After having a full bench the previous weekend, it was looking a bit grim on Thursday with only 14 available players but are indebted to all and those who responded to our last minute rally round and some players just making it for Kick off. In the end, we managed 4 subs, 25 – 30 spectators and good to see both Bob Williams & Bob Buchanan on the touch line although thankfully didn’t need to call on their services.

Jim (welsh) Cooper, Gareth McGahan & Ian Taylor all played their part and as with the previous week a great start - an early try from Chris Spibey together with a conversion and penalty from Tom Packer. Unfortunately very early on, Jack Illston who stepped in after not playing for a couple of seasons with injuries damaged his knee and had to leave the pitch forcing another change and Will North moving to Full back. Despite the changes, on 12 mins after good interplay between Chris Bell, Gareth McGahan, Jonathan Thomas, And Anthony Thomas put Andy Birznieks through. Converted by Tom Packer. 17 – 0. A penalty 3 min later 35m out and Tom Packer slots for 20 – 0. A further penalty forces a line out in the Mellish 22 from which Tom Packer drives for the line and held short but recycled ball finds Jonathan Thomas in the backs to score; again converted by Tom Packer.
Some good handling in the backs and a solid scrum gave Bingham confidence and some excellent counter attacks originated by Will North playing in a changed position at full back suggested more to come. Further pressure led to another Penalty and once again Tom Packer kept the scoreboard ticking. Another great counter from Will North & Anthony Thomas resulted in a high tackle and possibly the easiest of 7 kicks so far was missed by Tom Packer.

The 2nd half gave Mellish slight wind advantage but the sun clearly in Bingham’s favour. Opportunity for Lee Fretwell & Chris Garrod to come on. A much closer 2nd half with Mellish fighting harder but Bingham eventually maintain possessin and force pressure in the Mellish 22 before a little chip from Anthony Thomas had the Bingham back line racing for the ball before a nice bounce back into Anthony’s hands for an easy touch down. Converted by Tom 37 – 0.

Some good interplay with Tom Packer & Chris Garrod got Bingham close to the line again before a scrum conceded and Mellish clear. Anthony Thomas took off as a precaution having only his 2nd game since is injury last year sees Andy Birznieks move to fly half and Soon after Jason Churchill coming on after Jonathan Thomas picks up a twinge. Some resolute defence from Mellish keeps Bingham at bay and an excellent break out from inside their own half almost leads to a score but persistence from Will North chasing back eventually forced Mellish into touch in our own 22. The next visit to the Mellish 22 though forces a line out and a drive creates space for Andy Birznieks to chip and recover his kick and converted by Tom Packer 44 – 0.

To their credit Mellish did not give in and the last few minutes were camped in the Bingham 22 and only a dubious decision awarded a try in the corner

Final score 44 – 5. An excellent result given the lead up to the game and several changes.

Great credit to all and despite the scoreline a feeling of what could have been in the 2nd half so plenty still to work on as we continue to establish ourselves and more than hold our own to date in Pennant 2