Guildford Fall Just Short in Pulsating Encounter Against Bournemouth

Guildford Rugby Club

Guildford Fall Just Short in Pulsating Encounter Against Bournemouth - Match Report 280924

Guildford 37 – 45 Bournemouth

28th September 2024

Team: 1 Jordan Broadley, 2 Jacob Jones, 3 Jon Karimian, 4 Alex Burrill, 5 Matt Naeem, 6 Harry Phillips, 7 Ollie Millward, 8 Joe Garner 9 Charlie Cuervo, 10 Joe Gwyther, 11 Alex Jordan, 12 Oli Fielder, 13, Jonny Burden, 14 Ieuan Jones, 15 Rob Voller (c)

Replacements: 16, Oli Hirst, 17 Josh Jones* 18 Lochy Ellis-Jones (*Debut)

Guildford give their best performance of the season, but run out of time in a dramatic second half comeback in a pulsating game losing 37 – 45 to Bournemouth

Guildford Rugby Club delivered their most spirited performance of the season on Saturday, but despite a second-half surge, they narrowly lost 37-45 to Bournemouth in a thrilling encounter at Broadwater Park. This match was a rollercoaster of momentum swings and hard-fought tries, leaving the Guildford faithful agonisingly close to witnessing their team pull off a remarkable comeback.

The game started brightly for Guildford, who looked sharp and determined to set the tone. Just three minutes in, Jacob Jones crashed over from a well-executed lineout, benefiting from the powerful return of No. 8 Joe Garner. Ieuan Jones converted from out wide on the left, and Guildford were off to a flying 7-0 lead.

Bournemouth, however, responded quickly. A penalty awarded for offside allowed their fly-half to slot home three points, bringing the visitors back into the contest. As the game settled, Guildford’s discipline at the breakdown faltered, and Bournemouth took full advantage. A penalty led to a lineout just five metres from Guildford’s line, and Bournemouth’s pack mauled their way over for their first try. With the conversion, Bournemouth edged ahead 10-7.

Guildford regrouped and responded through a penalty from Ieuan Jones, levelling the scores at 10-10. Minutes later, Jonny Burden gave the home crowd something to cheer about when he dotted down in the corner after sustained Guildford pressure. Ieuan Jones nailed the touchline conversion, pushing Guildford back ahead 17-10.

The momentum continued to swing in Guildford’s favour. A searing break from prop Jordan Broadley created space, and the ball found its way to captain Rob Voller, who set up Burden for his second try of the day. Though the conversion missed, Guildford were firmly in control at 22-10 with 11 minutes to go in the half.

But Bournemouth were not finished yet. With just minutes remaining before the break, relentless pressure saw them camped on Guildford’s try line. Their patience paid off with a converted try, reducing the deficit to 22-17. Then, just before the whistle, a lapse in Guildford’s defence at a lineout allowed Bournemouth to score again, turning the tables with a 24-22 lead at half-time.

The second half began with Guildford regaining the lead courtesy of a penalty from Ieuan Jones, but Bournemouth were quick to answer. A Guildford defensive lapse allowed the visitors to score a converted try, bringing the score to 31-25 in Bournemouth's favour. Further misery came for Guildford when Joe Gwyther was shown a yellow card for a high tackle, and Bournemouth capitalised immediately with another try from their scrum-half. The scoreboard read 38-25 with Guildford down to 14 men.

Bournemouth stretched their lead to 45-25 after another try from a scrum, seemingly putting the game beyond reach. But Guildford refused to go quietly. A lineout drive from within Bournemouth’s 22 saw Jordan Broadley barrel over for a crucial try. The conversion brought the score to 45-32, with 20 minutes left to play.

The visitors then found themselves on the wrong end of the referee’s whistle, with two yellow cards for high tackles giving Guildford a two-man advantage. Burden, now stepping in as fly-half, orchestrated a more varied attack, and Guildford looked threatening in the closing stages. They took full advantage of their numerical superiority, with Jonathan Karimian scoring from another lineout drive, closing the gap to 45-37.

Despite the late pressure, Guildford couldn’t find the final try needed to complete the comeback. Bournemouth managed to hold on, and the game ended 45-37 in their favour.

Guildford will take heart from the fightback but will rue missed opportunities and lapses in concentration. For Bournemouth, it was a hard-fought win, while Guildford showed plenty of promise but were left searching for their first victory of the season.

There is no game next week as the league takes a break. The next game is away at Tottonians on 12th October.

Mike Burden

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