Report – Tupton 22 Bingham 29

Tupton (5) 22

Bingham (19) 29
Tries: Alex Richards, Tom Crosse, Anthony Thomas, Jason Churchill.
Cons: Anthony Thomas 3, Pen: A Thomas

As expected a really wet pitch greeted us and Bingham played with the slope and wind and any early worries were allayed as a drive from Dave Fairchild almost led to a score but this came from the subsequent scrum after Dan Bartram created and offered the gap to Alex Richards who gratefully accepted. Anthony Thomas added the conversion to take the lead on 3 minutes.

Shortly after, Anthony kicked on a loose ball from a Tupton line out and won the chase to the line; hitting the post with the conversion.

Despite the changes, all working well and more than holding our own against the team standing 3rd in the league and on 19 Minutes, a terrific penalty kick on half way put us right in the corner and after roll by the forwards and a switch in the centre, Tom Crosse proved just how versatile and important he is to the team as he crossed under the posts. Anthony added the extra points 0 -19

On 30 min, Ben McGill substituted after a knock on the knee and all 6 front row on the field

Tupton then showed the potential they had in the backs as a great break from their own half was thwarted 15m out. However, loose ball from the resulting scrum allowed Tupton to fall on loose ball to score

Half time came 5 – 19

Playing uphill and against the wind but a series of forward carries took Bingham to within 5m before being forced out after attacking the Tupton line several times but good defence kept Bingham at bay. The pressure being applied on the line out though gained its reward as Tupton were unable to get clean possession and Jason Churchill got hold of a loose ball and got over the line. The conversion was added

A period of nip & tuck followed and after some great Bingham Defense, the ball was worked up to the Tupton 10m and a penalty awarded which Anthony slotted over.

Bingham then suffered an awful 15minute spell where 3 tries were conceded, 2 almost from restarts and a 3rd after trying too hard to run the ball in difficult circumstances, losing control and Tupton then hacking through.

Chris Bell had to leave the field with about 10 minutes left; his ear badly cut; now the recipient of 8 stiches. Ben McGill returned to the fray and Bingham began to play again and with no further worries gained an excellent 4 try away bonus point win – our best team performance of the season with all 17 well deserving of congratulations.