Notts Moderns 21 - 31 Bingham

Bingham travelled to Nottingham Moderns after a winter break with a full squad of 20 including a new player Sean Richardson
Bingham won the toss and played with the wind behind and used it to full advantage scoring 5 tries, securing the bonus point and pretty much the win by half time.

With both the fly half’s away, Bingham had to turn to captain, Lee Fretwell, to fill the gap at 10 from his usual position of second row. Together with Anthony Thomas at 9 they got the ball out wide early on and Pete Coppack broke from the halfway line to 5m. After a couple of forward drives, Nathan Hartland drove over the score in front of the posts. Converted by Anthony Thomas. 0-7

On 10 mins, Jonathan Thomas breaks blind from a scrum, feeding Lee Fretwell from 8 to create a 2 on 1 which was finished off in the corner by Adam Deal. Conversion missed. 0-12

Moderns struggled to get a hold in the game but Bingham did keep giving them opportunities to get a foothold with needless penalties. However, the Bingham lineout worked well with the returning Chris Heathcote stealing valuable ball to deny Moderns possession and on 20 mins, Jonathan Thomas stole another line out, broke through 2 tacklers & showing great strength to score. Converted by Anthony Thomas. 0-19

James Seagrave proved allusive playing in an unfamiliar role in the centre regularly gaining yards and support from the forwards after a break created space for Chris Pearman to cut through a gap in the defence for the bonus point try. Conversion missed. 0-24

Moderns sprung into life and after some excellent phases and offloads they broke the Bingham defence and scored a great try. Converted. 7-24.

Bingham responded almost immediately, Chris Heathcote breaking the line to score but disallowed for a forward pass. Another break from the centre Chris Garrod, ball is recycled again and Lee Fretwell finds James Seagrave, this time breaking the gap to score under the posts. Anthony Thomas scores for 7-31. Half time.

Bingham make several changes at half time, Sean Richardson making his debut at Hooker, Ian Taylor, Matt Forde and Steve Guiton also coming on.

The second half far more evenly matched affair and Bingham taking the foot off the pedal. Moderns making some breaks but good defence notably from Matt Forde and Rich Walters. Anthony Thomas with another game under his belt having returned to the game dictated territory and marshalled the troops well from 9 and having a try disallowed following a snipe from a scrum.

More changes made by Bingham, including a 2nd game for the returning George Fisher Ward who almost scored immediately with the game’s greatest line but a terrific last-ditch tackle from Moderns prevented a score.

Moderns dominated the last ten minutes and thoroughly deserved two late tries but by this time the game was won. Final score 21.31.

Although disappointed in not adding to the score at half time, opportunities for all & a very satisfying afternoon with the squad pulling together to cover notable absences and showing we are developing. The result making it 8 league wins in a row and even more pleasing as we discovered the top 2 clubs in the league had lost meaning we now lead Pennant 2 by a point.

Bingham now look forward to a friendly at home this Saturday against Southwell 2’s.