Bolingey Barbarians v Bude, Wadebridge and Launceston (BWL)
Sunday 13th October 2024
Bolingey Barbarians got the domestic season underway against a combination side from Bude, Wadebridge and Launceston (BWL). The last time these leviathans of veteran rugby met was on a bright and breezy afternoon in mid-April of this year in the penultimate match of last season.
As some players unzipped kitbags at Perranporth RFC, the intervening six months brought an interesting biology experiment to a close, as clagged studs repatriated Ponsmere Valley earth back onto the field of dreams.
On a lovely Autumnal afternoon, work undertaken on the playing surface provided perfect conditions.
Officiating on his debut match for the Barbarians, referee Steve Bartlett got the balance just right. As rusty fingers and ‘mild’ knock-ons were forgiven as the teams warmed up to the challenge.
The Barbarians opened the scoring after the ball was recycled from a ruck and moved wide for industrious hooker Richard Brown to race around and dot down in the corner, 5-0.
With both sides enjoying a share of possession, BWL replied, their pack providing clean space for Bude’s Luke Dunkin to muscle over and even the score.
This spurred the Barbarians from the restart, fly half Daniel Dunkin, another brother watched by their mother, spinning the ball to winger Tom Hinds, with the odds Stacked against him, just managing to side-step and outpace his father covering the opposing wing. 10-5.
The Barbarians worked up field minutes later, the pressure rewarded when Owen Hambly outstripped the defence to score in the opposite corner.
The visitors responded with the last try of the first half, a powerful break by their full back who was tackled on the line but used the momentum to stretch over like a felled giraffe. 15-10 at the break.
Man mountain front row, Huge Newt opened the Barbarians account at the restart, unstoppable from two metres to put his team two scores ahead.
Next came a ‘champagne’ move from the Barbarians, the ball moving through multiple hands for number eight Matt Giggolo to finish off a defence splitting attack to move his side three tries in front, 25-10.
BWL were always threatening, their forwards showing great technique to move the ball to within inches of the Barbarian goal line, when a sudden ‘salmon like dive’ from the back of the drive landed a try that Tom Daley would have been proud of, 25-15.
As the game opened up, another fine handling move from the Barbarians brought Tom Hinds his second try. At the closing stages a scrambling BWL defence conceded a penalty at the break down. Quick thinking Newt positioned himself on the wing and signalled for a cross kick, which was perfectly delivered by debut forward Ian Robbins, the ball floating high and caught casually for the walk in try, 35-15.
A beautifully crafted back line move resulted in another try for the Barbarians. Roseland’s Nathan Chapman gathering and storming over to make it 40-15.
The BWL forwards proved a handful in close play, their ball retention made it like trying to wrestle bears over a honeycomb. They clawed tooth a nail to the red zone and forced a penalty which was quickly taken for a well-earned score, 40-20.
It was the Barbarians who had the final say with Danny Trick the final receiver of another good handling move making the result 45-20.
Steve Bartlett’s final whistle closed a thoroughly entertaining 13 try thriller. Veteran rugby at its best, played with great spirit and camaraderie. As always, the ‘third half’ debrief started in the clubhouse at Perranporth, reuniting old friends and introducing new, enjoying the company before heading on to The Bolingey Inn.
After a well-supported raffle. Auctioneer, Andy Stephens had some diverse lots laid before him. Which included, mystery envelopes, royally warranted merchandise and a great big onion.
This fine specimen regarded as a root in the culinary sense but not a true root was duly won by Luke Dunkin and made a tasty amount for (a pound if you do, a pound if you don’t!
Three new caps received Bolingey Barbarian ties: Referee, Steve Bartlett (Redruth). Tug Wilson (Falmouth) and Ian Robbins (Perranporth).
In his address, thanks were expressed by Bolingey Barbarian Chairman, Steve Instance to the staff at the pub for making us welcome and providing a feast which was enjoyed by all present. Also, the referee, players and supporters who make it all possible.
The cocktail hour was hosted by Steve Yates, who provided a brain testing game of strategy and confusion! Who knew not being left to pick up the last stick was so difficult?
At the time of writing, the total raised on the day was almost £800. A big thank you to the generous supporters for helping us with our charitable endeavours for the less fortunate children in Cornwall.
The next match takes place on Sunday 17th November, against a combined side from Bodmin, Lankelly and Roseland. Please come along to Perranporth RFC for a 1pm kick off and enjoy an afternoon with the Bolingey Barbarians.
