Bognor rugby youngsters too good for Surrey champions

Bognor on the charge against Cranleigh at Hampshire Avenue

Bognor’s off-loading game worked effectively from the kick-off. Benjamin Barker worked hard to secure clean ball. Matthew Norrell got over the gain line with every carry. Skipper Alfie Spurle varied the point of attack and his cut-out pass found Charlie Jays. He found a pass to Benjamin Woolnough, who crashed over.

Coach Tom Spurle had predicted Tyrone Makasi would score a hat-trick and the twinkle-toed centre didn’t need long to open his account as he cut a superb line to score. A powerful surge from Charles Weller got behind the visitors’ defence and Andrew Fadera crashed through to score. Woolnough converted.

James Billingham’s electric break set up good field position. Woolnough found Makasi and the centre sped through for his second.

Winger Ben Tilley got into the action early in the second half with a scorching run that stretched the Cranliegh defence. Nathan Chitty moved the ball wide to Fadera who threw outrageous dummies on his way to the try line. Harrison Southern converted.

The visitors responded as pressure found a chink in the Bognor wall and their flanker crashed over for a converted try. Back came Bognor. Benn Brandon ran half the length of the field in a mazy run from his own line. The ball was moved the width of the pitch for Makasi to take the final pass and speed over for his hat-trick. Fadera converted from the touchline.

Southern made good ground and Jack Trenham powered on. Dylan Collier, outstanding all game, stepped his opposite man and accelerated away for a magical score.

Makasi glided through after great work by Harvey Henson for his fourth try, converted by James Billingham.

This week Bognor Greens host Gosport in a vital league encounter, 2pm KO at Hampshire Avenue.

Bognor RFC Colts Academy will play Winchester RFC Colts at Allianz Park on Sunday, April 12.

Bognor: Jack Trenham, Ethan Teasdale, Charlie Weller, Luiz, Harvey Henson, Matthew Norrell, Ben Barker, Charlie Jays, Ben Brandon, Andrew Fadera, Alfie Spurle, Ben Woolnough, Ben Tilley, Harrison Southern, Tyrone Makasi, Dylan Collier, Nathan Chitty, James Billingham.