Sat 18 Jan 2025
For their first game of 2025, Newbold made the long journey to Lincolnshire to play a
Bourne side that languished at the bottom of the table. However, on a cold and damp
afternoon, a powerful Bourne side emerged as comfortable 32-15 winners with a
performance that belied their league position.
Newbold kicked off and breaks by Manny Sidhu and Finn Conway took play into the
Bourne 22 before the hosts cleared their lines. With a physically powerful side,
Bourne’s tactics were clear as they tried to smash their way through Newbold’s
defences and, after sustained pressure, they scored a try in the corner which was
converted to give the home side a 7-0 lead. Worse was to come for Newbold as
Bourne scored a second try after a lineout and rolling maul had taken play close to
Newbold’s line. Newbold were finally stung into action and a fine kick by Phil Reed
took play deep into the Bourne half where brave play by Eddie Allen resulted in the
home side being awarded two yellow cards for foul play. Newbold’s fast back line
had looked dangerous whenever they were given the ball, and after an excellent
break involving Jack Toolan, Manny Sidhu and Tom Dixon, Finn Conway broke
clear to score a superb try under the posts which was converted by Phil Reed to
reduce the deficit. Unfortunately, from the restart, Newbold were penalised and
conceded a penalty which gave the home side a 15-7 lead at half time.
Newbold made an excellent start to the second half with Finn Conway scoring a
superb individual try after gathering the ball in his own 22 and running the length of
the field leaving the Bourne defenders in his wake. More was to follow from the
restart, with Manny Sidhu making a break which took play back into the Bourne 22
where the home side were penalised. Nathan Gray converted the penalty which
made the scores level to the delight of the small group of travelling supporters who
had been feeling the cold on the touchline. However, Bourne hit back with a break
from their powerful centre who caused the Newbold defence problems all afternoon.
Although he was stopped, Newbold were penalised for not rolling away from the
tackle and, from an untidy lineout close to the corner, Bourne scored another try to
retake the lead. With the bit between their teeth, and with Newbold tiring, Bourne
scored their fourth try with another rolling maul following a lineout in the corner.
There was still time for Bourne to score another penalty to leave the final score 32-
15 to the home side.
Although they will be disappointed with the defeat, Newbold’s young team can be
proud of their commitment and endeavour against a much bigger and powerful
opposition.
