Bingham 26 Ashfield 2nds 0

Bingham entertained Ashfield 2nds for the 1st time in Pennant 3 at Brendon Grove on Saturday with several enforced changes through unavailability and injury and were thankful to Mike Challans & Richie Lamb making themselves available filling the gap at 10 and on the flank respectively and to Chris & Tom Spibey and Shawn Toomey all playing out of position.

Playing with the wind, Bingham started strongly and kept play almost entirely in the Ashfield half but resolute defence from a young Ashfield side frustrated Bingham as several attacks were repelled. The Bingham scrum slowly gained dominance and with Jonathan Thomas and Ben McGill controlling the line out pressure mounted and a drive to line after a clean line out was held up but led to Anthony Thomas having to be replaced by Pete Mount 20 minutes into the game. The breakthrough eventually came as Tom John made a dart from the back of a ruck to go over. Mike Challans hit the upright from the touchline. The pattern continued with Bingham controlling possession through the forwards but just not quite being able to press home the advantage until late in the half after several phases of play and Dan Bartram forced his way over to make it 10 – 0. A penalty from Mike Challans just before half time made it 13 – 0 but with the elements now against Bingham wondered if it would be enough.

Ashfield started the 2nd half well showing enterprise and looking to run the ball. Shawn Toomey made several telling counter attacks from Ashfield kicks but just not able to put it all together. Although some relaxation was seen on our own scrum, Bingham continued to apply severe pressure on any Ashfield ball and despite the wind, Bingham maintained most of the possession and our try line was barely threatened. Tom John made a break down the blind side and chipped over and Richie Lamb won the chase with Chris Spibey to score, 18 – 0. Injuries began to mount as Tom Spibey, Jason Churchill, Jonathan Thomas and Tom John were all replaced. Mike slotted a penalty to make the game safe and delivered the coup de gras intercepting a promising Ashfield attack on the half way to score. The Bingham line stood firm to the end running out victors 26 – 0. A valuable bonus point win,