There will be a double-header at Avery Fields on Saturday April 25 to mark the end of the season for Bournville’s men’s teams.
The day begins with Bournville Hippos taking on a Bournville Under-35s side (1pm) in the Panda Cup as a curtain-raiser to Bournville Blues final Counties Two Midlands West (East) match of the season against Berkswell & Balsall (3pm).
The Panda Cup was launched last year in memory of Dave ‘Panda’ Vickers (1977–2020) and continues to serve as a poignant tribute following his passing during the Covid-19 pandemic. This year’s fixture will once again provide an opportunity to celebrate the lives of cherished club members no longer with us, including Mark Burgoyne, Jon Terry, Steve Jack and Jon ‘Booter’ Hillier.
The Hippos, Bournville’s re-established veterans side, will be aiming to claim the trophy after the Under-35s secured a 50–24 victory in the inaugural match last year. The Hippos are likely to face a stern challenge from an Under-35s squad packed with emerging talent from the club’s Player Pathway Programme.
That pathway continues to bear fruit. Last weekend saw 10 current or former Colts represent the senior sides during a successful Saturday at Avery Fields, with both the Blues and the Third XV recording impressive wins against Lutterworth IIs and Camp Hill respectively. Meanwhile, the Hippos will we stacked with ageing talent including former first team stalwarts Adam Caves, Matt Dickerson, Paul Coles, Matty Mountford, Carl Colvin, Tom McIntosh & M&J Chairman, Iestyn Pratt.
Following the curtain-raiser, attention turns to the Blues, who will be looking to finish their season on a high after an emphatic 48–15 victory over Lutterworth. They now face a significant test against second-placed Berkswell & Balsall.
After a mixed first season in Counties Two Midlands West (East) following promotion, the Blues have found strong late-season form picking up 12 points from their last four matches. With momentum building and despite the strength of the opposition, there is growing belief that they can end the campaign on a positive note.
