BOURNVILLE 52 REDRUTH 40
REPORT BY BILLY PAGE
Bournville moved out of the relegation zone after a sublime attacking performance saw them run out 52-40 winners over Redruth in a thrilling contest at Avery Fields.
Redruth are a formidable team and National League stalwarts and even missing a few players are a tough prospect in facing as they showed by capitalising on some early mistakes by the hosts to jump to a 14-0 lead after 10 minutes.
The Chocco’s sprung to life after that when Mitch McGahan, moving in one to 9 for the injured Ben Tibbetts, spotted space down a blindside and fed Sam Grimshaw who outstripped the chasing defence before finding Tom Burrows who crashed over for his first of the afternoon. Bourns pack were making great inroads with their drive and again a blindside raid and some wonderful handling in some tight spaces saw Rhys Williams barge over to finish. Bourns then had a third as Sam Grimshaw popped up with an intercept to run it in from 60 metres and with Max Craven adding two conversions, Bourns were 19-14 in front. Redruth responded with a catch and drive of their own and a wonderful touchline conversion to retake the lead. Bourns rolled up their sleeves again and worked their way up field and after some strong carries in the 22 by the pack, the ball was spun out to Grimshaw who carried two on his back over the line for the bonus point try. On the stroke of halftime, Bourns pack once again drove to the line and after consultation with his AR, ref Lloyd Davies awarded Jamie Harding a try to give Bourns a 31-21 lead at the break.
Expecting Redruth to throw the kitchen sink, the hosts picked up where they left off and within the first minute, Rhys Williams scored a sublime chip and chase try from the scrum that should no doubt be on the National Leagues try of the week nominees. Then from the kick-off, Grimshaw came up with another one of his customary intercepts to go 80 metres untouched and give Craven the simplest of conversions for a 45-21 lead. The game entered a bit of a scoring lull before the Redruth 8 made a fine break and rounded the cover to get them their try-scoring bonus point. Burrows added his 2nd from a well-worked back-line play from the scrum and Craven adding the extras from wide out to put the game to bed. Two late consolation Redruth tries narrowed the margin of victory but this was Bournville’s day.
3,2,1 for the day…
1; Mitch McGahan; probed well from 9 and kept the defence guessing and his kicking game kept Redruth on the back foot
2; Rhys Williams; two tries and unleashed the backline with aplomb. His best performance to date in a Bournville shirt
3; and star man. Sam Grimshaw; a hat trick on the day but was a constant presence throughout with his strong carrying and defensive nouse the difference between the two sides.
Through the viewfinder
What a cracking game!
I was so pleased to be able to attend, as I have missed a few games recently due to ill health of a family member.
I’ve been taking photos of Bournville RFC from when we played at Rowheath, Birmingham Uni and now Avery Fields and this was the finest performance, combined with a win, that I have ever seen. From the support, the referee, his assistants to the performance of both teams it was excellent. Pity that the sun didn’t come out to join in.
Here are a few photos of the game. There were plenty to choose from – but less is more in my book.
Sully – Bournville’s always friendly (and free) match photographer
