In the closest game of the season so far for Fordingbridge, Bognor RFC ran out winners of a game that was principally about stout defence from both sides. The visitors did have most of the territory and possession for nearly three quarters of the match but found making the last few yards against Fordingbridge’s committed defence very difficult. Due in no small measure to the back row of Man of the Match Mark Hammond, Jamie Waters and Joe Weld.
Two unconverted tries from Bognor were the only scores in the first half despite great efforts from both teams. Bognor had had the benefit of the stiff breeze at their backs in the first half so Fordingbridge looked to turn that to their advantage in the second half. After ten minutes Matthew Norton slotted a long-range penalty to get the home side on the score board.
As the match entered the final quarter the rugby shifted from a defensive to an attacking style as Bognor scored a well worked try which, with the extras added, stretched their lead to 17 – 3 and with only ten minutes to full time, looked an unassailable margin.
However, Fordingbridge responded with two superb tries before the final whistle from Josh Merry and Peter Scott but with both conversions narrowly passing outside of the uprights, the draw was missed, and Bognor come away with a good away win. Fordingbridge do get the losing bonus point which means they retain fourth position in the Hampshire Premier league but are now eight points behind Sandown & Shanklin and Basingstoke, neither of whom have lost this season yet.