Call to Arms ends in promotion for Bognor second string

A five-point 43-7 win for Bognor seconds over Norfolk Arms at sunny Steyning means they are promoted.
Bognor RFC's promotion-winning second teamBognor RFC's promotion-winning second team
Bognor RFC's promotion-winning second team

They consolidated their position at the top of the Sussex Intermediate League and are now guaranteed at least second place with one game remaining.

Excellent scrummaging from hefty props Langridge and Greenslade gave Bognor a solid platform. A perfectly-executed backs move saw the aggressive Castleton snarl through the Arms defence to score. Ballesteros converted.

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Bognor looked to move the ball wide at every opportunity. A bullocking run from the shaven-headed Page set up good position. Spurle cut a delicious line off Flynn’s exquisite pass to power through nine tackles and score. Ballesteros again converted.

With Bidwell and the omni-present N Mitchell jumping like fresh salmon to collect hooker P Mitchell’s arrow-like lineout throws, the Bognor backs had plenty of ball.

The rampaging Barlow trotted downfield before a delightful out-of-the-back pass fed winger Shipp, who rolled back the years by outpacing his opposite man and cutting inside the full-back before using his huge frame to bulldoze over.

On the opposite wing, young Will Cullen was looking dangerous. Quick hands gave him a little space which was all the speedster needed to round his man and outpace the cover before dotting down under the posts. Ballesteros converted to close the half.

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Bognor started the half defending stoutly. The fresh legs of seasoned campaigners Johnston and Rimmer trundled up the paddock. Terrier-like scrum-half Brown whizzed the ball wide and classic centre play from Ballesteros saw him break through, draw the full-back and a perfectly-weighted pass to Passingham saw the speedy winger run in a try with his first touch. Ballesteros converted.

Booker came on to make his second-team debut at centre and immediately impressed with solid defence and incisive breaks. His pass allowed Passingham to run in for his second try.

Coach Hay and veteran Worthington joined the fray and were both involved in Bognor’s last try. Giant full-back Reed hared upfield before releasing Passingham to run in for his hat-trick.

Norfolk scored a well deserved consolation try to end proceedings.

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Bognor visit Rye in their last league game and a win will confirm them as champions.

BOGNOR: Hay, Greenslade, Ballesteros, Cullen, Worthington, Cox, Langridge, Reed, Barlow J, Mitchell N, Flynn, Johnston, Bidwell; Passingham, Shipp, Mitchell P, Spurle, Rimmer, Brown, Castleton, Booker.

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