Tottonians 38 Bournemouth 34 – Report

by Chippy Searle | Sep 21, 2024 | Senior Rugby

Tottonians maintained their 100% record and their place at the top of Regional 2 South Central with a victory that came in the very last minute of a game that they trailed throughout.

TOTTONIANS 38 BOURNEMOUTH 34
Water Lane, Totton
Saturday 21st September 2024
Regional 2 South Central – match 2

Totts were disrupted in the warm up with Rich O’Donnell suffering an injury.

Bournemouth came out all guns blazing and were rewarded after five minutes. A good scrum from the opposition gave them a platform for some slick handling from their backs to put their centre in at the corner for an unconverted try 0-5.

The visitors continued their high tempo start with strong defence from Totts holding them at bay. Totts were pinged for not releasing after fourteen minutes thirty metres out and the shot at goal was comfortably converted 0-8 and this was repeated two minutes later 0-11.

Totts then overthrew a line out and the ball was pounced on by Bournemouth and a penetrating move put the visitors over for a converted try. 0-18 half way through the first half.

From the restart Totts were awarded a couple of penalties to give them field position the last of which earned them a five metre line out. The catch and drive was successful with Ollie Northover at the back of the driven maul to touch down. Jamie Laing converted 7-18 thirty minutes in.

Almost immediatedly on the resumption, Totts were penalised for not rolling away, the resulting shot converted 7-21.

Totts were now getting some possession and some great carries, primarily by Cam Flint, set up a ruck ten metres out from Bournemouth’s try line. Quick ball came out to Robbie Searle who fed Jamie Laing who broke through to score. Robbie Searle converted 14-21 at half time.

Five minutes into the second half Bournemouth kicked through for a five metre line out. Totts were turned over and two pick-and-goes later Bournemouth were over for their third try which was converted 14-28.

Totts set up a ruck when play resumed which Harry Dolbear made a searing break to the opposition 22. One more quick ruck and Robbie Searle fed Tom Tully who carried strongly to touch down out wide. 19-28 with twenty five minutes remaining.

Totts then had a five metre line out but were brought down inches short. After a couple of pick and goes Bournemouth handled in the ruck in front of their posts. Totts took the brave decision to run the penalty and were rewarded when Tom Tully broke through to his second and Totts bonus point try 24-28.

Totts conceded a penalty shortly after the restart which Bournemouth converted 24-31.

The hosts attacked again from the restart and Tom Tully made another good break. His offload was scooped up off the ground by skipper Liam Murphy who powered on to score. Robbie Searle converted to tie things up at 31-31 with fourteen minutes to go.

Four minutes later Totts were pinged for sealing off at the ruck for the visitors to take the lead 31-34.

Totts continued to attack and looked to have sealed the win with two minutes to go when Kev Raqio piled over from a ruck to touch down but the ref deemed he had knocked on. Bournemouth cleared from the resulting scrum but a high shot on Totts receiver gave them a penalty. Totts ran the ball and after a series of rucks Bournemouth were offside and received a yellow card for persistent offending.

Totts ran the ball again and Tom Tully juggled the ball out wide before scoring his hat trick and winning try in overtime. Robbie Searle converted to seal the victory 38-34.

A breathless highly entertaining encounter that took all Totts never say die attitude to pull through.

Hear what coaches Phil and Tim Osman had to say at full-time in our exclusive post match video.