The trinity that is Baama, Bredenhann and Breen watched on expectantly as returning 10 Armstrong kicked the game off, Bowdon attacking the clubhouse end. Baldwin and Storey introduced the recipient to the Bowdon back row whilst the referee Bowdon to his whistle. Early exchanges were tense with Warrington trying to press home advantage against the visitors who were giving a number of unforced penalties away as they struggled to find an early rhythm. At four minutes Warrington, from a penalty and line out, moved the ball through their eager backline inside the Bowdon 22m. Setta watched, waited, licked his lips, and took an unnoticed half step forward, floated and then pounced upon his prey. Seizing the moment he reached forward and intercepted with flypaper hands. As he languidly moved into his stride through the heart of the committed desperate defence 2 Guns Gare opened up on his outside to collect the inevitable deft pass from his centre, easily outstripping any chasing bodies as he ate the ground beneath his feet. In a blur it was 5 nil Bowdon. Warrington who were competing well in the set pieces were constantly causing Bowdon trouble at the back of the scrum. Adding to this irritation the visitors all to often transgressed the laws giving numerous penalties away. When on 12minutes Warrington gained another penalty to kick and posses the lineout the home side pack competently took their opportunity and powered over to take the lead 7 – 5.

Spurring Bowdon into life Blackwell and his troops began to play more constructively putting together a number of phases pinning Warrington in their 22m.Following several heavy probes at the line finally 2 Guns got bored on the wing so stepped up to the mark driving over without obstruction to score to the left of the posts.7-12 Bowdon converted Armstrong. With the visitors finding their feet tackling improved midfield, as did the halfback combo of Blackwell and Armstrong. Landman was a rock as he worked diligently in the set and roamed the Warrington veldt as if his own. It was the centres again that dissected the opposition as a dummy and well timed pass from Setta opened the Warrington defense with the skill of a surgeon to allow Stephan to morris dance his way up field and once again feed that man Gare who carried the ball over the line.7 – 17 Bowdon. Determined not to fold Warrington came back at Bowdon with determination as this much improved side since their earlier season visit to Clay Lane were rewarded for their efforts with a converted penalty. 10-17. As the 1st half drew to a close the Bowdon forwards directed by number 8 Grimes drove the ball from a line out and slowly crept over the line for Grimes to add to his season’s personal tally. 10 - 22 half time.

The second half opened up with Gallagher on for young Storey who had injured his shoulder after another good display at seven. Eugene took the ball from the kick off and there began a series of Bowdon phases only to be ended when Armstrong put in a chip to return the ball to Warrington. The home side then had probably their best period as they deprived the visitors of the ball as their forwards pressed hard forcing a penalty in front of the post to push their score up to 13.

It was time for the Bowdon forwards to wake up; again, so Landman, Davis and Grimes began a series of midfield drives which had the result of a penalty kick for Armstrong and a lead of 13 – 25.

Some days your hot, very hot! Today 2 guns was positively radio- active and nuclear fission! Moving infield just inside the opposition half, the radar on, he spotted the gap as he received the pass. Parting the opposition like Moses he ran diagonally towards the posts. Powering through the attempted desperate tap tackle picking up pace he rounded the static final two bodies to score under the post for his fourth try of the match. Not since the legendry Ali Oldfield have the Bowdon faithful been treated to such a powerful display of wing play. This was special, very special! Conors conversation was a formality as the score moved to 13 – 32.

There was still a good 20 minutes to play but with both teams intent on pushing the boundaries of the referee’s good humour it was card time. As the sun fell from the sky, the temperature dropped, the shadows became more athletically flattering and less realistic both sides had a sin bin frenzy and Bowdon scored another drive over through Grimes.

The game closed with a score of Warrington 18 – 37 Bowdon. There is no doubt that Warrington is an improving team and competed well at the set pieces but overall Bowdon were to powerful a team as a whole.

Man of the match has to be Phil Gare after such a stunning personal contribution but there were many fine performances. Good to see new boy Rick Liston get a decent run after his efforts in training and as always to see the silky skills of professor Setareki on display.

Next week a trip to Orrell – always a team to give respect too.

See what happens eh?

Fancy the trip………………?

Go on ……………you know you want too!