Old Dunstonians RFC VS Bromley RFC

BROMLEY TURN OVER LOCAL RIVALS DUNSTONIANS

Bromley made the short trip to Park Langley on Saturday to renew acquaintances with old foes Dunstonians who in the previous match had pushed the home side to the limit. Consequently it became obvious that the black and ambers had done their homework and set out to nullify the threats their opponents posed. First part of the game consisted of the two teams sizing each other up but gradually Bromley got the upper hand and began to pin Dunstonians in their half. After eighteen minutes this pressure paid off with Mike Smith scoring close to the posts and Johnny Griffiths converting. Two minutes later fly half Griffiths, who had an excellent game, picked the ball up in midfield and executed a delicate chip over the onrushing defence. Nothing much seemed on but the mercurial Hawkins at full back was on to it and hacked it on leading to panic in D’s twenty two with the ball somehow being snaffled by winger Alex Griffiths who expertly scored for an unconverted try. Shortly afterwards Griffiths, on the wing, gave a nice pass to Hawkins who coolly slipped the ball to the fly half  who made a brilliant break finishing with George Scott getting over the line for another unconverted try. Bromley were 17-0 to the good and seemed to be well in charge after thirty minutes. However this being a local derby things never go smoothly. Dunstonians upped their efforts and Bromley had a ten minute spell they will probably want to confine to the dustbin of history.

Thirty three minutes in and Bromley conceded two penalties in quick succession and from the second lineout the home side executed a slick move releasing their winger to score in the corner. A few minutes later the away side transgressed again to give away a silly penalty which was drilled into the corner. The D’S lineout was secure and they released one of their powerful runners who crashed over near the posts for a converted try. Half time and 17-12 to Bromley and the home side in the ascendancy. Two minutes into the second half and Bromley were awarded a penalty. This was kicked to the corner, the catch was good and the forwards got to work and pummelled the home line resulting in Haisell making one of his dynamic surges and there was no stopping him as he thundered over. Not converted. Straight from the kick off the ball was kicked through and Hawkins appeared from nowhere to shred the home defence and literally stroll over for a converted try.

Bromley were now rampant and Dunstonians could not get out of their half. The away sides scrum was increasingly dominant, the second row and back row were marauding all over the park and with the backs looking quick and dangerous there were ominous signs for the boys from Park Langley. And so it proved when on fifty four minutes George Scott snared his opposite number at the back of a scrum leading to a bouncing ball pass towards their centres. This was seized on by the eager Bromley boys and the ball was slipped to Griffiths on the wing for a run in to the line. Bromley, now in full flow, exerted huge pressure with the ball being recycled quickly and the opposition stretched one way and then the other resulting in an overlap being created for a certain try. Forward pass-great shame. At this stage some of the home sides discipline began to desert them with a few uncalled for comments which the excellent referee took exception to and marched them back.

To their credit Dunstonians redoubled their efforts and looked threatening with an attack down the right side of the pitch. This was stopped by a deliberate knock on by J Griffiths and he made the walk of shame to miss the final minutes of the game. D’s were still looking to attack but with two minutes to go a wild pass was fired out towards their left winger who had little chance of catching it and the pillaging Pillow picked it up and he  gleefully scampered off to score near the posts with the extras added. Game over not quite with Dunstonians launching one last big attack which was rewarded with a converted score. Final result Bromley 41 Dunstonians 19. Overall a very good team performance and another bonus point away win secured. Some excellent tries scored but also three or four that got away. Everyone contributed and apart from the players mentioned above Miles, Brown and Pullen in the forwards strive hard every week and make an enormous contribution to the teams performances. However all of the squad are to be congratulated on their efforts to improve and represent the club so well. A lot of this togetherness and never say die attitude emanates from the captain and coach and they are to be applauded for this.

The seconds also made a short trip to Becchehamians who inflicted a really heavy defeat on them earlier in the season. Work has been put in to make them more competitive and results have improved. So it was very satisfying for them to avenge the result earlier in the season by winning a close and competitive game 29-22. Thirds did not play as their opposition don’t exist any more – enough said. Next week the firsts have a home game against Aylesford Bulls and the thirds are due to play Orpington hopefully. The seconds have not got a game at present but I am sure they will be keen to have a game as they are on a bit of a roll.