Captain lauds Bromley win as one of Pulborough’s best ever

The home side continued their 100 per cent record at Freelands for their first-ever win over their high-flying visitors.

Pulborough remained fourth in the league thanks to the win which saw tries from Frazer Oliphant-Hope, Keith Chenoweth, George West and debutant Harvey Strudwick.

Burfiend said that the game was right up there with his best win, even from their record-breaking promotion year from Sussex 1 in 2012.

He said: “I must start with how great Saturday’s win felt. As a squad we have always had the potential to beat the top-two sides in the league, and after a great week training, full commitment from the boys and being in the right mental state, all of the hard work finally paid dividends.

“I can honestly say that even with our 100 per cent record winning season that this weekend’s win was one of the best I have experienced in a Pulborough top, and I know many of the boys felt the same.

“It was a truly fantastic win, the first time we have ever beaten Bromley, but we still have plenty to work on and with a week off, due to cup fixture clashes, we must work hard at training to get ourselves primed for another big encounter against Folkestone away, who we are joint on points with in the league.”

After having to make ten changes the previous week, ‘Boro were back up to full strength and despite playing against the gale in the first half, took the lead through a Oliphant-Hope penalty.

Bromley made the most of their large forward pack, who through some tight phases overpowered the Pulborough defence and scored from a tight pick and go.

Sam Aviss then found Oliphant-Hope bursting through a hole and riding a couple of flailing tackles to score a converted try under the post.

Chenoweth saw an opportunity for a quick tap penalty outside the Bromley line and went over for Pulborough’s second and with Oliphant-Hope’s conversion, they led 17-5.

In the second half, a ball outside by Burfiend was spilt and snatched up by the Bromley winger who ran in down the wing from his own half.

Bromley then lost a centre as a result of a yellow card and Pulborough took advantage as West sprinted away out wide to dive over in the corner for a 22-12 lead. Bromley scored another converted try to narrow the lead to just three points and set up a nervy finale.

Pulborough’s win was clinched by Strudwick, who came off the bench and showed brilliant strength to drive over with some help from fellow flanker Dan Bullock.

With the bonus point secure, the conversion by Oliphant-Hope secured a 29-19 lead and they held the visitors out in the final five minutes.