BOURNVILLE 22 NEWPORT SALOP 12
Report by Billy Page
A local derby that was tight and tense from start to finish with the home side running out 22-12 winners to leapfrog Newport in the table and spread some much-needed Christmas cheer amongst the playing squad and club alike. Max Craven continued his fine kicking form with an early penalty before Newport broke from deep inside their half where centre Chris Perry was the beneficiary of the final pass and Conor Adams added the extras. Bournville were winning the territory and possession battle but it took until halftime for centre Jack Cantelo to crash over after a series of pick and drives from the forwards with Max adding the extras.
Craven missed with an early penalty chance in the second half, but that didn’t deter the home side as Ben Tibbetts spotted a gap on the short side to put winger Ethan Walker over. Newport enjoyed their best period of play and were duly rewarded when winger Ricky Bailey scored. However, the home side roared back and replacement prop James Burgoyne sealed the first home victory of the season with his late try which Max converted.
Plenty of eye-catching performers but here are my picks;
1 Jack Cantelo; first time back in the starting side after a few work commitments but was back to his barn-storming best with some really strong carrying. A barnstorming try to show for his efforts.
2 Jonjo Fanning; possibly his best performance in his Bournville career. Near perfection at set piece time and a couple of bone-crunching hits producing key turnovers.
3 and star man Sam Sheppard; never mind every blade of grass, he covered every bit of rubber crumb. A threat at the breakdown and ball in hand. In defence you name it Sam was probably the best at it on Saturday.
Through the viewfinder
Phew blimey – what a result!
A nice change in not having to discuss the ‘what ifs?’, the ‘how did that happen?’ and all the other blah blah blah points at the end of the game.
Still hoping for that 2pm kick off, as the light is appalling in the 2nd half.
Take a look HERE for a few photos.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.
Sully – Bournville’s always friendly (and free) photographer.
