A losing bonus point only for the 1st XV on Saturday.

In contrast to their efforts at Old Millhillians the week before, the 1st XV were a total team and it was notable that, in the post-match debriefing, the players chose at least six different "Man of the Match", such was the all round display, from prop forward to full back. In fact, had they had a bit more luck at the end of the first half, when pressing the Bank side onto and inside the home 5 metre line for a series of scrums and line-outs, with the Bank guilty of repeated offences yet the referee only yellow carded a prop for taking CHRIS BROMILEY out at the line-out when a penalty try would not have been amiss.

BE had started strongly and scored early on when LUKE WILLIAMS broke clear for a try which HARRY EADE converted. Even though the Bank kicked a penalty, BE were back on the attack, with concerted efforts by their backs, especially MATT NICHOLAS, whilst the Bank played as one to keep the momentum going forward, with BROMILEY and JAMES ORAM winning a lot of line-out ball. The pressure built up and the backs kept this going before releasing MATT NICHOLAS for a try. Again, the Bank replied, their right winger choosing his angle well to score a good try wide out which was well converted. So, the lead was 12-10 to BE and this should have been been increased as they piled the pressure on the home team yet were denied a penalty try, at least.

The Bank were more positive after the break, having most of the possession yet they chose to kick for goal, all of which missed including one that rebounded off the crossbar. In the end, the Bank forced their way over for a converted try to take a five point lead with only 12 minutes left. This was the spurt that BE needed and JAMES ORAM would have been pleased with the way that his team attacked in those minutes, driving at the Bank, including one final attack which saw DAVE BLOMILEY with ball in hand in the home 22 yet the right winger chose to kick and chase rather than try to use his pace. The Bank were delighted to boot the loose ball into touch as the game ended.

The 1st XV are at home to Cheshunt on Saturday (1st November) at 2.30pm. Before then, Sky TV cameras will be at the Club on Thursday, early evening, to film training for the Juniors and, possibly, the Seniors.

PGY