Bolingey Barbarians v West Penwith
Sunday 30th April 2023
The Bolingey Barbarians final home game of the season was against our friends from West Penwith.
The opposition normally fielding a combination team from Hayle, St. Ives, and St. Just.
This year witnessed a smaller contingent with players from St. Just taking up the challenge and together with the help of the Barbarians they were able to produce a most entertaining game of veteran rugby at Perranporth RFC.
Thanks to referee, Eddie Ingram, officiating in his debut at a Barbarian match. The game ran smoothly under his stewardship. We hope he enjoyed the unique environment, earning a deserved Bolingey Barbarian tie which was presented during the ‘third half’ at the Bolingey Inn.
The overcast but pleasantly mild weather produced perfect playing conditions. With the teams able to move the ball on a firm dry pitch, it was West Penwith who opened the scoring in the fifth minute, through full back, Scatt Batten, sprinting twenty metres to touch down.
After ten minutes of deadlock, it was Barbarian openside Shaun Kelly of Lankelly who crashed over on his belly in a try worthy of the telly to make it one a piece.
The Barbarian’s went ahead a few minutes after the restart, flyhalf Nigel West the scorer after some fine handling sent him through the defensive line to dot down between the posts.
The lead was short lived when Matt Trevail received a well-timed pass and outpaced his opponent to equalise the match at 10-10.
Both sides were creating opportunities, the packs contesting well to win ruck ball. Barbarian full back Colin Cooper broke the impasse and was next to score and edge his team ahead in the twenty-fifth minute.
The spectators were treated to a fine solo try just before half time. Winger, Matt Trevail scoring his second after kicking ahead and catching a high bouncing ball on his fingertips without breaking stride. This put West Penwith back on equal terms in a six try first half.
It was the evergreen Trevail who opened the scoring after the break with his hat-trick to put the visitors back in front. West Penwith’s full back Scatt to everyone with a mazy run through the Barbarians, offloading to Trevail who was deadly from three metres.
With such an evenly fought contest, neither side was able to pull more than one score in front. This trend continued when Barbarian flyhalf Nigel West broke through the line for his second of the match to tie the game 20-20.
After another strong passage of play it was now the turn of Barbarian number eight Scott French to earn a place on the score sheet, putting his side ahead for the third time in the closing minutes of the game.
It was a fitting finale, West Penwith winning a race up field to contest a kick ahead, Mark Murray gathering and dashing over the line to equalise and draw the game for a ten try thriller! 25-25.
The players and spectators enjoyed a post-match summary from Bolingey Barbarian chairman, Roger Mead. A special thank you address was given to Perranporth RFC for their hospitality throughout the season. A bouquet was presented to Lisa for keeping us all hydrated in the clubhouse.
After retiring for the ‘third half’ at the Bolingey Inn, the players enjoyed a hearty post-match meal provided by landlord Stuart Lane. Roger Mead presented Stuart with a Bolingey Barbarian tie and thanked him for his hospitality this year.
The raffle and auction were most successful, thank you to all who so generously support children’s charity through the Bolingey Barbarians.
