Bowdon 22 - 15 Winnington Park

This rearranged fixture held the promise of something special with Bowdon striving for a top four finish and Winnington fighting off the ever-closing dark threat of relegation.
However even the most informed observer amongst the large crowd could not have anticipated the spectacle that was about to unfold.

The first period began with Park contesting the game with a verve and passion that had Bowdon pinned in their own half and looking decidedly devoid of ideas and shape. Park took the lead from an inevitable penalty and the visitors to the Clay sensed a result. With new faces adjusting themselves to the heady heights of 1st XV rugby it took a while for Bowdon’s pack to respond to the challenge that was being laid before them. Eventually as ground was gained and the home backline took field position the sniper struck. Outside centre Andre Hechter fell to the ground, pole axed holding his ankle, nobody within his vicinity. Swift help from the medical team and opposition touch judge was on hand and after a delay the game restarted as stretcher borne he awaited the ambulance. No more rugby this season slim! More pressure from Park and Bowdon were hanging on desperately as they defended their line. As the blues and twos arrived Bowdon hooker Stuart Rice took a serious blow to the head as he collided with his own full back under the post. The game was halted as the field became reminiscent of a scene from M.A.S.H. [Alan Alda arrived in the second ambulance looking for H.L.Hoolahahn!] Referee Tim Spiers restarted the game and the 1st half, a disjointed, frustrating affair, petered out to its conclusion enabling young prop Kitchiner to receive “much needed urgent treatment to a blister”. Winnington Park had definite ascendancy and were in confident mood to take the match to Bowdon in the second half.

The second period started with Bowdon desperately attempting to create a pattern and hold some phases of play together as Landman worked diligently. An early penalty converted by Armstrong brought the scores level. Soon however, Park were threatening the Bowdon line and they were unlucky not to score from a kick and chase. Eventually the break through came when from behind a ruck on the Bowdon line the Park 8 leapt “Nijinsky-esque” like over the mound of bodies defying gravity and grounding the ball to claim the Rite of Spring and a try. The conversion gave Park a 10 – 3 lead.
Bowdon continued to labour laboriously without much purpose. When the “innocent” Lamb was sin binned a further score came for Park as the Bowdon pack fought hard to keep them out. A chip through on the Park right led to a try in the corner as Bowdon captain Blackwell tackled in desperation collecting a neck injury in the process.

Following prolonged treatment to Blackwell the teams took position for the kick off.

With the machine coughing and spluttering, the pumps closed, 15-3 down, 15 minutes left and the season about to implode Bowdon were starring down the barrel. It was time for the Rolls Royce that is Landman to purr into action. Grabbing the game by the torn and tattered scruff of the neck he began to make yards carrying the ball and in doing so setting the example for Collinge and Baldwin to follow. With phase play increasing and full back Fiji Jo coming into the picture Bowdon began to veraciously eat into the heart of the Park defence. Baldwin gathering the ball on the half way ran straight, off loading in contact to Landman. Eyes firmly fixed on the line the Bowdon ex captain made yardage before setting up the ruck from which he emerged and returned to quietly power over under the post. The conversion breathed much needed life back into the Bowdon pack. [ 10 – 15 ] As the engine hummed tunefully finally stand off Armstrong was able to use his line to more effect. Varying direction on a whim he probed and prodded at the Park defence and was rewarded with a try in front of the 1st class spectator deck of the Clay.

Honours even at 15 all and coach Bennett prowled the touchline like an epileptic gold fish gently cajoling and imploring more effort from his temporary charges as only he can. [Some of the crowd were heard to whisper – “ a draw would be a fair result” & "i couldn't bench - look at me swollen thumb!".] The clock ticked on as a valiant Winnington Park restarted the game .The ball was fed to Armstrong who kicked high towards the right wing. Bau chased – the defence moved up – the ball fell - Bau continued to chase – the ball bounced back away from the covering man - Fiji Fred pounced like a big cat driving past the cover. With the line beckoning Steve Harrison arrived in support, receiving the ball from a deft pass inside and the job was done! In what seemed like an eternity Harrison showed a devastating example of one pace to the crowd and his on looking U12’s. The conversion gave Bowdon a 22 – 15 victory.

Man of the match was without doubt Willie P Landman.

As the walking, hopping, crutch and plaster cast enabled squad headed off to Hale for a quiet night of de briefing and post match contemplation thoughts slowly turned to next week’s fixture with New Brighton and how many Easter eggs can you eat in a day?