Fixture

Birch made the short journey to Bonymaen today to conclude this most disjointed of seasons.

Playing in to the customary Force 7 gale force wind Birch were soon on the offensive and a smart backs movement instigated by Scott Hawkins and carried on swiftly along the back line saw Curtis Davies go in for an early try and a 0 – 5 lead.

Bonymaen though were soon looking to bounce back and their forward pressure was allowing their strong back line to make inroads in to the Birchgrove 22 and despite hardy defence from the visitors the home side managed to squeeze over for an equalising unconverted try 5 – 5.

With honours being shared in the loose and some aggressive defence from both sides this looked like it could be a close encounter and when the home sides frustration at being unable to break down the home defence and choosing  to take a kick at goal instead of their previously preferred kick to touch at 8 -5 it certainly did have the makings of a close match.

With 10 minutes to go to half time though both sides went off script !!

Bony’s pacy attack plus the wind advantage put the visitors under siege and despite strong defence from Tom Downing and Luke Curtis the home side won an attacking line out advantage which they managed to turn in to try No 2 , converted and a 15 – 5 lead .

A further try quickly followed and at 20 – 5, although a big deficit to pull back but wind advantage to come in the second half all did not seem lost !

Unfortunately the tsunami of points  was to continue though as almost immediately from kick off the powerful Bony backs again made ground and gained a further advantage with try number 4 and a 25 – 5 lead . Tries number 5 and 6 followed and at 37 – 5 the home side had an insurmountable lead.

With the pressure and the wind receding Birch stuck to their guns and on permit no 10  Gibson, scrum half Hawkins , centre Adam Percival  and Josh Jarrett on the wing all tried to steady the ship and get Birch back  in to the game.

Now holding a bit of hard won territory the visitors were determined to finish the game and the season in style and managed to do so with 2 late tries from Curtis Davies and Alex McNamara to make the score a far more respectable 37 – 19.

As usual a never say die attitude from the players which has been the high point of a difficult and messy season. Well done to all involved and I am sure we have the nucleus of a side which with a bit of luck and some strengthening will see us sitting at the top table of this league once again next year.

That’s all from me for the season. Thanks to all those who have taken the time to read the reports and the banter that for some reason it seems to generate. I can honestly say hand on heart that I did attend every game I wrote about even though there always seemed to be someone there watching a completely different game !!

Have a good Summer break everyone