Bognor brave – but outclassed by ’Field
Petersfield 57 Bognor 10 Hampshire Counties 1
Bognor’s disappointing run of results continued on Saturday when they lost heavily at the home of runaway league leaders Petersfield.
The Hampshire side, having recruited heavily from clubs such as Worthing Raiders and, more recently, Alton, looked every inch a team destined for greater things as they swept aside a brave but ultimately outclassed and injury-hit Bognor outfit in a one-sided second half.
The result means that Bognor are edging dangerously close to a relegation battle that they wanted to avoid.
They are now joint third from bottom alongside New Milton who have to travel to Bognor in three weeks’ time, but the New Forest side have the advantage of a game in hand.
The writing seemed to be on the wall almost from kick-off when the home side scored two quick-fire tries with Bognor hardly having laid a finger on the ball.
Much to the amazement of the large crowd, however, Bognor hit back strongly and dominated the rest of the first half. Accurate kicking from Brad Caparo ensured that the wind advantage was utilised and Bognor spent long periods, including several five-metre lineouts, inside the opposition 22.
A great run by Ollie Crowe was halted just metres from the line but, just as it was beginning to look as if Bognor would reach half-time empty-handed, Matt Norrell crashed over for a well-deserved try.
Caparo’s conversion, quickly followed by a penalty goal, meant that there were just two points between the sides at half time, and the visitors could even count themselves unlucky not to be ahead.
Any optimism among the considerable Bognor support was dashed soon after half-time when Petersfield scored two tries in as many minutes to put the result beyond doubt.
Bognor enjoyed the odd foray into opposition territory and the youngsters never gave up.
But, as the final score suggests, it was mainly one-way traffic during the second half, the home side keeping the scoreboard ticking over right up to the final minute.
The defeat leaves Bognor ninth in the 12-team table.
They’re level on 25 points with tenth-placed New Milton, with both those sides well clear of the bottom two, Bournemouth twos and Alton.
This Saturday Bognor entertain bottom side Alton.
The Bognor second team also at home – they face Sandown and Shanklin.
All support is welcome for all games at Hampshire Avenue.
Chichester RFC
had a blank weekend with no fixtures scheduled in Regional 2 South Central.
The Blues return to action this Saturday with a visit to Witney – and are next at home when Reading visit Oaklands Park a week later.
Chi are tenth in the table on 25 points, with Salisbury and Reading beneath them.
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