Bonus point earned in 12 - 5 win for Bexley

Unfortunately it was Greenwich that earnt it.

The first league match of the season, and a sunny day saw a large travelling support travelling to Kent's most 'urban' club - Greenwich. Howard was there, but Laurie and Lizzie are perhaps not 'street' enough to attend. A bit of a test for both teams; though Greenwich certainly seemed well up for it in the warm up.

The first half saw Bexley dominating pretty much everything, but looking particularly impressive in the scrums and line out. Greenwich looked pretty with the ball in hand, but never looking like they'd break through Bexley's defence. Rob Cottrell was unlucky not to get the first score, losing the ball in contact. Further good play from Rob saw him make ex Bexley player Tsimba's life a very uncomfortable, with a great kick and chase.

Two of the most unusual things happened next, the ref pinged Greenwich for a "not straight" feed into the scrum. After much scratching of heads, Sir Pete Nottage did confirm that this is indeed an offence under the laws of rugby, but only policed at grass roots level due to their hookers actually being able to hook. Well done sir! The second thing was that someone in the Davis family kept nailing their tackles - well done Jake Davis; and only joking Neil Davis (well a bit).

Eventually the pressure told, a lovely kick and chase by Richard Ward leading to a superb mazy finish from Jon Light. Unfortunately, Jack Mills missed the difficult kick (hit the post). Howard Waters felt sympathy for Jack, blaming Jon's mazy run on him looking for a clean place to place the ball down over the try line, lest he got too dirty.

Bexley continued to exert pressure. A 20 yard break by Jim Peerless reminding us of 20 years ago (i.e. still running out of gas before the try line); Sam Heard dropping the ball under no pressure; and Rob being narrowly foiled. However just before half time, hard aggressive carrying from Scary Jim Smith saw him set up a try for Rob, duly converted by Jack.

The second half was slightly more even, Greenwich sortieing into Bexley territory slightly more. Bexley's defence never really looked like being broken though. Highlights included good kick chasing by Bexley's back three ensuring Tsimba called the mark, so as to avoid running at the chasing hordes; it's a shame he also avoided catching the ball. An offload by Jon Light would have been a thing of beauty, had he not thought Pete was as fast as himself, the opposite of Light is apparently Nottage!

However the match, began to get slightly tetchy, the ref doing a good job on keeping the lid on a simmering pot. However, he did choose to yellow card Tommy Quinn, harshly in this correspondent's opinion; the Greenwich player seemingly dropping into the tackle, and getting up clutching his chest after the event. Jon and Scary Jim both being the recipient of similar tackles, with no action being taken. He also overruled his touch judges twice, each team benefitting. Whether he was right or wrong, if only world cup refs were so sure of their decisions. He also yellow carded Jack for indiscipline; exactly the way to deal with this offence.

The end of the match saw Greenwich cross the whitewash to earn a losing bonus point. Bexley falling asleep in defence allowing Greenwich to score a smart looking try from a quick tap.

Mentions must go to Jake Davis, looking in no way out of place at outside half; and Rob Cottrell being our version of Mike Brown - always beating the first man. Jim Smith though was immense, carrying with purpose and vigour, his efforts were typified by him tracking and taking down a centre. Imagine a wart hog hunting a gazelle, instead of a lion.

A good work out for Bexley, but with the amount of territory they had at least one more try should have been expected. They gave far too many turn overs; the ball carrier not being supported any where well enough. A good win at the start of the season, cobwebs being well and truly blown away. It bodes well for the season ahead.