Bowdon Dancing in the Rain!

The short trip across Stockport proved to be a fruitful one for the firsts! Leaving the dry skies of Timperley behind, the rain filled heavens of Marple awaited. Once again pre-match motivational music was supplied by the now resident Bowdon DJ - Big Rick. This proved to be just the ticket, with all the team up for the game.

From the kick off it looked like it was going to be a hard game with the home side also looking like they were up for causing an upset against the league leaders. They probable believed that the upset was on when on 3 minutes Bowdon were penalised in front their own posts! Over popped the ball and Marple took the lead. Two minutes later JB suffered a nasty twisted knee that meant he could have an early bath, or rather watch with the other Bowdon spectators from the side. In stepped Chris Hares to fill his boots - and he proved a great replacement on the day.

The Bowdon forwards were at time showing the opposition what they were capable, driving through the opposition and making good ground. On 12 minutes Bowdon put their first points on the board when Darius drove through to touch down out on the touch line. The backs were also showing what was to come with good handling and players breaking tackles and making good ground. But it was the forwards who would score the next points - Darius again popping over from a bulldozing run to score nearer the posts - Jack Adding the conversion giving a 3 - 12 score midway through the first half. 5 minutes later and Marple were back in the game with an unconverted score out wide.

On 30 minutes - Swets went for a run through the middle of the Marple team off loading to Calum Barrett to go though uncontested between the posts. Jack kicking the conversion bringing Bowdon Points total to 19. 6 minutes later Swets scored his usual try - running though several would be tacklers to score a converted try. Thiu almost cracking a smile as the bonus point was secured before half time. One of the highlights of the half was Mark Wells picking up the ball in the Bowdon 22 then going for a run - bouncing several would be tacklers, running round some others, only getting caught a few meters from the Marple line. A cracking run!

Half Time Marple 8 : 24 Bowdon.

The second half opened with Bowdon playing down the slope and the rain still coming down. Seven minutes in Evaldas decided to stretch his legs and run through half the Marple team before diving over for a great try. Jack once again kicking the conversion. Marple showed some spirit coming down the field to cross the Bowdon line giving them some hope.

Pity Bowdon decided to turn up the heat with the forwards now dominating all areas on the pitch - winning several scrums, taking lineout ball and always making ground in the loose. The backs were also now firing on all cylinders with good passages of play - making ground and looking menacing in attack and tackling hard in defence.

Phil Gare – Playing his first game of the season was now joining the attack and making good yards when he had ball in hand. On 55 minutes he burst though with afterburners glowing going over for the first of this two tries. The trusty boots of Jack putting the ball over the bar and into the next field. The re-start delayed for a minute as a ball was found! Bo’ where now in full flow - with the weather at times hampering the handling but when the ball was in hands they looked good! Thiu shouting from the side lines to hold the ball in the tackle and not off load every time. I’m sure he was smiling as he said this!

From a great attack with the ball going though several sets of hands, it eventually reached Andre to dive into the corner for an unconverted try. Two minutes later and it was Phil who came up trumps again scoring between the posts. Jack bringing up Bowdon’s 50th point of the day.

Bowdon had not finished there. With 6 minutes to go Andre again scored and Jack kicking the extra’s. All on the Bo’ side of the park were now smiling Thiu walking up and down muttering he was happy with the score and the performance. 3 minutes later, the final try came when, Chris Hare went over for a well deserved try ,Jack once again kicking the conversion to make it 7 out of 10 for him on the day.

Final Score Marple 13 : 64 Bowdon.

Man of the match could have been one of several players but the coaches gave it to Darius. Next week sees another top of the table clash with Bo’ taking on the Manchester Medics at the Clay. Make sure you clear your diary and lend your support, for what could be an excellent game of rugby.