenkins. Jenkins’ second try came from a set piece penalty move after winger Adaka jinked his way through Thanet’s defence forcing a ruck in front of Thanet’s posts. Thanet strayed offside and were made to pay when Jenkins crashed through to score. Full-back T Collins converted to put Bourne 14-0 ahead. Strong tackling by Bourne’s backs lead by centre Gomm thwarted numerous Thanet attacks and it was not long before Bourne further extended their lead. A clever chip ahead by outside centre Bunting forced a scrum in the Thanet 22. Bourne’s no 8 Connor Nayler picked up and provided the platform for Bourne’s backs to spin the ball wide and put winger Wood over in the corner to seal a 19-0 half-time lead.

The second half could not have started better when hooker Tom Huntley fielded the Thanet kick-off and drove the ball up field. Bourne won the resulting ruck and again quickly moved the ball wide to centre Bunting who outpaced the Thanet cover to score under the posts. Forward pressure lead to Bourne’s fifth try when second row Clarkson broke free from a lineout and fed prop Thomas whose power and strength was too much for the Thanet defenders as he drove through to score. Bourne’s final try summed up their performance with forwards and backs combining in some exhilarating free flowing rugby before the pace of winger Wood again took him clear for his second try. Despite Thanet collecting a consolation try at the close, Bourne’s full back Collins was on target with all his conversions to seal their 40-5 win. Flanker Jenkins was named Man of the Match.

Squad: Adaka, Boyes, Bradford, Budgen, Bunting, Clarkson, B Collins, T Collins, Davies, Driscoll, Finch, Gomm, Hobson, B Huntley, T Huntley, Innes, Jenkins, King, Nayler, Rushworth, Thomas, Wood.

Sunday 13 November 2011
Deal & Betteshanger 10 - Sittingbourne 29

Sittingbourne extended their unbeaten run to six matches with a hard fought 29-10 victory away at Deal & Betteshanger on Sunday. Bourne had Deal & Betts under pressure from the start when flanker Jenkins returned a wayward Deal clearance kick and Deal & Betts strayed off-side at the resulting ruck. Bourne’s set piece penalty move had Deal & Betts’ defence going the wrong way before flanker B Huntley smashed through to score. T Collins converted for a 7-0 lead. Deal & Betts responded with a well worked try from an overlap before Bourne hit back with an interception and try from scrum half Bunting who jinked past the Deal & Betts’ full-back to score under the posts. Straight from the restart, Bourne were again back on the score sheet when second row Innes fielded the kick, drove up-field and off-loaded to prop, Finch. Finch’s lightening pace took him clear of the Deal & Betts’ cover defence to score between the sticks giving T Collins a simple conversion which he slotted over with ease. Just as it looked like the flood gates were about to open, Deal & Betts exploited some weak Sittingbourne tackling to score and put them back in the match, trailing 17-10 at the interval.

The second half was as equally frustrating as the first for Bourne’s coaching team with some patches of brilliant flowing rugby broken up by some basic handling errors. The two highlights were some strong running from centre Gomm and aggressive drives from the forwards which resulted in tries for prop Dukes and second row and Man of the Match, Innes. Bourne will need to play with much more control and conviction next week if they are to win their tough East Kent Cup Semi-Final away at Thanet.

Squad: Adaka, Boyes, Bradford, Budgen, Bunting, Clarkson, B Collins, T Collins, Davies, Driscoll, Dukes, Finch, Gomm, B Huntley, T Huntley, Innes, Jenkins, King, Nayler, Rushworth, Thomas, Wood.

Sunday 6 November 2011
Dover 5 - Sittingbourne 42

Sittingbourne U15 travelled away to Dover on Sunday and after electing to play with the fairly significant slope in the pitch, moved into top gear from the start and were far too slick for their hosts. Bourne’s hard work on the training field over the last couple of weeks started to play dividends as they starved Dover of possession and linked seamlessly between forwards and backs to run the Dover defence ragged. Bourne opened the scoring after a break by winger Davies, whose clever footwork left the Dover winger for dead and when halted by the full-back, flanker Jenkins was on hand to feed centre Bunting for the try. Bourne’s second try came from a forward drive when second row Teeder crashed over and the third from a scrum when no. 8 Nayler picked up and drove within inches of the Dover try line before off-loading for scrum-half Hobson to score in the corner. Bourne, 15-0 up after 15 minutes, were now in full flow with their forwards dominating possession and were rewarded with another try for Teeder and then for flanker Huntley who crashed through four Dover defenders to score. The last try of the half, and the try of the match, fell to Bunting when the ball was swept wide to full-back T Collins who out flanked the initial Dover defence before switching the ball back inside. Both forwards and backs then linked to give a marvellous display of handling and off-loading at pace before Bunting crossed to give Bourne a 30-0 half-time lead.

The second half saw Dover lose a prop through injury and, with Dover left without any further subs, Sittingbourne’s prop Teeder sportingly agreed to switch sides to play out the game for Dover and keep the game 15-a-side and scrums competitive. Teeder then almost snatched his third try of the match, albeit for the opposition, when he smashed into the Sittingbourne defence from a penalty move but was held just short by Thomas and Innes. Some clever kicking down the slope by Dover kept Bourne pinned in their own half and it took a massive effort by Bourne’s pack to break out of defence. A series of forward drives sucked in the Dover defence before the ball was spun wide and winger Wood drew the Dover full-back to create an overlap and try for full-back T Collins. A series of Dover penalties followed as Bourne strayed off-side in the loose and finally Dover crossed to score. Bourne’s response and the best individual try of the match was the last. Outside centre Bunting broke out of his own half and ran 50 metres to score after sending the Dover full back the wrong way with a wicked side step. T Collins converted to seal the game 42-5.

No 8 Conner Nayler was awarded Forward of the Match and winger Elliot Davies was Man of the Match.

Squad: Adaka, Boyes, Budgen, Bunting, Clarkson, T Collins, Davies, Driscoll, Dukes, Finch, Gomm, Hobson, B Huntley, T Huntley, Innes, Jenkins, King, Nayler, Rushworth, Teeder, Thomas, Wood.

Sunday 23 October 2011
Ashford 12 - Sittingbourne 36

It was a classic game of two halves at Ashford on Sunday with Bourne dominating the first but Ashford fighting their way back into the match in the second. Bourne started strongly when ball won from a turnover at a ruck was spun wide for winger Driscoll to score in the corner. Bourne were again on the attack when winger Adaka stole an Ashford ball at a maul and centres Gomm and Wood combined to put scrum-half Bunting clear for a try. Bourne’s third came from centre Gomm who after an initial line break that sucked in the Ashford defence, popped up on the wing to finish off the move with fly-half Collins and flanker Jenkins moving the ball wide before Gomm jinked past the Ashford full-back to score. With just 10 minutes on the clock, Bourne had cruised to a 19-0 lead – but it was not to last. A kick ahead by Ashford set up a series of scrums close to Bourne’s line but the forwards showed great skill and determination to prevent the try with flanker B Huntley preventing Ashford from grounding the ball. Bourne finished the half with a try when Gomm again broke through the Ashford defence. Jenkins was in support to set up a maul close to the Ashford line from which prop Dukes burst through to score leaving Bourne leading 24-0 at half-time.

Ashford now with the slope pressured Bourne from the kick off but a break out of defence by Wood and Adaka drove the ball up-field and forced Ashford to concede a penalty. A quick tap saw Bourne catch Ashford napping and second row Teeder crashed over to score, Bunting converting to increase his tally of conversions to 3. Bourne’s sixth and final try came from a set move from a scrum with Bourne again breaching the Ashford defence and this time centre Wood scoring the try. Bourne, now 36-0 up and looking like they were on for the half century, got a little over ambitious and lost their shape. A series of handling errors gifted easy ball to Ashford who to their credit never stopped competing. Ashford hit back with two well taken tries to close the gap to 36-12.

Squad: Adaka, Amis, Boyes, Bradford, Budgen, Bunting, Clack, Clarkson, B Collins, Driscoll, Dukes, Gomm, B Huntley, T Huntley, Jenkins, Teeder, Wood.

Sunday 9 October 2011 - East Kent Cup
Sheppey 0 - Sittingbourne 72

East Kent Champions Sittingbourne started the defence of their title with an emphatic 72-0 win away at Sheppey on Sunday. Bourne started up the slope and from the kick-off their backs and forwards combined in a fine display of 15-man attacking rugby. Winger Darren Wood opened the scoring when a series of forward drives had punched through the Sheppey defence and the ball was spun wide for Wood to cross in the corner. The second try came from a clever inside pass from fly-half Ben Collins that saw flanker Jenkins burst through to score. Bourne’s backs now cut loose with tries from centre Bunting after a break in midfield by Leon Gomm and further tries from winger Davies and full-back Parr. Not wanting to be out-done, the forwards then treated the crowd to a barn-storming try from second row Teeder who rampaged through half the Sheppey team and half the length of the pitch to score under the posts. Bunting picked up his second after a fine jinking run to add to a couple of conversions and give Bourne a 39-0 half-time lead.

Following a number of positional changes at half-time, Bourne took a little while to gel but were soon scoring freely again. Prop Ryan Bradford crashed over to score from the loose play, another incisive run from full-back Parr saw him pick up his second and there was a try for winger Jonnie Driscoll on his debut. The star of the show, however, was Man of the Match Bunting who added 2 further tries and 4 conversions to take his personal tally to 32 points and a team record. Harry Teeder was awarded Forward of the Match.

Squad: Boyes, Bradford, Budgen, Bunting, Clack, Clarkson, B Collins, Davies, Driscoll, Gomm, Hobson, B Huntley, T Huntley, Jenkins, King, Parr, Teeder, Thomas, Wood.

Sunday 2 October 2011
Sittingbourne 32 - Maidstone 0

Sittingbourne U15s cruised to a six try victory over Maidstone in the sweltering heat at Gore Court on Sunday with a powerful display of 15-man rugby. Bourne were on the attack from the kick off when flanker B Huntley fielded the kick and drove deep into Maidstone territory. A sustained period of attack by Bourne's forwards was rewarded when winger D Wood crossed the line in the corner. Both teams were equally matched for the rest of the first half and were unable to deliver the killer blow until Huntley finished off a series of forward drives by smashing through the Maidstone defence to score near the posts. T Collins converted to secure a 12-0 half-time lead.

The second half restart by Maidstone failed to travel the required 10 yards and Bourne were again back on the attack with a scrum in centre field. No 8 Jenkins picked up and drove over the game line before initiating a clever switch with fly-half Bunting who sprinted clear of the defence to score and extend Bourne's lead to 17-0. The next try came from a typically elusive run by winger Adaka, who jinked through four Maidstone tacklers to score a spectacular individual try. Bourne were now in complete control with their defence more than a match for any Maidstone attack. Two further tries sealed the match, one from prop B Thomas who drove through the Maidstone pack to score and a second by fly half Bunting following another fine run. Although 32-0 winners, Bourne failed to convert a number of scoring opportunities so have much to work on prior to their East Kent Cup match against Sheppey next week. Forward of the match went to Harry Dukes for some strong work in the scrummage and loose play, with Man of the match was awarded to captain Jenkins for a fine display at flanker.

Squad: Adaka, Amis, Boyes, Bradford, Budgen, Bunting, Clack, Clarkson, T Collins, Davies, Dukes, Gomm, Hobson, B Huntley, T Huntley, Innes, Jenkins, King, Parr, Teeder, Thomas, Wood.

Sunday 25 September 2011
Sittingbourne 17 - Dartfordians 5

It was a far more confident and committed Sittingbourne U15 team that took the field against Dartfordians on Sunday than the team that lost to Colfeians the previous week. Right from the kick-off Bourne pressurised Dartfordians into mistakes and some strong tackling turned defence into attack when Eliot Budgen intercepted a pass and broke through the Dartfordians’ line. Budgen outsprinted the covering defence and although tackled by the Darts’ full back, was able to set up a ruck at with Darts strayed off-side in their panic to win the ball. A quick penalty by captain Jenkins caught Darts napping and second-row Innes crashed over to score. Tom Collins converted.

Some fast and furious rugby followed with both teams attacking at every opportunity. A Dartfordians’ attack from a lineout near Bourne’s line was initially rebuffed by some strong tackling by back row Jenkins, Clarkson and B Huntley, but just when Bourne thought they had weathered the storm, Darts switched the ball wide and caught Bourne’s backs flat-footed to score in the corner and cut Bourne’s lead to 7-5 at half-time.

The second half saw some fine interplay between forwards and backs and a try for winger Wood after No 8 Jenkins broke from a scrum and linked with scrum-half Hobson and full-back T Collins to put winger Wood clear and his lightning speed outpaced the cover. The strong tackling by Bourne’s backs lead by centre Leon Gomm forced Darts to resort to more tactical kicking to gain field position, but Bourne won this contest with some fine footballing skills from full-back T Collins. Bourne finally sealed the game with a set piece move. The ball was spun wide from a ruck for outside centre King to break through and feed T Collins to score, Bourne winning the match 17-5.

Man of the Match award went to Leon Gomm with Forward of the Match going to Tom Clack for a fine front row display at prop and hooker. Next week Bourne are at home again, hosting Maidstone.

Squad: Adaka, Amis, Boyes, Budgen, Clack, Clarkson, B Collins, T Collins, Davies, Dukes, Gomm, Hobson, B Huntley, T Huntley, Innes, Jenkins, King, Teeder, Thelwell, Thomas, Wood.

Sunday 18 September 2011
Old Colfeians 32 - Sittingbourne 5

Sittingbourne U15s kicked off their 2011/12 season in the toughest way possible with an away match against last season’s Kent Cup winners, Old Colfeians. Bourne looked rusty to start, with a couple of basic handling errors gifting Colfs a scrum close to Bourne’s line and an early try. With Bourne’s attacks thwarted by some strong Colfs’ defence, Colfs’ backs dominated the first half with their speed and elusive running leading to 2 further tries and a 1-0 half-time lead.

The second half saw Bourne starting to break through the Colfs’ defence with good runs by second row Teeder and back row Billy Huntley, Jenkins and Finch. Bourne’s mid-field defence was also starting to get their act together, led with some strong tackling by centre Gomm. However, a loose clearance kick and a penalty at a ruck were punished by Colfs with their wings crossing for 2 further tries.

Many teams may have folded under such pressure but Bourne showed great character and started to muscle their way back into the match. A break by outside centre Wood set up a ruck in midfield and forced a penalty. Jenkins quickly moved the ball wide for centre Gomm and flanker Huntley to drive deep into the Colfs’ half and sucking in the Colfs’ defence before spinning the ball wide for winger Thelwell to outpace the Colfs’ fullback and score in the corner. Thelwell came close to a second try but was tackled just yards short.

The last word however went to Colfs despite the tackle of the match by Bourne’s winger Davies when he took down his opposite number by the ankles when he looked clean through Bourne’s line. Colfs recovered the ball and crossed for a try in the corner and a 32-5 victory. Bourne, although beaten, take a lot of positives away from what was an excellent game of free flowing rugby. Bourne face Dartfordians U15 at Gore Court this Sunday 25th.

Squad: Adaka, Boyes, Bradford, Budgen, Clack, Clarkson, B Collins, T Collins, Davies, Finch, Gomm, Hobson, B Huntley, T Huntley, Innes, Jenkins, Teeder, Thelwell, Thomas, Wood.