BOURNVILLE 19 HINCKLEY 20
REPORT BY BILLY PAGE
Hinckley came out on top in a tight contest at Avery Fields to open the 2022/23 season. Both sides will improve in aspects of their games but Hinckley were more clinical with their opportunities outscoring the hosts 3 tries to 1. An early penalty to Mitch McGahan was cancelled out by a well worked move from a lineout saw Mitchell Lamb crash over with Joe Wilson adding the conversion. The rest of the half saw plenty of misfires at line out time for both sides, and despite good field position, Bourns struggled to capitalise on the scoreboard with only another McGahan penalty on half time to reduce the deficit to a point.
Hinckley started the brighter of the two teams in the 2nd period and Joe Wilson converted a penalty from right in front to take the score to 10-6. Bourns seemed to have resolved their first half scrum issue with James Burgoyne making his presence felt. The backs were released from one scrum, which saw Tom Burrows score in the corner and McGahan adding the touchline conversion. McGahan dispatched a 40m penalty to extend the Bourns lead to 16-10 after some great defensive pressure.
But Bourns line out issues and a mounting penalty count saw Hinckley roar back into the lead with two quick unconverted tries to Luke Hibbard and Joe Wilson. Another McGahan penalty goal looked to set up a grandstand finish but a handling error from Bourns backs dashed those hopes and Hinckley held on for a hard-fought win.
Positives a plenty and if Bourns can sort out their set piece issues, the attack looks dangerous and the defence sound.
Our 3,2,1 for the day
1- Mitch McGahan; 14 points off the tee and a couple of incisive breaks caught the eye.
2- Callum Bradbury; ever present in the loose and a real pest in and around the breakdown.
3 and star man for the home side- Owen Williams; assured under the high ball and some of his return kicks put the visitors under pressure. Always a threat in broken play.
Bourns make the journey to old foes Newport Salop next Saturday. Some tense and fiery battles between the two sides from their days in the divisions below but their first meeting in the National Leagues should make for a great encounter.
Through the viewfinder
An entertaining game to say the least.
It looks like Bournville have had a a few upgrades. I would like one in the camera equipment department, but a distinct lack of availability of a decent replacement camera has put paid to that. I picked the best of what I had – 27 photos I think.
I am always having to relearn how to use the camera at the start of the season. This season was no exception. At least I had a fresh battery and a memory card in.
Please take a look HERE for a few photos.
Sully – Bournville’s always friendly (and free) photographer
