A first-ever visit to Wimborne RFC proved to be a tough afternoon for Bognor's young 1st XV, but one that will undoubtedly help shape the squad as the season progresses.

The final score of 92-0 tells only part of the story against what is surely one of the strongest sides in the league. Wimborne demonstrated why many will regard them as title favourites, combining exceptional defensive organisation, relentless pace and physicality, and a clinical ability to turn opportunities into points. Their structure and experience were evident across the park from the first whistle to the last.

Bognor arrived buoyed by last week's excellent victory over Winchester but were already missing four of the heroes from that memorable win. Matters became even more challenging when both Spurle and Spray were forced from the field through injury, resulting in significant reshuffling throughout the side.

Despite these setbacks, the visitors refused to retreat. Trailing 41-0 at half-time, Bognor continued to attack with ambition and defend with determination. The scoreline may have widened, but the effort never wavered.

Time and again, Bognor carried the ball bravely into contact, asked questions of the home defence and earned several promising entries into the Wimborne 22. On another day, with a little more composure and a final pass sticking, those attacks would have been rewarded. Unfortunately for the visitors, Wimborne's defensive line repeatedly found a way to snuff out opportunities at the crucial moment.

What pleased the travelling faithful most was the character shown throughout the squad. Against older, more physical and vastly more experienced opponents, not a single Bognor player took a backward step. Every tackle was contested, every carry was fought for, and every player continued to work for one another until the final whistle.

There are afternoons in rugby when the result matters less than the lessons learned. This was one of those occasions. The young Bognor squad will have gained valuable experience against a side operating at the very top end of the league, and there were plenty of positives to take away despite the scoreboard.

The bruises will heal, the injuries will be assessed, and the squad will regroup this week knowing they are already better players and a better team for the experience.

Attention now turns to next Saturday and a home fixture against Petersfield. Bognor will be determined to bring the same courage, commitment and ambition back to Hampshire Avenue as they look to bounce back in front of their supporters. That game kicks off at 3pm .

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