Bolingey Barbarians v Bodmin, Lankelly-Fowey, Roseland (BLR)
Sunday 11th November 2023
Bolingey Barbarians second domestic fixture of the season was against a large combination squad of players from, Bodmin, Lankelly-Fowey and Roseland RFC’s, (BLR). The visitors were intent on enjoying the full Barbarian experience, stepping from their team coach at Perranporth RFC and eager to enjoy ‘three halves’ of rugby.
Referee, Dan Thoroughgood’s whistle started the match in blustery but dry conditions.
Both teams struggled to judge the flight of the ball in the opening plays, each conceding possession as the swirling wind punished the defence and ambitious long passes.
It was Bolingey who retained the ball most effectively to earn the first try of the game, pressing hard inside the ten-metre line to find centre Joner who dived over to score after seven minutes.
Five minutes later (BLR) countered with a strong forward drive, only to be held up under the posts by a scrambling Barbarian defence.
The game settled into a hard-fought mid-field battle with ball carriers unable to find a way through until Barbarian winger James Brobyn found an overlap wide out and raced over in the corner for their second try.
The perfect response came soon after when the visitors scored through Mark Trevarthen, rounding off a great team try with another good line break.
On the stroke of half time Bolingey Barbarians forwards won a ruck and released the ball to find Joner who outpaced the defence to make it 15-5 with his second try of the period.
Ten minutes into the second half Bolingey scored their fourth, flyhalf Tate Richardson found touch with a well-placed kick, five metres from the goal line. The resulting line out was lost and regained, then shipped through the three quarters for Danny Robins to go over between the posts, 20-5, Bolingey.
The score line flattered to deceive as (BRL) threatened to unlock the home defence, making good use of the bench they finished the final quarter with the lion’s share of possession.
Indeed, they scored the try of the match, a high defensive kick from Bolingey was superbly fielded at pace by the (BRL) full back, Paul Carter. His fluid defence splitting run was passed through two pairs of hands to find Tom Cheeseman who made no mistake to double their score, 20-10.
This spurred the visitors on to breach the Bolingey line for their third try, a strong forward drive saw them scramble over in the corner, 20-15.
With a tied score looking ominous, the visitors were denied after Bolingey regrouped and kept up sustained pressure deep in the danger zone. Steve Instance had the last word and breached a valiant defence to make the final score 25-15.
The afternoon was rounded off back at the Bolingey Inn. After the players enjoyed a fine meal provided by landlord Stuart Lane. A raffle and auction together with generous donations and match fees were collected, all proceeds on the day amounted to £1472.00, an amazing sum, which will make such a difference to the less fortunate children in Cornwall.
Two new cap Bolingey Barbarian players, together with the debut referee were presented with club ties by President David Driver.
Chairman, Roger Mead, thanked everyone for supporting the Bolingey Barbarian’s charitable endeavours. Outlining the latest recipients of children’s charities in Cornwall.
The next fixture will be played on Sunday, December 10th, kick off 1pm. This is against a combination side from Perranporth, St. Anges and Newquay. This traditional December game is an opportunity for all players and supporters to dust off their Christmas jumpers and other dubious festive attire. All are welcome, please come and enjoy veteran rugby and support children’s charity in Cornwall.
