Bexley End Season as it Began

The last game of the season saw Bexley beat local rivals Greenwich just as they did in the first game.

Saturday 23rd April, St George's Day, saw a large crowd assemble for the last league game of the season against Greenwich, who Bexley narrowly beat in the first game way back in September.

The size of the crowd was swelled by a gathering of LVP's as well as players and parents from the Bexley Minions (3 to 6 year olds) and the Under 9's and Under 10's. Prior to the game the youngsters received their end of season awards from Club President Kevin Cope and they then formed a tunnel to cheer the 1st team onto the pitch.

Bexley had a blustery wind behind them in the first half and drew the first penalty after about 10 minutes which Jack Mills used as a sighter as not long afterwards he found his range to put Bexley 3 - 0 up. Both packs were not giving an inch and the backs were trying to play a running game to gain ground. A penalty for Bexley on the 5 meter line was too good an opportunity for a tap and go from Sam Heard and it was Karl "Shrek" Ansell who charged his way over for the first try, converted by Jack Mills.

Not to be outdone about 5 minutes later hooker James Moore barreled his way over the line for the second try and converted by Jack from the right of the posts into the wind. Bexley now had their tails up and a few minutes later a pumped up Karl Ansell went over for his second try of the game, once more converted by Jack. Greenwich were using their forwards to try to smash holes in the Bexley defence and from a rolling maul accidental contact around a Greenwich forwards face was made by Ollie Bailey. The referee deemed it not malicious but had no option but to give Ollie 10 minutes rest.
Half time and Bexley in control at 24 - 0 but playing into the wind in the second half.

As seen more than once this season Bexley now switched off for about 20 minutes either side of half time and at the start of the second half a spirited forward drive from Greenwich saw them register their first points. But Bexley came back at Greenwich and another charge by hooker James Moore who ran over the Greenwich last defender saw him add his second try of the game, converted into the wind by Jack. Bexley were then forced into their first substitution as influential skipper Robin Jessop put his shoulder out which brought on Pete Nottage for his final game for Bexley. The pack was shuffled with Jim Moore moving to No 8, Neil Davis from tight head to hooker and Pete into Neil position. Neil who was also playing his last game for Bexley, had been dominant in the tight but now found line outs more difficult in the swirling wind.
Josh Cumming now made way for Dave Silvester to add more bulk to the Bexley pack. The Bexley backs obviously wanted to get on the score sheet and some swift moves and clever passing between Bryce Redmill, Liam Austin, who had another good game, and Jack Mills cut holes in the Greenwich defence. Unfortunately none of the moves produced a score including a break by Jack who had Rob Cottrell on his shoulder and would have walked in under the posts if he had caught the ball.

The last substitution for Bexley saw Ben "Bumpy" Shakespeare replace Harry King who had carried and tackled well all afternoon. Rather fitting that there was a Shakespeare on the pitch on the Bards anniversary!
In almost the last play of the game a backs move eventually lead to a try in the top left corner by Rob Cottrell. From right on the touchline Jack Mills completed a perfect kicking afternoon by converting the 5th try to make the final score Bexley 38 Greenwich 5.

See you all next season!