Promoted - but Bognor won't let up now

The victory '“ coupled with Crowborough's defeat to Whitstable '“ means Bognor cannot be ousted from the top two.

Planning has already begun for next season's London three south west campaign which will include renewing old rivalries with Chichester as well as a trip to Guernsey.

Before that, player-coaches Karl Flinn and Joe Greenslade are determined Bognor are promoted as champions, not just as runners-up.

"We have a five-point lead over Hove," said veteran Greenslade after this latest triumph. "And our aim is to go through the season undefeated."

In near-perfect conditions at Hampshire Avenue, Bognor began with confidence in front of a large crowd after a pre-match luncheon.

Some were surprised to see 44-year-old Stuart Pearce take up his position in the centre instead of the injured Dave Sweeney.

But any doubts about the veteran's ability to compete effectively at this level were quashed when the ex-captain received a great pass from Flinn and flew over the line to put Bognor ahead after just five minutes.

Two minutes later, Bromley missed a 40-metre penalty for offside '“ and that was as close as they were to come in terms of scoring points.

Rob Parry slotted a penalty shortly afterwards, given for handling on the ground. The Welshman followed that with a perfectly-timed pass to Pearce, who made no mistake in touching down for his second try.

Parry converted to give Bognor a 15-0 lead.

The home side then seemed to suffer from 'Englanditis' '“ they spent the next half-hour dominating territory and possession without managing to put any further points on the board.

Unlike England, however, Bognor pulled themselves together in the second half to play some of their best rugby of the season.

Three minutes after the restart, the forwards drove back their opposite numbers 30 metres for Billy Toone to skip over for his season's fifth try.

Lee Balchin tore through the defence and made 50 metres before handing on to Jonny Lang. He gave a perfect pass to Parry, who dropped the ball to prevent what would have been the try of the season.

Six minutes later, Parry made amends with a chip through the defence, allowing Pat Gibbs to touch down. The outside-half converted.

The next two tries came from well-rehearsed lineout moves '“ hooker Paul Mitchell the scorer on both occasions.

Flinn was firing on all cylinders and full-back Nathan Bond gave an impeccable display of handling, kicking and tackling.

Five minutes from the end, Toone made another classic break and threw a long pass to Tom Gelder. The winger picked the ball up off his toes in full flight and beat two players before delivering a try-scoring pass to the ever-present Lang.

The match ended with the spotlight on Pearce as the 16st centre intercepted and, to the delight of all present, capped a great show by touching down.

- LEIGHTON THOMAS