Bolingey Barbarians v Camborne Veterans

Sunday 16th October 2022

Bolingey Barbarians hosted Camborne RFC vets in what has become the traditional opening fixture of the domestic season.

Camborne always provide a solid foundation both on and off the field and are a cornerstone of the Bolingey Barbarian rugby family. Hiring a bus to ensure players and supporters could stay for the ‘third half’ and enjoy the whole experience of camaraderie and fundraising for children’s charities in Cornwall.

Thanks to referee Kevin Williams who officiated with the perfect balance, maintaining a structure for a free-flowing game that promised to be a closely contested match.

The teams took to the field at Perranporth RFC in pleasant autumnal weather; a large gathering of supporters able to watch in dry but increasingly blustery conditions.

The Barbarians opened the scoring after fifteen minutes when scrum half John Smeadon dotted the ball down after a well-attended drive took him over the goal line.

Camborne equalised ten minutes later, after precise handling through their backs, linking up with second row Martin Woolcock who burst through a gap and was unstoppable, racing over from twenty-five metres.

After sustained Barbarian pressure five metres from their opponent’s line, Camborne won the ruck and quickly spun the ball wide for the winger to kick ahead. The counter continued after the foot race was won against the turned defence and fly hacked further up field. Bolingey then conceded a penalty in the tackle which was quickly taken by Camborne who scored between the posts.

The Barbarians kept the game on level terms straight from the restart. Camborne knocked on and Tom Hindes gathered to make it two tries a piece.

Caution was thrown to the wind with some entertaining passages of play. Camborne always looking dangerous scored a great third try, number eight Cameron Bone finishing to put his side back in front. Just before half time Camborne capitalised through Scott French with a strong line break to put the visitors two tries ahead.

Ten minutes after the restart it was Bruce Robertson who put the Barbarians back to within a score, wrong footing the defence and ‘springing like a Bok’ for a fine poachers try.

Scott Langdon brought the match to a close with a well-deserved try. After a strong finish by his team to score the Barbarians fourth to level the match a minute before the final whistle.

Many thanks for the hospitality and hard work by our friends at Perranporth RFC who kept everyone in good spirits before proceeding to our ‘home’, The Bolingey Inn.

We were greeted by new landlord, Stuart Lane, who provided a superb spread of food.

He was thanked by Bolingey Barbarian Chairman, Roger Mead, BEM.

After holding a raffle and auction a very generous amount was raised. This was massively enhanced by a collection from Camborne RFC who presented £500 on the day. Thank you, Camborne, and all who help make the difference on behalf of the children and charities we endeavour to help.