Bolingey Barbarians v St. Austell and Absent Friends!
Sunday 13th November 2022
This roving reporter was sorry to miss a ‘thirteen try thriller’ after receiving the match report draft copy. A standard disclaimer applies: ‘Never let the facts get in the way of a good story’!
The visitors got out of the blocks in rampant style, scoring four tries without reply inside of twenty minutes. Caveman, Alec Welling, Paul Winterbottom and John Winters bagging one a piece.
Bolingey Barbarians first try came from Falmouth’s Tommy Tonkins. The Barbarians couldn’t build on this as Paul Winterbottom touched down for his second five minutes before the break to put the visitors try count lead at five to one.
During the half time players huddle it was clear that Bolingey had their work cut out if they were to salvage a respectable performance. Barbarian team selector and Truro RFC stalwart David Moyle joining an animated discussion.
The visitor’s combination mix was heavily reliant on St. Austell, Roseland’s Nathan Chapman a sole ally. It was apparent that without recently retired Roseland try scoring machine Ian Pellow, together with the unavailability of Truro players on international duty, the game would have already been out of sight and around the proverbial corner.
The St. Austell contingent continued to show great cohesion and opened the second half with a try from Rob Horton. Bolingey countered with Bruce Robertson scoring their second of the match. Five minutes later Adie for the visitors touched down for their seventh.
Bolingey finally regained some composure and had a remarkable ‘purple patch’ scoring three without reply, Bruce Robertson finishing between a brace by James Bowden from Wadebridge.
Meadie had the last word with his line break before referee Pete Biernis signalled the end of this high scoring match.
The third half was back at the Bolingey Inn, landlord Stuart Lane did us proud with a wonderful meal for all.
President, David Driver, presented debutante referee Pete Biernis with his Bolingey Barbarian tie. It is great to have a new referee enjoying taking charge of Barbarian games which have a unique flavour.
A little low on choristers, the singing was short lived. We were well entertained by Windy, (Mr Winterbottom). With the raffle and pound if you do/don’t, followed by an auction, a healthy sum was raised for children’s charities in Cornwall.
As part of the parish notices, Chairman Roger Mead reported that early in the week some club members visited Newquay to make a presentation to The Clothes Horse. We are now asking for donations of children’s clothing to help build up their stock. Please contact any of the committee or contact Roger to arrange drop offs.
The next fixture is ‘The Bolingey Bowl’, on Sunday 11th December, versus a combination from Perranporth, St. Agnes and Newquay. Dress code, ‘Christmas Jumpers’ . . . I can smell the mothballs already!
