Bournville 14 Newport 29
This was definitely a case of after the Lord Mayor’s Show as Bournville surrendered their unbeaten home record in disappointing fashion in an anti-climactic end to the season at Avery Fields.
Having clinched the Regional One Midlands title seven days earlier, Bourns set themselves the target of making 11 home wins out of 11 to celebrate the achievement in front of the home supporters.
Instead Bourns produced a ragged error-strewn performance and were well-beaten by a well-organised Newport side, their closest challengers, and finished pointless for the first time this season.
Before Newport slipped up at home to Bridgnorth it was expected that this match would be the promotion decider so Bourns can count themselves a little fortunate that the title did not hinge on the result.
Newport were aggressive on both sides of the ball, quick to the breakdown and were good value for their bonus point win with Bourns only getting the better of them at scrum time.
Bourns were unfortunate to lose Chris Idehen with a calf injury in the warm-up which meant that Adam Shaw, recently recovered from a dislocated shoulder, had to play the full 80 minutes. Sam Grimshaw departed in the opening exchanges with a hamstring injury so Head Coach Alex Grove, late inclusion as a replacement, played most of the match.
But those setbacks did not explain such a disjointed and flat performance from Bourns who were profligate in attack and sleepy in defence at times. Frustration was reflected in ill-discipline in the second-half which allowed Newport to relieve the pressure.
All in all it was an afternoon to forget for Bourns but a reminder – if one was needed – of the challenge that awaits on the return to National Two rugby.
Bournville’s afternoon was pretty much summed up in Newport’s opening try. Bourns had an attacking lineout on Newport’s 22 but Jamie Harding overshot his jumpers and Newport were quick to turn defence into attack with a length of the pitch counter that was finished by scrum-half Jack Ingram.
Bourns levelled with a try from Clarkson McLeod from a driving lineout which Jacob Fewtrell converted into a gusting crossfield wind but attempts to repeat the tactic were frustrated by handling errors close to the line or obstruction.
Instead Newport regained the lead when Bourns conceded a succession of penalties under pressure and lock George Perkins went over with Ingram adding the extras.
With the wind at their backs in the second-half a half-time deficit of seven points appeared manageable. But Bourns found themselves 12 points down within 30 seconds of the second period as Newport blindside flanker John Tuia battered his way through some weak tackling and raced clear.
A try from a lineout catch-and-drive secured the bonus point for Newport and any hopes Bourns harboured of a fightback were extinguished when lock Jake Goulson scored a soft try from a throw to the front of the lineout.
There was time for Kieran Henderson to round off a period of sustained pressure with a try from the final play of the match which Fewtrell converted to narrow the margin of defeat which flattered Bourns a little.
*An inexperienced Bournville Blues side acquitted themselves well before going down 27-19 at Counties Two Midlands West (East) leaders Barkers’ Butts.
Through the viewfinder
A result that was always on the cards considering what we were playing for.
Some photos for the fortunate none Facebook people.
Sully – have a nice Summer.
