Excellent win over Southwell 2nds

Without the students some changes in the line up with a debut for Dean Gallagher in the 2nd row and Chris Garrod as captain. Tom John was back for his 1st game in 2011 at full back and Dave Fairchild made his 1st performance of the season.

Bingham kicked off with the wind on their backs and were immediately on the attack. The lineout was good with some excellent throwing in from Keith Lowthian and fine catching by Tim Allott and Pete Mount allowed Bingham to control the game, but despite territorial and possession advantage, the Southwell defense held strong. Despite slight pressure in the scrum some excellent work was seen down the blind side with Tim Allott, Shawn Toomey and Lee Fretwell combining well.

Southwell were often allowed to clear their defense with Bingham once again conceding a string of needless penalties and as a result Anthony Thomas spent 10 minutes in the bin. Despite being down to 14 men Bingham were camped in the opposition 22 and once the balance of players was resumed the pressure had to be turned into points. After a barn storming run from Chris Garrod carrying the ball deep into the 22 with several players on his back quickly recycled ball allowed Andy Watts to cross for the 1st score. Anthony Thomas converted. Soon after Chris Garrod was not to be denied and the try was converted by Anthony Thomas. Straight from the kick off Bingham were back on the attack and after several attempt Bingham scored again through Lee Fretwell.

Half time 19 – 0.

With the wind in their faces Bingham expected a tougher half but it was more of the same with Bingham spending lots of time in the Southwell half, Bingham tried to move the ball at every opportunity but for some poor passing & catching the score could have been much higher. First try of the second half was scored by Tim Allott after some strong running from Pete Mount, Dave Fairchild and Dean Gallagher. Several changes were made with Mick Challans back in action although he did not see much of the ball it was good to see Mick back in the Bingham shirt.

It was Southwell’s turn to concede penalties and Bingham used every opportunity to run the ball back at the opposition with some strong runs seen from the Spibey brothers. Bingham’s final try was text book taken from the training pitch from a lineout 15 meters out a clean take at the lineout through Jason Churchill allowed the Bingham forwards to drive the opposition back over their own line and Chris Bell emerged with the ball.

This was a good all round performance from the Bingham team a strong lineout and driving mauls was key to the win with work need to be done on scrummaging but the spirit amongst the players is excellent and just like last year, things are looking promising for the rest of the season.