Late twists leave Bognor celebrating win at Winchester

They knew this really was a match that they had to win if they were to retain any hope of promotion contention. No-one, though, could have foreseen such a frantic, error-strewn game where the lead changed hands several times, and where the visitors scored a fifth try with the last play of the match to clinch a late but well-deserved victory.

The win means Bognor climb back up to second place, eight points behind promotion-favourites Portsmouth, whom they meet at Hampshire Avenue in just over a month.

A late change due to illness saw Tom Orchard replace Matt Norrell, but Head Coach Karl Flinn was confident his squad was strong enough to complete the double over the side one place below them at the start. And just two minutes in, slick handling put flying winger Freddie Hayes over in the corner.

Winchester hit back with a penalty before No8 Jamie Foote set off on one of his trademark runs off the back of a solid scrum. He flattened three would-be tacklers and the ball was quickly recycled, allowing Hayes to execute a perfect chip for Adam Halligan to touch down.

Bognor took their foot off the gas and the rest of the half belonged to the home side. Enjoying a steep slope and with the benefit of a strong wind, the temptation for the visitors to kick for position was too strong and good possession was aimlessly kicked away time and again.

Winchester capitalised on Bognor’s poor decision-making and worked their way up to the 22, growing in confidence as they did so. A strong home scrum and a disappointingly passive defence allowed Winchester to score their first try to bring the scores level.

Matters got even worse as the home side helped themselves to a second try to open up a seven-point half-time lead.

Bognor’s ponderous and indecisive 20-minute period was reminiscent of the second half at Sandown two weeks earlier, so it was no surprise when Flinn’s vocal half-time talk made it clear such a repeat would be unacceptable.

The visitors’ supporters did not have long to wait for a positive response, Halligan putting Hayes over for his second try, converted by Kurtus Dent to tie the scores.

Winchester nudged themselves ahead with a second penalty goal but Bognor were working out that moving the ball quickly to the outside channels was their best chance of success.

Hayes was wreaking havoc, beating three or four players every time he touched the ball, so it was no surprise when he linked with Halligan for the umpteenth time to score his hat trick and Bognor’s bonus-point try.

With Bognor two points ahead and just five minutes left there was still time for another two twists.

First, Winchester earned themselves another penalty at the breakdown which their scrum-half duly popped over from 42m to enjoy a typically modest celebration as he assumed that he had won the game.

Bognor were having none of it and, when the ball was kicked down the throat of MoM Hayes yet again, it was moved to the righthand touchline where Charlie Spray ran strongly and kept the ball alive.

The ball was moved quickly back across the field allowing the outstanding Noah Flinn to find Foote with a well-timed pass. The big No8 made sure he executed a perfect offload to Hayes who accepted his fourth try of the match. Halligan converted to put the icing on the cake.

This Saturday Bognor entertain Bournemouth II. All support is welcome. (3pm).