We’re Going Up!!

In a tough final league game Bowdon got the points we needed to ensure promotion to South Lancs and Cheshire Division 1 for next Season. With the biggest crowd seen at Clay lane in decades Bo’ drew with Liverpool Collegiate 22 all. In a riveting game of rugby the lead changed several times with the final points scored in the final minute, either team could have come away with the points needed to claim the last promotion place. Luckily for the home side the draw was good enough for us to claim promotion along with league champions Manchester Medics.

From the kick off this was going to be a tight game with so much at stake for both sides. The scoring was opened by the visitors on 7 minutes when the fly half kicked a penalty from straight in front of the posts. Two minutes later Bowdon hit back, from a lineout the home backs attacked the visitors, Swets releasing Paul Mosley running the perfect line to puncture the visitors defense, running in from 25 meters out. The visitors cover defense finally catching him two metres out, but his momentum carrying him over the line. To score near the posts. Swets adding the conversion to give the home favorites a four point lead.

Liverpool re-took the lead midway through the first half, after sustained pressure on the Bowdon 5 metre line, the home defense finally cracked allowing Liverpool to score a converted try between the posts. Bowdon again came back and three minutes later from a line out on the visitor’s 10 meter line. The call was made, Harry Booth threw to Neil Bright at the front of the line. The forwards then marched forward 15 meters, into a good attacking position. The ball then came to the backs, Swets bulldozing a hole in the center of the Liverpool defense allowing Andre to run in from the 22. Swets again kicking the ball all the way to the pondarosa, reinstating Bowdon's four point lead.

The rest of the half saw the game ebb and flow with neither side able to add to the score, but both sides showing attacking intent and fierce tackling.

The Game was finally poised with both teams playing great rugby, neither being able to gain the upper hand for any length of time. 15 minutes into the second half Collegiate regained the lead, this time some poor tackling allowed the visitors to move the ball out wide and score on the right. With the collegiate fly half adding the extra 2 points. Eight minutes later Bowdon were back on top. From a penalty near half way Bowdon kicked for touch. The resulting lineout was again aimed at Brighty, who landed with the ball in hand. The forwards crowded round Brighty and mauled towards the line. Collegiate’s defence stopped Bowdon with inches to go, as the ball came out good defensive tackling prevented Bowdon from crossing the whitewash. From the ruck Bo’ had several pick and go’s eventually cracks appeared and Luke Brown crashed over for an unconverted try. Making up for his 10 minute rest he had earlier for a spear tackle.

With only eight minutes to go Bowdon’s slender two point lead was extended when Swets kicked a monster drop goal from the half way line wide out to the left of the posts, a full 60 meters out with the angle! The cries from the crowd could be heard all around "NoooooooYYYYYYeeeessss" as the ball sailed high over the cross bar and somewhere over the clubhouse! The kick will go down in Bowdon history and in the Swetman household, the distance will grow as the years pass - but the story will be retold many times.

The game was not over yet, Collegiate had a possible promotion to play for. The final minutes saw chances for both sides. Bowdon were making openings but were not able to convert these. In the last minute, Bowdon gave away a kickable penalty, with three points not enough Collegiate kicked to touch on the 5 meter line. A well worked training ground move saw the Liverpool wing forward taking the ball down the narrow side and round to score almost unopposed halfway from the touch and the posts. This tied the scoring and with a conversion to come from the flyhalf who had kicked everything up to that point. The kick was missed, much to the relief of all with Bowdon in their hearts, and the anguish of all with Collegiate connections.

The cheers were ringing all around Clay Lane as the ref blew his whistle. A draw being a fitting result to a great game played in great spirits by both teams. The Club was rocking after the game. The Liverpool players and fans, to their credit, staying for several after the game adding to the craic. Several old faces remarking it was just like the old days. Man of the Match was give to Thiu, playing his last game of rugby, hanging up his boots – from playing at least. It was also his last game in charge at Bowdon as he moves to pastures new - we wish him well and hope he stays in touch. In reality all 18 players for Bowdon deserved the MOM for giving the Clay Lane faithful a cracking last game of the season and a fantastic result!