Quick! Someone Call the Fat Lady a Taxi!

What a difference a week makes! Last Week Bowdon score with the last Play of the game to win, this week all the Bo’ supporters were hoping for the ref to blow up as soon as possible! Once again the luck was on our side in a tough 29 : 34 win away to the Gentlemen of Moore.

Listening to the tirade of potty words from coach Thiu during the warm up it seemed that heads were elsewhere but focusing on the game. This seemed to be backed up by the near silence from the players as they went through their pre-game drills. To further the omens of Doom! Bowdon turned up with their normal 1st near all black kit – causing a clash with the home side! As the new laws state - it’s the away side that needs to change now! Several phone calls and the cavalry came charging from the bar in the Clay - Hooped kit in hand to save the day!

From the Kick off there were some things that became evident early on - 1. It was going to be a hard game! 2. Turnovers and penalties would be key! 3. The Moore coach still though he was the Ref! And wouldn’t stop bleating!

On ten minutes from another Bowdon Penalty! The Moore Fullback stepped up to slot the first points of the day. On Twenty minutes Jack Rees returned the favour from in front of the posts. Three minutes later Swets again showed his class with a bullying run bouncing a couple of tackles before touching down near the posts, Jack adding the conversion. When Bowdon played some rugby it looked good - unfortunately for large parts of the game handling errors were evident -and with the scrum not quite firing on all cylinders Moore took advantage several time, stealing Bowdon ball.

The metronomic Moore Fullback stepped up a couple more times to slot more penalties within shooting distance. Luckily for Bowdon Moore didn’t take full advantage of all kickable penalties deciding to run some at the resolute Bowdon defence in the 22. Bowdon's luck ran out when an interception from a kick and chase by Moore allowed their flanker to run in unopposed between the posts on 39 minutes - the conversion being easily added, bringing the score to 16 : 10 in favour of the home side. Almost straight from the re-start Bowdon were awarded a penalty midway between the Moore 10 meter line and the 22. A quick tap and dart from Swets sent Mark wells over in the corner with a couple of the Moore Players hanging onto his shirt tails! – bringing on another rant from the Moore coach! The ref blowing up for half time straight after the unsuccessful kick.

Half Time - Moore 16 : 15 Bowdon.

The look on Coach Barnard’s face said it all - sometimes the hair dryer works - sometime there is no need for it - This was one of those occasions!

The second half kicked off with Bowdon playing down the hill! The game soon looked like a carbon copy of the first. First Blood to the Moore Fullback after Bowdon gave away another penalty. One big difference was that Bowdon were kicking well to gain territory, a ploy that Moore used in the first half. Any infield kicks were gobbled up by the Fullback who showed he wasn’t a one trick pony, kicks out wide, however, gained valuable ground for Bo’. From a wide kick and chase Bowdon retained possession. Good rucking resulted in Darius bursting over the line for a deserved try, Jack adding the conversion putting Bowdon into a 3 point lead. On 65 minutes Luke Brown got on the score sheet with another well worked forwards try, Jack again adding the extras, Bowdon now extending their lead to 10 points. This was quickly reduced to 7 from the trusty boot of the Moore Fullback. The game was set for a tough last 10 minutes.

Bowdon scored their best and final try of the day on 72 minutes - again set up from a kick and chase. For once good handling set Ben Sutherland off on a mazy run, dodging several defenders before delaying his final pass just long enough to ensure Jack Rees could score in the corner. Bowdon now 12 points ahead with 8 minutes left! From the re-start Moore came right back attacking Bowdon trying to get back and get something from the game. With 3 minutes to go a long defensive kick from Bowdon was gathered and returned with interest, their big winger running in a try near the posts. Again the kicking boots from the Fullback ensuring he had a 100% record for the day!

After gathering Swet's kick off Moore had only one thing on their mind! Bowdon had other plans - with the defence holding firm. Tom Sloan could be seen with phone in hand - no doubt phoning for that Taxi! For once it turned up on time and the Ref blew for full time! Another bonus point win and Bowdon sitting top of the pile!

Final Score Moore 29 : 34 Bowdon

No doubt the coaches will have a lot to say about the performance - but from the side lines an ugly win is still a win!