Upon arrival whilst the teams went through their respective pre match routines the Bowdon faithful were treated to some much-appreciated fine hospitality from their hosts.

Referee Sara Cox signalled for the kick off and playing against a fiercely strong wind Bowdon were ahead within a minute through a converted penalty from Conor playing at 10. The early exchanges saw Bowdon’s back row and centres closing down the oppositions midfield forcing numerous handling errors from which possession was gained. With the scrummaging controlled and Eugene at 8 making good ground with ball in hand Bowdon were taking the game to New Brighton even allowing some expansive play in what were difficult conditions. On 12 minutes Bowdon struck as good fast-recycled ball provided the opportunity for a try from Ratuleuva and New Brighton were reeling [0 – 8]. Gathering their momentum the home side then began to apply pressure driving the ball through the forwards in midfield, working well on the ground with speed and precision as Bowdon began to fight a rear guard action. With intelligent kicking from Conor and some excellent tackling most attacks were thwarted until upon 27 minutes New Brighton converted a penalty to open their account 3 – 8. Bowdon continued to look dangerous as fluid play in the backs was supported well by the forwards. With both sides playing up-tempo attacking rugby and the referee allowing the game to flow whenever she could the crowd were being treated to quite a spectacle. New Brighton created opportunities but all to often were unable to execute the final pass. As the 1st half came to a close Bowdon, down to 14 men with Neal surprisingly enough in the bin were defending stoutly on their line.

A warm, some chips, a slice of orange, a mug of hot tea and the crowd were ready to face the 2nd period of this enthralling game.

With the wind at their backs Bowdon immediately camped in the opposition half from a penalty conceded by New Brighton 15m into the Bowdon half. As pressure built Stephane picked up a loose ball and began a mazy run weaving into the left hand corner as he showed deftness of hand tantalising and teasing the opposition and his supporting teammates picking his way delicately through the crowded blue and white defense to score in the corner. [3 – 13]
With the home crowd now in subdued mood Bowdon applied further pressure through the forwards and as Captain John Blackwell executed a fine long pass to his fullback attacking the line a score was inevitable. A simple pass from Ratuleauv to his wingman Phil Gare and the score was a formality. The conversion making it 3 – 20 the second half was going to be a long one for the home side.

In usual fashion however a combination of a lack of concentration and a little match discipline by Bowdon gave enough momentum for New Brighton to make a game of it as they struggled manfully against the wind. The visitors now found themselves under the cosh and were having to stem the tide as the New Brighton pack edged their way into Bowdon territory. Unlucky not to score on the left wing New Brighton finally breached the Bowdon lines to score and make it a tense last 15 minutes.

The match continued to be well contested to the end with the home
side stealing a strike against the head on the last play of the game however the real spoils of the day belonged to Bowdon who won in style 8 – 20.

Further excellent New Brighton hospitality ensued and then a quiet trip back home on the coach and the satisfaction of a job well done.

With the 2nds and 3rds both notching up notable victories when all said and done a good day’s work at the office!