Bournemouth University RFC 9AECC RFC 11
Yes, yes, the rumours are true.. The AECC Rugby team was yesterday victorious in a hard fought match at Meyrick Park against Bournemouth University’s finest. Finest, of course, being a relative term.
Kicking off with the wind, the chiros gave away an early penalty under the posts, which was fortunately missed. This was not a sign of things to come, however, and the next twenty minutes were all the chiro’s. Continued pressure in the BURFC Buffalo’s 22 produced few opportunites, and with a kickable penalty, the AECC decided to try to make a statement rather than take the points. The Buffalo defence was resolute, though, and worked their way back down the field. On around 20 minutes, hooker Tom Waller was sin-binned for careless use of the foot. This was to be a true test of the chiropractors’ mettle, and they came through it with flying colours. Buffalo scrums were turned with a one-man deficit, and the only benefit to come to Bournemouth Uni was a solitary penalty goal just prior to the re-emergence of the Ginger Ninja Waller. Still, despite their good work, the chiros were shut out until stand-off “Unit” Joe Williams slotted a penalty from 40 metres out with the last kick of the half.
Throughout the game the passion of the players was palpable; the respective captains were called aside countless times for incidents of handbags, though luckily the game was not spoiled by a sending-off.
The second half began in much the same vein as the first, the teams deadlocked in possession, points and fists. Not even the departure of full-back Jonny Coller with what later proved to be a broken ankle could dampen the AECC spirit, with guest player Rye “Spud” Buffery stepping into the fray. Bournemouth, bolstered by the arrival of Tim Gray, were bullish about their chances – and with No. 8 Tom “Knuckles” Stradwick kicking a penalty goal on 65 minutes, they had every reason to be so. Shortly afterwards, the chiros were to lose stand-off Joe Williams to work, causing a major re-shuffle: Sindre Witzoe coming on for his second game of rugby ever, Kristian Friis, and Rob Beaven all stepping out, and openside flanker Iain Crombie moving to the centre.
Crombie’s move proved a masterstroke as, with virtually his first touch in the centre berth, chipped the ball through, the bounce wrong-footing the Bourenmouth backs, and the electric Antoine Helsen pouncing on the indecision to race over the line to give the AECC a slim two-point lead. Helsen’s pace didn’t extend to running the ball under the posts though, leaving a slim angle for the conversion attempt. A polite offer was made from acting outside half Joe Frost to captain Mike Richards to take the conversion, but was even more politely declined. Frost promptly shanked the attempt.
With 10 minutes to go, the score poised at 8-6 in their favour, all the chiros had to do was hold on. However, new boy Sindre Busk Witzoe went from lucky charm to villain in the blink of an eye when his penalty for holding on was again very ably converted by “Knuckles” Stradwick. Chirpractors have never been known for their nervous disposition (as far as I’m aware) though, and the boys rallied into the Bournemouth half, their relentless efforts eventually fruiting with a prime penalty directly in front of the posts on the Bournemouth 22. Having found his range with his earlier “kick”, the unshakeable Joe Frost stepped up and “kicked” the ugliest 3 points the College have ever scored. Four and a half minutes of nail-biting action later, the ball was booted far into touch, and the AECC had defeated the Buffalo.
Man of the match award goes to the ubiquitous Iain Crombie for his tireless work at the breakdown and his sublime chip for the back-breaking try. Honourable mentions to Callum “Gigantor” Forrest for his sheer Spartan-like attitude and Piet Le Roux for once again stepping into the most hostile and unfamiliar of unfamiliar positions, and excelling at loosehead prop.
Congratulations to all the players: this was a fantastic win against a side who train twice every week, and unfamiliar as our players are, team spirit was evident in the truest sense of the phrase. Thanks to those of you who travelled to offer your support, too – it’s great to have someone shouting for you!
Regards,
Mike
AECC: Le Roux, Waller, Richards, Forrest, Plant (Witzoe), Falco (Beaven), Crombie, Meersseman, Frost, Williams (Friis), White, Tottle, Helsen, Crawford, Coller (Buffery)
“AECC RFC : Not bad for a touch team.”
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