Bolingey Barbarians v Perranporth, St Agnes, Newquay (PAN)
Sunday 15th December 2024
The opposition, traditionally a combination from Perranporth, St Agnes and Newquay RFC’s. A cocktail of players in varying amounts, this year’s yuletide recipe contained equal shots of Perranporth and Newquay with a twist of St Agnes. A potent brew that was sure to provide a tough test for the Barbarians.
The weather stayed largely dry until late in the second half when an intermittent Cornish mizzle coated the Brewers Droop at Budnic Hill, Perranporth. Good rugby conditions, for what proved to be a fast paced, high scoring encounter, straight from Danny Robbins first whistle. Thanks to the experienced Cornwall Society referee who marshalled the game perfectly.
The match was only two minutes old when PAN’s captain, Dan Sanderson, made a strong break through the first tackler, the diminutive figure had an open run, twenty metres to the goal line. Barbarian scrum half, Jake Champion, made a last gasp tap tackle which felled Sanderson, but it was to no avail as he casually off-loaded to his supporting runner who raced in between the posts, 0-5.
A well-worked backs move after the restart earned PAN their second, 0-10. Bolingey were on the ropes, continued pressure was thwarted when quick thinking Owen Hambly read the play, intercepting the ball to put the Barbarians back in contention, 5-10.
The momentum was kept when new cap Barbarian, Liam Barkwell, got his side back on even terms with a fine try. The industrious back row had a great debut and was clearly relishing the experience, like Santa he popped up everywhere!10-10.
The game settled into a great battle between the evenly matched teams for the next fifteen minutes, from set plays to wide out, everyone involved gave the spectators plenty to cheer about. Barbarian and Roseland RFC player Nathan Chapman was next on the scoresheet with another interception, the second row catching PAN wrong footed, 15-10. It was a short-lived lead though, PAN immediately equalised, Perran’s flying winger, Chas Buscombe, unstoppable with a mazy run, 15-15.
Another fine individual try by Barbarian and St Ives fly half, Adam Harris, put the Ba Bas back in front, his deft grubber kick seemed to suck him straight through the blitz defence as he gathered without breaking stride, 20-15.
It was PAN who had the last word before the break, as intercepts became a theme, Matt Moncaster, showing the Barbarian defence a clean pair of heels to make it, 20-20.
As the match report ink was drying at the interval, Perranporth stalwart John Smeadon remarked that his team’s performance was, ‘as intriguingly rare as white dog pooh’. He reminisced that he had stepped over it for about a month outside of John Mansfield’s flats in the late nineties!
As the game restarted, the first play by the Barbarians led to another great try. Jake Champion looping around to come back inside of James Instance, the ball was then spun wide to the wing before being fumbled into touch ten metres from the goal line. Winning the ensuing lineout, the Barbarians pack provided quick ball for Champion to cut a great line to put them back in front, 25-20.
The Bolingey Barbarians went further ahead when Helston’s Ross Williams made a great long range break down his wing to touch down, 30-20.
The script was true to form as PAN replied immediately from the restart, 30-25. A double strike as the North Coasters stepped on the gas again, their backs causing the Bolingey defence to scramble, it wasn’t enough as the deft handling move put them clear to equalise again, 30-30.
A draw was a fair reflection of a superb game of veteran rugby, Ross Williams had other ideas though. Gathering loose ball, the Bolingey winger showed great pace and skill to score his second, 35-30 before the final whistle.
This December fixture is played for a mystical and ethereal trophy, The Bolingey Bowl. Handed to the victors for safekeeping until the Christmas jumpers are taken out of moth balls once more.
Last seen in the hands of Perranporth’s Stevie Arthur, he explained that it cannot be viewed in a leap year. Made of the finest cut glass and lined with the green and gold belly button fluff of The Brewers front five. Another Arthurian legend to be extracted when the Mead-ian Calendar aligns!
Meanwhile, back inside the clubhouse. The festive knitwear emerging from the changing rooms was something to behold. Elves, reindeer and snowmen making haste to the bar for their well-earned refreshment.
The third half, back at The Bolingey Inn, was well attended. Players and supporters congregated outside to sing a carol or two. A raffle and auction, together with a pitch side collection, match fees and a jar of pickled onions raised an amazing, £1,270.00 on the day.
Bolingey Barbarian chairman, Steve Instance, read the parish notes and thanked our new hosts, Diane and Matt, for their hospitality and players meal.
President, Roger Mead, presented new cap, Liam Barkwell, with his Bolingey Barbarian tie.
On behalf of the less fortunate children in Cornwall, The Bolingey Barbarian committee wish a Merry Christmas to all past and present players, our friends and generous supporters.
