J Mills (6)

Penalties

Mills grind down Southwark

By Jamie Warren

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Jack Mills shines for Bexley as they earn second win.

Winter had definitely arrived on the first real cold one that Bexley had to play in. Bexley's faithful three were there as usual, swelled by a younger element in the younger Moon (well it would be difficult to be an older Moon). Someone nearby was trying to counteract the cold with a roaring bonfire. Pete Bourne sniffing the air like a less attractive truffle pig stating " that's pine being burnt is that". Personally I never understood how you could tell what type of dead tree was fuel; but who knew Bourney got wood so easily. This was apparently news to Mrs Bourne as well.

Bexley got off to a promising start. Dominant in both line out and scrum, and with a very effective rolling maul, Bexley were in charge of both territory and possession in the early exchanges. A little bit of over eagerness probably preventing early Bexley points. This was evidenced by Jim Peerless throwing a couple of Jamie Warren specials, ensuring Bryce Redmill was fully stretched; and Greg Wilkinson knocking on when attempting a quick tap. Bexley also attempted some champagne rugby only for it to turn into iron bru. Scrum dominance though told after 25 minutes with a penalty for Jack Mills, giving Bexley a deserved lead,

The lead was not to last long though as Southwark took a five-three lead. With a rare piece of possession the Southwark winger set out on a jinky run scoring a marvellous individual try. Bexley got the lead back with another penalty earned by scrum dominance going into half time 6-5 up but with 14 men as Nathan Futter was sent to the bin.

Due to the parky conditions, and mindful that as we are now in the rarefied heights of Kent 1 we need to take even more care of the refs, I had prepared a thermos of tea. Offering the (very good it must be said) ref a half time warming drink, it was rejected due to its inclusion of milk. What was I supposed to do with it now? I did find willing tiffin drinker, but I will spare his embarrassment from identifying him as a partaker of a non alcoholic drink at a rugby match. Bourney was seen however drinking (depending on who he was talking to) mulled wine, mulled cider or steaming absinthe by many witnesses. This doesn't explain his sudden craving for short bread however?

Bexley gave away possession from the kick off, resulting in Lancers retaking the lead with a converted try following an excellent kick chase form their elusive winger. An even second half was to ensue.

Jack Mills put us back in contention with another penalty; 9-12 now being the score. Bexley's defence had to up its game, but with Charlie Sandison and Bryce Redmill ripping the ball off the opposition like forwards, this was very doable. Another penalty was awarded, and Jacks job was made easier by a further 10 yards being given for verbals. A yellow card looked like possible, but the possibly over helpful advice from the crowd's resident Dean Ryan (or Scott Henry as he is known to others) I think persuaded the ref to change his mind. The ref started to look like he was going to scold the crowd by marching towards Pete Nottage. "It wasn't me sir" spake our offended ref expert. This proves nothing changes; Pete still looking innocent and affronted when confronted with an accusation, but still being guilty of something; the ref pointing out it may not of been him shouting, but he was still five yards on the pitch but not playing. The penalty made it 12 all.

Southwark indiscipline began to cost them though. A further two penalties giving Bexley an 18 -12 lead and finally a Southwark yellow card. Bexley had to hold onto this lead, and Bryce's tackling assisted this greatly. As heavy and hard as Bryce tackled, 'Thor' Sam Ward made the hit of the game. Steaming in from the wing he laid out the opposition outside half with a text book tackle. Unfortunately it was just as he was about take a 25 yard drop out.

The resulting penalty gave Lancers much needed territory. A Bexley line out deep in our 22 provided an escapee route from Lancer pressure. The ball won, Bexley needed to get it off the pitch. But no! the clearing kick was charged down, and a grateful if surprised Lancer fell on the ball over the Bexley line. The drama had not stopped, the ref disallowing the touch down for offside. Bexley earning a well deserved win, Lancers earning a worthy losing bonus.

This was a fine, gutsy display from Bexley. Early errors forgotten, the forwards earned Bexley territory and possession. Bryce and particularly Jack showing up well in the backs. But Old G's beat Lordswood this weekend, so Bexley will need to ensure they keep themselves focused for their coming match against them.