Bolingey Barbarians v Camborne Vets
Sunday 22nd October 2023
After the recent inclement weather, the traditional new season opener against stalwart Barbarian champions, Camborne Vets, was bathed in autumnal sunshine.
The large gathering of spectators lining the rails were treated to a most entertaining display of veteran rugby. With the on-field action conducted with great passion and equal measures of laughter, when the ‘champagne’ moves were spilled and the Perranporth ‘wabbit holes’ tripped the unwary.
Thanks to referee Kevin Williams who kept the game moving from start to finish and always enjoys the special atmosphere that Barbarian rugby brings.
Both teams fielded large squads, the starters and finishers all played their part, the dry weather facilitated the passing game, enabling the half backs to give their three-quarter lines plenty of quick ball.
Good quality possession was equally shared, the deadlock broken after ten minutes by Bolingey Barbarian, Paul Carter, who showed good pace on the wing to speed over, the new cap scoring the games opening try in the corner.
It was a short-lived celebration though, Camborne won the ball from the restart, number eight Cameron Bone received a slick pass and cut an angled line to crash over and draw the game 5-5.
Another well contested ten minutes produced some fine interplays from both sides, their forwards and backs all involved in some great running phases.
It was Camborne’s Ben Priddey who put his side into the lead after twenty minutes, the cherry and white’s hooker playing at openside flanker for the vets. Priddey collected the ball from just inside his own half and cast off to race through the defence, leaving the Barbarians all at sea in his wake.
The visitors started to put together some superb moves, a perfect cross kick splitting the defence and finding Josh Matavesi who nutmegged the last man to send his wing Mark Murray through for the third score 5-15, Camborne at the half time whistle.
The second period saw both sides ring the changes with tired old legs being replaced by fresh old legs!
Camborne continued to make the best of their opportunities, after five minutes another slick handling move found Jim Richards in space to dot the ball over wide out.
The remainder of the match was more evenly contested. With the score fixed at 5-20 to Camborne. It needed something special to turn the tide in Bolingey’s favour. It was left to David ‘Jumbo’ Reed, seemingly with eyes in the back of his head he produced the kind of tackle that would go ‘viral’ if anyone could work the internet.
This spurred the Barbarians on, the first side to compose themselves and capitalise on the spectacle from the dug-out.
Indeed, it was Bolingey’s Oily Mounts who gathered the loose ball and embarked on another long-range attacking run to finish the game with a fine solo try to make it 10-20 at William’s final whistle.
The ‘third half’ of this match was destined to be a memorable occasion. After the players and spectators enjoyed a cooling down period with their friends at Perranporth RFC, before the coach was loaded for the short journey to the Bolingey Inn.
Landlord Stuart Lane put in a tremendous amount of work, providing a hearty menu which sustained players and supporters. It was all systems go and everyone was fed and watered. Bolingey Barbarian chairman, Roger Mead, thanked Stuart and his staff for their hospitality.
In his chairman’s address, Roger Mead provided an update on the charitable donations recently made, together with requests for consideration by the Bolingey Barbarian committee.
Roger also thanked Camborne for their great show of support both on and off the field. He went on to explain the scoring system of 2 tries to 4 with home advantage and ‘count back’ making the final result 3-3 on aggregate, rugby always the winner!
New caps, Scott Withecombe and Paul Carter were presented with their Bolingey Club ties by President David Driver.
Sean Oates replied on behalf of Camborne and presented Roger Mead with a donation from Camborne RFC. A quite remarkable £830, raised on the day and during previous events at the club.
Stalwart Bolingey Barbarian, Andy Stephens, conducted the raffle and most entertaining auction. Cornish Fijian international Sam Matavesi played a small part from where I was standing! Welcome home our friend.
Before enjoying a rousing sing along to end the afternoon at the Bolingey Inn. Roger Mead announced that together with the donation from Camborne and all involved on the day, a total of £2,155 was pledged. A quite staggering amount which will go such a long way to help the less fortunate children in Cornwall.
