Improvements but lose out narrowly

The first day of November finally saw Bingham RUFC entertain a large Cleethorpes side after the cancellation of both games last season. Bingham kick off into the wind and recover the ball but some early nerves and Cleethorpes steal the ball and immediately attack with running play but the Bingham defence hold the line.
From a line out on the Bingham 22, the opposition recycle the ball wide and following a number of turnovers to both teams, a hard tackle from Lee Fretwell prevents the first points of the match. Cleethorpes recycle quickly only to be held up in the corner with strong defence by Bingham and Tom Crosse clearing.
The Bingham pack are tested in the first scrum but Paul Linney breaks up the blind side and earns a penalty, allowing Bingham to kick into the oppositions 22. The first opposition scrum is firstly turned 90 by Bingham and then a driving run from Lee Stokoe and pass see’s JT held up on the opposition line.
Continued pressure from Bingham in the Cleethorpes 22 and with their pack being turned 90 again by Bingham, a team effort gets Lee Stokoe over the line and first blood to Bingham. The ensuring kick is then held up in the strong wind. 5-0 to Bingham.
A questionable penalty from the kick off for ‘strong’ tackling by Tom Crosse see’s Cleethorpes immediately reply. 5-3. None the less Bingham regain possession from the re-start and the resulting penalty sees the ball kicked to the corner only for the line out to be lost and the opposition clear their lines.
A period of running play for both teams and numerous exchanges see Cleethorpes awarded another penalty out wide but unable to convert the ensuing kick. The first half ends with Pete Mount leading the charge with some strong running and positive phases only to see the ball knocked on.
With changes made to the Bingham team at half time including debuts for a few players, Cleethorpes get the second half underway. Bingham recover the ball but the knock on gives Cleethorpes the first scrum of the half. From resulting quick ball, Cleethorpes break and gain their first try of the match which is converted. 5-10 Cleethorpes.
Bingham unable to regain the kick off and scrappy play allows Cleethorpes to apply pressure and keep Bingham pinned in the 22 for a period. However continued excellent defensive play allow Bingham to hold the line and JT to get the ball up the half way line with a quick pass to our new winger Lee Stokoe!!!
Cleethorpes regroup and again get the ball in the Bingham 22. From another knock on, the opposition throw a quick dummy resulting in their second try of the match. Again the conversion held up by the strong wind. 5-15 Cleethorpes.
After further continued pressure from Cleethorpes, Bingham finally wake up and get up into the opposition 22 only to be held up on the line. With the lines cleared, Cleethorpes kick for touch and the whistle is blown. 5 -15 Cleethorpes.
Although a loss, Bingham can take pride in the number of player’s available, support on the side-lines and the overall team performance against a strong seasoned side, with the whole team knowing this should have been victory on home soil.