Bowdon through to Cup Semi-Final

Any thoughts Bowdon may have had that this game was there for the taking were quickly quashed by a high tempo start from the visitors, who made good use of the wind advantage in the first half, allowing them to play most of their rugby in Bowdon territory. Conditions, however, did little to help either team build up any rhythm, with space limited on a small pitch, and a wet slippy ball making handling difficult.

Despite being under pressure for most of the half, the Bowdon defence was always strong, and when they did eventually manage to put some phases of play together Tom Peel was well placed to scurry over for a fine poachers finish. He then dusted himself off to slot home the conversion.

Going into the second half with a seven point advantage, and the wind, Bowdon might have expected to have more attacking opportunities, but it was not to be as the opposition showed stern defence of their own, and threatened the Bowdon line on more than one occasion. Powerful play by the Bowdon forwards eventually told, however, Robbie Agnew driving through the heart of Winnington's defence to score and create some much needed breathing space. Will Nicholson kicked the extra two points, to effectively kill the game.

So upwards and onwards, but with very strong opposition a certainty in the semi-final, it is likely that Bowdon will have to raise their game an extra notch if they are to progress further.

On one final note, a big 'well done' must go to all the support players, who stayed on to cheer on their teammates in the cold and the rain.