Guildford Rugby Club
Bournemouth 49 - Guildford 15 - Match report Saturday 4th January 2025
Bournemouth 49 – 15 Guildford
4th January 2025
Bournemouth Overpower Guildford in Tough League Clash
Team: 1. James Delderfield 2. Ed Pasfield 3. Freddie Cole 4. Alex Burrill(C) 5. George Angel 6. Jordan Brodley 7. Ben Meager 8. Joe Garner 9. Charlie Cuervo 10. Joe Gwyther 11. Ben Bushell 12. Tom Waddell 13. Alex Jordan 14. Solomon Poole 15. Ieuan Jones
Replacements: 16. Jacob Jones 17. Jon Karimian 18. Tom Devereaux TR James Gatty
Tries: Brodley, Garner
Conversions: Gwyther
Penalties: Gwyther
In one of the few matches to go ahead on Saturday due to adverse weather conditions, Guildford succumbed to a 49-15 defeat away to Bournemouth, as the home side demonstrated why they are serious contenders for the league's top spot.
Despite cold conditions, the soft pitch proved playable, and the visitors started brightly, taking an early lead through Joe Gwyther's penalty in the opening minute. However, Bournemouth quickly settled, showcasing superior strength, speed and organisation that overwhelmed the injury-hit Guildford squad.
The visitors struggled to contain Bournemouth's relentless attacking play. While Guildford's scrum held firm and the lineout disrupted their opponents at times, the home side’s dominance at the breakdown proved decisive. Three unanswered converted tries saw Bournemouth take control before an interception try just before half-time extended their lead to 35-3.
The second half brought a more spirited display from Guildford. Jordan Brodley’s and Joe Garner’s second-half tries, the latter converted by Gwyther, provided some consolation. However, Bournemouth’s quality shone through with two further converted tries, securing an emphatic victory and maintaining their pressure on league leaders Farnham.
Guildford’s injury crisis deepened with Ed Pasfield and Ieuan Jones joining the lengthy list of absentees. Yet, there were positives, with Alex Jordan and Tom Devereaux returning from injury, while Brodley as ever, impressed in the back row. In the backs, Tom Waddell and Ben Bushell added solidity, with Solomon Poole returning on the left wing.
Guildford now face a challenging fortnight with consecutive home games against promotion-chasing Tottonians and Winchester. With strong support, the team will look to bounce back and rediscover their form.
Full-time: Bournemouth 49, Guildford 15
Mike Burden
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