Saturday 10th September 2011

Eastbourne vs Sheppey (League)

Final score: 5 - 13
 

Finally the first game of the season had arrived and a successful pre season for the “Bourne’s” meant that whilst they knew they would be facing a strong and newly promoted Sheppey team, the dressing room was positive as the players eagerly waited for the “5 minutes to go lads” call from the referee.
A very dignified minutes silence was observed prior to kick off in the memory of Eastbourne’s Megan Brooks and Sheppey player Steve Croall .
Sheppey started strong and displayed good strength in the scrum an area that Eastbourne had dominated the whole of the previous season; this was set to be a good test for both sides.
Clean ball was provided to the Sheppey number 8 who’s link with the centre made ground through the Bourne’s defence. A penalty for a rather unknown infringement was award to Sheppey and the 15 Cooley slotted the 3 points. 0-3
Sheppey continued to pour on good pressure but the Bourne’s defensive now stood solid and made certain there was no way through this time. A bit like the Chairman’s wallet!
At a maul captain Joe Tobin found himself in a “half nelson” and rather than “Tapping out “he tried to remove the arm, then somehow found himself in the sin bin with still much time to be played in the half.
The strength shown by Bourne in the next “7 man scrum” was astonishing and with the referees whistle signalling the end of the half, things looked good for Bourne trailing only by 3 points but with the elements and pitch contours in their favour.
Early second half.....
A skilfully executed kick a head by full back Turner, unleashed the explosive speed of Messrs Smith and Everett resulting in Smith grounding the ball, 5 points the reward. Credit here must be given to the Sheppey lines judge who made the difficult call of deciding whether the ball had touched the paint line, yet his honesty and assurance to the referee kept the try “Given”

The wind was now getting up and sadly the conversion was missed, yet with the score now 5-3 to the good of Bourne, the good humoured supporters found their voices.

Sheppey seemed to have switched tactics and a fine display of territorial kicking from the fly half gave them a chance to re entre the Eastbourne half. On the 65th minute a penalty was awarded to the visitors with their Full Back earning them 3 valuable further points. 5-6.

Moments later, penalty to Eastbourne, rather than opting for the 3 points, Bourne had other things on their minds, tapped and went with a pass wide to James Coulthard (Man of the match for his relentless tackling and “Mensa” like decision making) who attempted a drop goal from some 30 metres out, only for the strike to have been struck too sweetly and the wind failing to do as it was told.

3 Replacements followed for Sheppey, with fresh legs they found themselves with a line out close to the Eastbourne 22. A clean catch and drive allowed a gap for Sheppey to drive through and 5 points awarded for the try.

With the wind now getting stronger the impressive Sheppey 15 struck the conversion and 13-5 remained the final score.

A good hearted “Sing off” in the club house after the game showed that some clubs still believe in the traditional values of the sport.

Coach Stanley commented: Whilst this was a game that we could have won, I was most impressed with our defence. We will be working hard on various aspects of our play on Tuesday and Thursday in readiness for a strong Uckfield side.
Man of the Match: James Coulthard.

The after match activities went long into the night, confirming that the new season was here, Sunday morning would prove to be interesting............(Mrs Brooks!!)

MOM(s): James Coulthard