Finally Bo’ fire on all cylinders at home.

This was a cracking game with both teams looking to play good expansive rugby - both sets of back having ample time to run and test the defences. From the kick off it was clear to all that both teams were well matched up front but Bowdon having the edge in the backs. The game was going to be a close but open affair.

With just over 5 minutes gone Bowdon were in a great attacking position with a line out on the Park 5 metre line. Not for the last time in the game the lineout was lost and Park quickly moved down the field, Bowdon finally being penalised for off side on the 5 meter line. Park elected to scrum, a series of pick and drives saw them scoring out wide on the left. The conversion being added for good measure, giving a seven point lead to the visitors.

A couple of minutes later and it was Bo’s turn to steal a Park lineout in midfield. The ball moved out to Neal Collinge, who was having a blistering game. The ball made its way out to Swets who barged through the middle before releasing Mitch McGrath who bulldozed over a couple of opponents on his way to score between the posts. Swets then kicked the extras to draw the score level.

Both teams then had chances to take the lead, the cover tackling from both teams being a match to the frequent attacks from both sides. Adam McLoughlin putting in a couple of cracking tackles just as it looked like Park would break through. Just after the half hour Bowdon took the lead, a break from Tom Keevil saw him pass back inside to Willie Landman who in turn broke a couple of tackles making great ground, he popped the ball up to Tim Nicholson on his shoulder to run the last 10 metres to score out wide. The final score of the half came from Swets boot - with only a couple of minutes to go Park were penalised for offside in the middle of the park on their 22’ Mike split the uprights to give Bowdon an eight point advantage at half time.

The second half started much the same as the first. Park marginally out the traps a bit quicker than the home side! But it was Bo’ who scored first. Park were penalised on their 22, Bowdon elected to have a scrum. The ball came back and moved in field, a couple of rucks later and Neal Collinge found a bit of space on his inside but still 17 yards out from the line. Ambling through the gears Neal took the direct route - not to the try line but to the middle of the posts. To the delight of the home faithful the prop come flying centre forgot how to pass and kept motoring towards the line - not letting three would be tacklers slow his progress to the whitewash. The home fans cheers were almost deafening as Collinge dived / collapsed over the line. A score to savour and one that would be regaled many times in the bar later - the distance increasing every time (55 yards at the last count) The home lead was further extended to 15 points with the 2 points from the conversion.

The last 15 minutes was possibly Parks best spell of the game. Bowdon’s lead was reduced by three points after conceding a penalty in front of the posts. Park then upped the pressure as they could see a way back into the game They were unlucky with a several promising attacks, handling errors or some last gasp home tackling especially from the Bowdon back 3 preventing them from crossing the line. With 8 minutes to go Neal Collinge was carded for Bowdon persistently giving away penalties in the 22’. Try as they may Winnington Park could not break down the last line of defence. The refs final whistle was roundly cheered, Bowdon finally showing what they can do at home.

For those that watched a cracking game, Bowdon making amends for the reverse fixture earlier in the season where Winnington Park were the better team on the day. For Bowdon the man of the match could have been any one of several worthy recipients - not least Neal Collinge, but the nod went to Luke Brown for his never ceasing tackling and foraging in the rucks causing several turnovers. Bowdon’s next home game is on the 21st when Anselmians come to the Clay. We hope for the same result!