BOURNVILLE coach Alex Grove was proud of the efforts of his injury-ravaged side despite receiving a ‘kick in the teeth’ with 38-27 defeat by Luctonians at Avery Fields.
Bourns were pushing in attack for their fourth try which would have brought them victory and five priceless points.
Instead they were penalised for not releasing and Luctonians scrum-half Owen Randell tapped and ran the penalty and dotted down under the posts.
So Bournville finished without even the consolation of a losing bonus point while the two sides either side of them, Macclesfield and Devonport Services, each picked up two points in the battle to avoid relegation from National Two West.
“I asked the guys to properly buy-in from an effort perspective, to empty the tank and we would see where we were at 60-65 minutes and make any decisions on the bench at that point,” Grove said.
“At 79-and-a-half minutes we are four points behind, we are right in it and challenging them. So to concede that quick tapped penalty and come away with nothing puts a gloss on the scoreboard for Lucs and is a kick in the teeth for ourselves.
“But, in terms of what I asked for the players, I thought they were outstanding, one to 20. They fronted up, they took the game to Lucs, they played in the right areas – yes we made a few unforced errors which cost us – but from an effort perspective I could not be more proud of the players.”
The return of openside flanker Adam Shaw from a shoulder injury made a significant difference to Bournville and was also a reminder of what they had missed during his five week lay-off.
But Grove also had praise for the two other members of the back row and prop Scott Rudge who only returned to the club in January after a brief stint with Stourbridge and who had not featured in the first team until last week’s defeat at Old Redcliffians.
“I thought the balance of the back row was brilliant. Adam Shaw, not just for his work-rate but his ability to chop the ball carrier, Jonjo Fanning over the ball and Kieran Henderson has been brilliant. He has had a run of games and he has really improved at the back end of the season. That balance is something we would like to see more of,” Grove said.
“Scott was man of the match for both team in my opinion. Before today he had played 60 minutes of first team rugby this season which was last week.
“He played 72 minutes this week. He did well in the scrum and lineout which is his bread and butter, but he fronted up defensively, he worked hard around the pitch and he carried well. I have just spoken to him. Yes, he’s exhausted but he is well up to playing at this level.”
Bournville have a week off before they resume their league campaign at Cinderford on April 5 but the players will be in for training this week and on the touchline next Saturday when the second XV, the Blues, host Dudley Kingswinford IIs as they continue their challenge for the Midlands Three West (South) title.
“We are aware of where we are. It’s difficult but when you have that level of buy-in there’s a lot you can work with,” Grove said.
“The Blues have a game next week. They have a promotion they are chasing so the first team boys will be in supporting the Blues players.”
