Bournemouth 22 Tottonians 10 – Report

Tottonians closed the first half of the 2024/25 season with a disappointing defeat at Bournemouth but there was plenty of pride in the camp, given the amount of upheaval in selection during the week.

BOURNEMOUTH 22 TOTTONIANS 10
Chapel Gate, East Parley
Saturday 21st December 2024
Regional 2 South Central – match 12

The fully paid up attendance squeezed into the main stand as the diagonal rain started to fall just on kick-off with the brisk chill wind playing down the pitch in Bournemouth’s favour but it was the visitors who mounted the first serious attack only for players being off side released the pressure.

The first quarter was largely dominated territorially by Tottonians as the hosts struggled to get to foothold into the game but it was they who finally broke the deadlock on 21 minutes.

From a lineout after Totts were pinged for a penalty, quick ball from the home side released winger Ryan Morrell who weaved his way through to score, converted by Sanchez to give Bournemouth the lead.

The lead was cut immediately though when, from the restart, Bournemouth were penalised for taking the man in the air and Colmer made no mistake from 35 metres against the howling wind.

A feature of the Tottonians play all season has been their solid defence and it was the basis once again of keeping the free-scoring hosts at bay.  In fact, it was only a penalty that was originally given to Totts that was reversed for some retaliation following a bit of ‘handbags’ that restored the home sides’ seven point lead when Sanchez slotted the three on 34 minutes.

Tottonians would have been happy enough to go into the half-time break only seven points behind against the conditions but the hosts had other ideas and went further ahead just two minutes into the restart.

From a penalty that was kicked to touch, Bournemouth caught and drove forward and it was hooker Conrad Carkeet who emerged from the pile of bodies over the line to claim the score, Sanchez adding the extras.

It could have been worse for Totts but for some indifferent Bournemouth handling that would let them off the hook on a couple of occasions and the travelling supporters, who came out in force, were given a significant boost of 64 minutes.

Something of a rare attack for the visitors into Bournemouth’s half saw the parting of the waves of their defensive line, opening up in front of skipper Liam Murphy who gratefully soared through to go in under the posts and it was very much game on with 15 minutes to play when Colmer added the conversion making it 17-10.

Bournemouth continued to show their class with some impressive passing moves, slick movement and fine retention but they were continually held by good Totts defence or, as was the case on 73 minutes, a knock on when they were open in space out wide – another big let off.

There was no mistake with just two minutes remaining, Sanchez’s try ensuring they clinched the win.

But there was no disgrace in the Tottonians performance and, with players returning in the New Year and results elsewhere favourable – Farnham and Winchester drawing for the second time – we are just nine points behind the leaders with a game in hand and the Surrey side still to travel to Water Lane.

There is plenty to be excited about as 2024 comes to its conclusion.