Alresford 50 – Bognor 2’s 7 [18 January 2025]
Alresford welcomed Bognor 2’s to the Arlebury on a chilly, overcast January afternoon for our second game of 2025.
It was the away team who kicked off the first half, and it became clear that a determined Alresford side were going to make the most of a productive set of recent training sessions, and an attractive running game from our back line was rewarded with our first try of the afternoon after 5 minutes, with a second coming just 4 minutes later. Both tries were converted – 14-0 to the home side.
The home team continued to press home our advantage, with a superb performance from our pack constantly driving Bognor onto the back foot, and it was no surprise that two further tries arrived in quick succession, meaning that we sealed the try bonus point after just 22 minutes. A fifth try was duly scored just before the half time whistle, making the score at the break;
Alresford 24 – Bognor 2’s 0
The home team started the second half, aware that a spirited Bognor side were not going to lie down, and therefore made the second half a much more fractured, competitive affair.
This was borne out when Bognor were the first team on the scoreboard after the break, reducing the deficit to 24-7.
However, this had the effect of sparking the home team back into life, as we recovered our game plan and discipline from the first half, and duly scored another three tries before the final whistle.
This made the final score;
Alresford 50 – Bognor 2’s 7
This was a superb performance from the entire squad, with backs and forwards working in unison, whilst producing arguably our best first 40 minutes of the season. A dip in focus for the first 15 minutes of the second half is something that needs to looked, as I know it will be at training, but the fact that we regained that focus and scored three further tries after the Bognor score, shows our levels of determinant and desire to improve cannot be faulted. Our performance against Winchester in the previous week showed improvement, but this was a quantum leap in terms of teamwork, attacking intent, and a ruthlessness near the try line, which we should, and no doubt will, take forward into the second half of the season.
We thank Bognor 2’s for a great game played in the right spirit and wish them well for the rest of the season.
Our next fixture on 1st February when we travel to the South Coast to take on Gosport and Fareham.
As ever, thankyou to all those who came and supported the boys today, and we look forward to seeing you again in the upcoming matches.
