Pre-season game against Bournemouth II
For the final preparatory game before the leagues start, the 1st XV welcomed Bournemouth 2nd XV to Castle Road on 18th September.
We opened the scoring 5 minutes in when centre Jake Campey spotted a gap and streaked in for a try, converted by scrum-half Ed Crossley. Ed then added a try of his own, then Bournemouth scored a converted try for 12-7.
On the half-hour we were awarded a penalty on the Bournemouth 22 and kicked for touch. We won the line-out and the forwards drove over for a classic Fat Boys' try, claimed by Gareth Blackborow. Bournemouth scored again just before half-time to make it 17-12 at the break.
Bournemouth spent most of the second half camped in our half but we defended well. Eventually they made the pressure count and scored a try to level at 17-17. We got back to their end of the pitch for the last 10 minutes, and put them under a lot pressure. We thought we had a try from the forwards to win the game, but sadly the ref didn't share our view so we had to settle for a draw.
Things get serious next weekend, 25th. September, when the 1st and 2nd XVs both have home league fixtures against our old friends and rivals Swanage & Wareham. Kick-off is at 3:00 pm and all support will be welcome.
Report and photos: John Palmer