Bognor RFC finally got their pre-season campaign underway on Friday evening with a 57-15 victory over US Portsmouth, as both clubs looked to shake off the rust following a summer disrupted by the exceptionally dry weather.

With league rugby postponed until 26th September due to the lack of rain and hard ground conditions, the fixture provided a welcome opportunity for players to gain valuable game time. Bognor travelled with both their 1st XV and 2nd XV squads, with 40 + players taking to the field during the evening.

The visitors started brightly and opened the scoring through skipper Charlie Jays, who powered over from a well-executed lineout maul to register Bognor's first try of the new campaign.

US Portsmouth responded after a spell in which Bognor's discipline slipped. A succession of penalties handed the home side territory and possession and they took advantage to cross for their opening score as pre-season rustiness briefly showed in the visitors' game.

Bognor quickly regained control. A powerful trademark carry from Rimmer punched a sizeable hole in the Portsmouth defence and shifted momentum firmly back towards the visitors. The forwards continued to apply pressure before Harrison Southern crashed over for a well-deserved try.

One of Bognor's standout performers was Elijah Green, whose contribution in both attack and defence was outstanding. Green repeatedly threatened with ball in hand while also producing several important defensive interventions as US Portsmouth looked to stay in the contest.

The home side refused to go away and added another score, but Bognor had the final word before the interval. Fly-half Hornibrook finished off an excellent attacking move with a superb try that sent the Green and purples into half-time with a healthy advantage.

After half time, the hosts added their third and final score, but once the visitors settled, they took complete control.

Josh Turner crossed after a sustained period of pressure before another impressive score followed, created by Bognor's dominant pack. With the forwards consistently winning collisions and generating quick ball, space began to appear across the field and Dent took full advantage.

Further tries from Hayes, Halligan and Herrington capped a positive evening's work as Bognor pulled away to record a convincing 57-15 victory.

While the scoreline will please coaches and supporters alike, perhaps the biggest positive was the opportunity to give 40 players meaningful minutes ahead of the delayed league campaign. The squad displayed fitness, depth and attacking ambition throughout, with a number of players staking an early claim for selection.

After a frustrating wait for competitive rugby to return, Friday night's performance offered plenty of encouragement that Bognor are well placed as preparations continue for the start of the Regional 2 season later this month. However, more challenging rugby awaits.

Bognor's preparations continue this weekend when the club's 2nd XV hosts Burgess Hill for their next pre-season fixture. With competition for places already beginning to emerge following Friday night's performance, the coaching team will be looking for another strong showing as the countdown to the delayed league season continues.

Match report by Tom Spurle

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