Bingham overcome a spirited Ilkeston side 29 - 5

After a run of 8 wins including the midweek cup win over Midlands league 4 team Stamford College Old Boys, Bingham came into the game with confidence and a determination to overcome a team who had shown us a clean pair of heels earlier in the season.

As a result of the previous loss, a good early meet and warm up with several changes from the midweek win and respect for our opponents.

Playing into a strong wind, Bingham forwards made there mark on the game dominating scrums and contact. on 5 Min in his own half Tom Packer broke blind, sold a few dummies and broke tackles to go all the way and give Bingham the best possible start 5 - 0. Another 5 mins and recycled ball gets to Tom Spibey on the wing who comes inside to score. Tom Packer misses one of the easiest conversions but an excellent 10 - 0 start.

A setback with Keith Lowthian suffering a blow to the neck and replaced by veteran Dave Fairchild.Ilkeston fight back with clearance kicks putting the Bingham Backs under pressure and drive forward towards the Bingham line after winning clean line. The line holds firm and Bingham win a penalty on own 10m line and instead of clearing, Tom Packer sets the backs running and clean handling creates space with recycled ball, Anthony Thomas got the backs going again, Chris Garrod held his line and Andrew Birznieks was able to receive the ball abd dance through the gap. Converted by Tom Packer 17 - 0.

Ilkeston once again come back and for the 1st time were able to get clean ball along the line to one of their quick wings who ran round to score in the corner, 17 - 5. With Half time looming, Bingham secured the bonus point with a 4th try, again Andrew Birzniekd proving his worth. Half time 22 - 5

With the wind at their backs, Bingham were always able to maintain field position during the 2nd half through the boots of Tom Packer & Anthony Thomas but a few wayward kicks let Ilkeston off the hook. Changes in the 2nd row with Dean Gallagher & Jim Cooper replacing Jason Churchill & Ben McGill. The wind proved difficult to maintain good handling and despite possession found hard to extend the lead.

A couple of clean line out and drives took play right to the Ilkeston line and from a scrum and recycled ball, Dave Fairchild spun off the maul to go over for his 1st try of the season. Converted by Tom Packer 29 - 5.

Further changes bring on Ian Taylor & Will North. Pressure led to a penalty for Bingham 10m out taken and fed to Dean Gallagher who crashed over the line but lost control of the ball in the act of scoring. Despite losing key players to injuries, Ilkeston maintained a spirited defense and kept Bingham at bay for the remaining period of the game.

A vital win 29 - 5 with bonus points