It was a particularly grim morning for our away match this week at Horden. As Storm Ashley approached we knew we were in for a difficult game in difficult conditions. Horden had had some setbacks with a bug ruling out several of their players, so David kindly volunteered to play for them to make it a proper 12v12 fixture.

Horden had the run of play in the first half showing their skill as a physical side, but also some excellent passing, especially given the wet and windy conditions. They took the first points of the match, scored by David. Bishop responded well putting together some good phases of rugby which ended in a try from Tom bringing the score to 5-5. It was a well worked set piece using the strength of our forwards to maul over the line from a 5m free kick. Matty was unlucky to not pull Bishop in front just before half time with a strong run down the left wing only denied, in his words, by a stud in touch.

In the second half the weather really came in with the rain lashing down. Handling became difficult for both sides and the game, though competitive, became scrappy with both teams struggling to get the ball away from the contact area. There was one moment of brilliance for Horden, the ball was grubbered through Bishop’s defensive line gathered and touched down for their second try. All of this from David! Both teams played admirably for the remainder of the match in ever worsening conditions, but Bishop couldn’t find that little extra to pull it back.

It was competitive game of rugby, played in good spirit by both sides, and although we lost 10-5, it’s worth noting all the points on the day were scored by Bishop players!