Plans for Bourne to run a regular 2nd XV continue to develop and for the first time this side of Christmas the club ran two sides at the weekend. The 2nd XV made the short trip to Spalding under the leadership of Neil Oglesbee with the up-and-coming flyhalf Jack Lagdon taking the role of vice-captain.

The side started well and took an early lead through centre Theo Hoyles-Simpson who finished a well worked team try. Wing Matt Kidd couldn’t add the conversion but Bourne were clearly energised by their efforts so early in the game.

But it was the home side that struck next and with a double whammy they picked up two tries in a short spell where they capitalised on Bourne mistakes. The Spalding side looked a more settled unit as a result of playing more regularly and Bourne looked to suffer with several of their players having only met for the first time during the warm-up.

Bourne quickly bounced back from their mistakes and with the first half drawing to a close they were unlucky to be trailing 10 – 5 but thanks to a moment of magic from Kidd they finished the half in front. Kidd received a loose Spalding kick in his own half and with a mixture of pace and guile managed to evade almost the entire Spalding side on his way to scoring. Adding the kick Kidd had put his side 12 – 10 up.

Bourne’s effort level in the second half remained high. The forwards worked tirelessly to build a platform and the backs looked dangerous in attack but the side lacked cohesion and they were guilty of too many mistakes. As they had in the first half Spalding made the most of their opportunities and slowly built a lead.

Spalding’s progress was halted momentarily when Man of the Match Hoyles-Simpson crossed for his second try after a decent solo effort, the conversion added by Kidd.

With a small squad on the day Bourne tired in the final quarter but they remained committed in defence and cut short a number of Spalding attacks. The final scoreline of 34 – 19 perhaps flattered the hosts but it had been a valuable experience for both sides.

Bourne Captain Oglesbee paid tribute to his side after the game: “The lads worked hard and undoubtedly deserved a better scoreline than that but the priority at this point is just getting a side out. It was a bonus that we played so well for large parts of the game and if we continue playing and performing like that the results will soon start going our way.”

Club Chairman Ted Thornburn was pleased to see two sides out on the day: “We’ve had over thirty players involved today and that’s fantastic. The 1st XV are at the best level they’ve ever played at and deserve to stay there – that ambition will be easier to fulfill if we have a decent 2nd XV set-up.”

Bourne RUFC

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