Bolingey v Roseland RFC
Sunday 24th April 2022
Bolingey Barbarians were delighted to be invited to the picturesque village of Philleigh on the Roseland Peninsula to help celebrate fifty years of rugby at a club which epitomises one of the most authentic experiences of Cornish rugby.
After changing at the community centre a few yards up the hill from the Roseland Inn (aka Philleigh Pub). Visitors in the beer garden are alerted by the sound of boot studs ‘clacking’ on the ground as thirty players make their way down the lane to the pitch.
On this special occasion supporters didn’t have to wait for a post-match drink at the pub. Roseland RFC had erected a pitch-side marquee complete with barrels of beer. This created a festival atmosphere and the ensuing match lived up to expectations with both sides fielding large squads to enjoy veteran rugby played in an open and most entertaining fashion.
Thanks to referee Steve Avenell who kept the game flowing from start to finish.
In perfect late spring weather, it was the Barbarians who opened the scoring when Owen Hambly touched down wide out. Roseland soon got themselves organised and equalised after fifteen minutes with a well worked forward drive. Keeping momentum, it was Roseland who went ahead when good field position by the pack provided scrum half Ben Allan a gap which he exploited perfectly and jinked through from ten metres to dot down between the posts.
The game settled with both sides providing half chances and defending the breaks. The Barbarians tied the scores at two a piece after a superb lineout saw the ball spun through the hands sending Tom Hindes speeding over.
Against the run of play with Bolingey looked set to score from five metres the ball came loose and was kicked up field three times by Roseland’s pacey winger who gathered to score a fine solo try to put the home side ahead 3-2.
Bolingey scored next after some great phases between their forwards and backs. Ruck ball was released to Tate Richardson whose audacious reverse flick pass sent their charging centre Justin Irons crashing through the midfield to score and tie the game again at 3-3.
Roseland came back immediately and provided a great spectacle just before the break. Roseland winger Ian Pellow, playing his last game, received a well-timed pass and put the home team ahead at 4-3. Ian is also a stalwart Bolingey Barbarian and has been a great servant to both clubs. He has pledged to ‘hang up his boots’ on this anniversary occasion but due to incorrect data on his passport there could still be a ‘finale extraordinaire’!
The second half continued with another fifteen minutes of Roseland dominance, Bolingey managed to win possession and fed the ball to skipper Steve Instance who powered over to equalise for the visitors at 4 tries each.
Ten minutes later another Justin Irons try put Bolingey back in front after a box kick was fumbled by Roseland the Barbarian centre was quick to capitalise, kicking through and winning the foot race to the line.
Danny Robbins stretched the lead after sustained forward pressure to dive over for the Barbarians to make it 4-6.
Roseland replied after winning a forward power play with Craig Edwards offloading to send scrum half Ben Allan over for his second to bring them within a score at 5-6.
It could have gone either way before a great midfield exchange by the Bolingey threequarters, some fine handling saw prop Guy Taylor receive the pass to score the twelfth and final try of the match.
The ‘third half’ continued in the beer tent, the players rehydrating with a lovely young lady called Betty Stoggs. Once tired legs recovered enough for the return journey to the Roseland Inn.
A most enjoyable afternoon followed in the sunshine outside the pub; the players and supporters taking part in a raffle and auction. Roseland RFC’s most generous contribution helping children’s charities in Cornwall overseen by the Bolingey Barbarians.
Below: A letter of thanks sent to Roseland RFC Hon. Secretary Nick Sylvester.
Hello Nick,
On behalf of Bolingey Barbarians, we thank all involved for organising the match on Sunday and making it a wonderful day. It was a great game played in true Barbarian spirit; the third half was even better than 10 years ago!
Could you pass on our thanks and appreciation to the staff at the Roseland Inn for their hospitality and to Nathan and all the players that supported us.
The total raised on the day was £2005.22, an amazing amount which will go towards helping so many children in Cornwall.
We wish Roseland RFC every success on and off the pitch for the years to come, we look forward to getting more of your players involved with the Barbarians.
Thank you to all at the Roseland RFC.
Cheers Roger
Roger Mead, B.E.M.
(Chairman, Bolingey Barbarians)
