BOA 34 - 12 Colerne
A much improved performance from the previous week witnessed BoA emerge as convincing winners against the visiting Colerne, in a fixture which could have proved to be a potential 'banana skin'. Ultimately, however, such was the manner of the performance that the winning margin could (and indeed should) have been greater.
Welcoming several new faces to the fold, namely Chris 'no nickname yet' Black, Alex 'dubious shorts' Davies and 'Journeyman' Duncan, BoA set about the game with the kind of vigour and purpose which was sorely lacking last week. A much steelier mental attitude pervaded the squad and the resulting application on the pitch translated into 6 tries (and hence a valuable bonus point).
James 'nocturnal' Carney and the Hobbit worked tirelessly in the back row all afternoon, the former virtually defying space and time by seemingly being in two places at once and the latter being rewarded for his efforts by a try (the detail of which the writer cannot remember; but which the Hobbit has requested to be reported as a 50 yard wonder try!)
The forwards coped efficiently with Colerne's obvious game plan of keeping it tight and 'up the jumper' and exhibited some excellent open play support-running and handling. Rob 'grinner' Fox and Brian “suck it in” Lamplough made some telling forays over the gain line; and Dan “is he awake?” Taylor coped admirably when called upon to slot in at number 8. The pack cohesion was evident for large parts of the game and Dan “smiling assassin” Sheppard profited by crossing for his first try of the season.
All the hard work up front allowed the back line to adopt a simple game plan of getting the ball through hands at every opportunity. Pete “Baywatch” Gaffney offered effective distribution from the base of the scrum and the breakdown and formed a proficient half-back partnership with Jamie “suspect sexuality” Birleson – the latter having an impressive game at 10. This allowed for regular expansive play and resulted in Ben “Daddy Lumlegs” Lumley finishing in clinical fashion for two tries out wide, along with further tries for Baywatch himself and a well-taken breakaway try for Paul “John Travolta” Goddard, who showed surprising (!!) rapidity in finishing off from 50 yards out.
The key is to now translate the attitude and application of this game into next week, when BoA take their first trip away from the Dome to local rivals Chippenham. A win is very achievable and will help to consolidate a mid-table position at this early stage of the season.
BELIEVE…..