Bognor match Trojans - but not in points-scoring

As seems to be the norm between these two sides, Bognor matched Trojans in most departments, including tries scored '“ but ended up on the losing side.

As seems to be the norm between these two sides, Bognor matched Trojans in most departments, including tries scored – but ended up losing 23-17.

The visitors finished more strongly and claimed a bonus point with the last kick when Dave Sweeney converted a try by Nathan Archer.

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The result leaves Bognor into the bottom three, although the new bonus points system means positions can change quickly.

Mike O’Connor and Mike Page came into the back row to replace Jonny Lang and Nigel Mitchell while Tim Stickland returned from international duty at second row.

Bognor put the home side under pressure with a chip by Rob Parry followed by a series of forward drives inside the 22. Trojans cleared but Bognor continued to make the early running when they stole a lineout, only to be penalised for going in at the side of a ruck.

After a stamping incident, Trojans were fortunate the referee changed his mind about a yellow card and decided to award Bognor just a penalty instead.

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When O’Connor was penalised for not retreating from in front of his kicker Trojans kicked for a lineout and drove Bognor 30m up the field before releasing the ball to their backs. Archer executed a great cover-tackle to prevent a score.

When Trojans’ backs tried to move the ball wide the ever-alert Stuart Pearce intercepted and took the ball into the opposition 22.

Now in a promising position themselves, Bognor lost concentration and conceded a turnover. Trojans turned defence into attack and they were rewarded with the first try.

Bognor received a further blow when Lee Thompson was adjudged to have impeded a Trojans attacker and was sent to the sin-bin. The penalty put them ten points up.

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Pearce launched an offensive and was supported by full-back Sweeney, rightly named by both sides as the man-of-the-match. Bognor established a strong position on the 22 and drove Trojans back over their own goal-line. Skipper Lee Balchin got the final touchdown for his side’s first try.

Trojans restored their lead by scoring their second try.

The referee missed a clear forward pass by the home side before awarding them a penalty for hands in a ruck and their kicker made no mistake with a simple effort.

Balchin was forced off with a recurrence of a leg injury. Bognor were forced to move Archer into the pack, allowing Shane Stevens to come on at wing.

Bognor responded with character. Josh Burgess tackled fearlessly while Sweeney excelled in all facets of full-back play.

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With 15 minutes left Pearce intercepted for the second time and a superb pass to Stevens allowed the youngster to score a great try.

An excellent covering tackle by Graham Broome prevented a response by Trojans but the referee turned down legitimate appeals for crossing and awarded a try.

Bognor fought back and Archer touched down, allowing Sweeney to convert from the touchline to secure a hard-earned point.

This Saturday Bognor travel to Aylesford Bulls in the Intermediate Cup third round.

BOGNOR: Sweeney, Archer, Castleton, Pearce, Burgess, Shergold, Parry, Greenslade, Mitchell, Morgan, Stickland, Thompson, Page, O’Connor, Balchin. Reps: Broome, Dove, Stevens.

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