Match Report Bingham 32 Ilkeston 3rds 19

Match Report
Bingham Vs Ilkeston 3rds
KO 3pm

With Bingham losing the toss & Ilkeston boxing smart we were made to change ends and fight into the wind towards our trusty clubhouse. Bingham started well with a couple of big scrums (one against the head) that allowed our backs to get their hands warm. Within 5 Minutes, Bingham warmed the scoreboard with a Tom packer classy break through the centre an offload to the returning Andrew Birznieks who evaded the winger on the touchline and touched over in the corner. Tom Packer Missed Conversion. 5-0.
Just like the way Bingham used to start a couple of years ago we made it more 3 minutes later. Will North the winger making only his 3rd start looked like a seasoned professional and went from his own 22 to the oppositions 22 with classic speed and energy down the right wing. Tackle was made by the covering full back but we retained possession and Captain Jason Churchill acted at fly half passing to Dave Fairchild who lumbered over from his usual 10 metre’s out to score just under the posts. Tom Packer converted. 12-0.
The next 10 minutes passed with Ilkeston taking possession into the Bingham half. Penalties were being handed over like confetti and whilst they missed their first penalty attempt, the second was made for handling in the ruck. 12-3.
Bingham went back on the offensive with Chris Garrod in the centre’s and recycled ball again went to Tom Packer who went on one of his mazy runs and pass to Tom Spibey who showed his pace to outgun the Ilkeston backs and feed to Will North to score under the posts. Converted again by Tom.
19-3.
Again, more needless penalties given away saw Ilkeston get 3 points back. 19-6.
It was then left to the smallest player on the pitch, Ben John to make an outstanding tackle on the 6ft 6 2nd Row Ilkeston player 10 metres from the line but yet another penalty saw the No 1 crash through from the same distance. Not converted. 19-11.
Another Tom packer break was rewarded with a penalty converted by himself. 22-11.
However, the common theme of penalties, this time for not releasing saw a similar try scored by Ilkeston’s No 7 although conversion was missed. 22 – 16.
Bingham saw a charged down from Chris Spibey and a touch down by Tom Packer disallowed even though the referee initially allowed it but Ilkeston players in his ear saw the decision reversed.
A thoroughly splendid half of rugby and the scoreline close. However, there was much pleasure gained from the backs in the opening quarter and taking the penalties out of it, it was much like our old self. Half time 22-16.
The second half began quite scrappily and the only score came from a Tom Packer penalty for Ilkeston back chat.
25-16.
It was felt on the Bingham touchline that letting Ilkeston trundle it up midfield would lead to there own downfall and we were proved right. A poor pass from the scrum saw it knocked through by Bingham and Chris Garrod feeding on scraps picked up the ball and powered over the line for a bonus point try. Converted by Tom. 32-16.
Ilkeston gained 3 points back 5 minutes later to make it 32-19 on the hour mark.
Another phase of scrappy play was witnessed over the next 10 minutes until the best Bingham Back move of the day saw Andrew Birznieks pass to Mick Challons to Chris Garrod and onto Tom Spibey and he ran in under the posts but unfortunately it was disallowed for a forward pass. It finished there so Full time 32-16.
An encouraging win against a big side and it takes us forward into the last 6 weeks. Coach described the match as “Can Do Better” but it was noted Chris Spibey in the forwards putting in his best performance of the season & the inexperienced wingers grow in stature.