Points Tott up against Bognor

The game started with Tottonians in complete control and lacklustre defence allowed the opening converted try. This was followed by two further tries in the opening ten minutes - and the visitors were staring down the barrel of another big defeat.

Bognor, renowned for their grit and determination, knuckled down and tried to get a foothold. Jack Tompkins again dominated the lineout and provided a great source of possession, only for silly errors to let the hosts off the hook.

As an overlap was created for winger Josh Burgess, the final pass went to ground and one of few chances went begging.

The visitors’ day got worse when skipper Lee Balchin had to leave the field with illness and was was closely followed by back-row partner Karl Flinn after a harsh yellow card.

Bognor attacked and as a long pass went along the backline, the Tottonians centre intercepted to run between the posts.

Dave Sweeney was instrumental in a great attack from deep, and a great break and interlinking with Ben Archer and James Barlow soon had the visitors on the attack.

Rob Legge fired a long pass into midfield for Sweeney to find Graham Broome in space. The prop galloped away down the touchline with only the full-back to beat and he used his huge frame to send the full-back hurtling back to flop over for the try. Rob Parry expertly converted from the touchline.

Coach Stuart Pearce’s half-time challenge was for his team to win the second half in his final game in charge. Bognor dominated territory and possession but once again, poor decision making and errors cost them dear.

A perfect chip kick was gathered by the supporting Adam Knight. His perfect offload to Sweeney set up the overlap and Sweeney’s pace and precise pass sent the flying Josh Riggall over in the corner for a great team try.

Tottonians finished stronger, but brilliant defence by Tom Watson and Dan Brock prevented tries. But the defence was breached in the final ten minutes.

Bognor will now regroup before starting pre-season on July 12 when head coach Flinn has promised there will be a fit and competitive team who will be prepared for their onslaught on London three south west in a bid to bounce back at the first attempt.

There was a massive thank-you to all 54 players used in the season in an emotional speech by skipper Balchin and special thank-you went to ever-present Roger ‘Wally’ Hammond, who after 20 years at the helm as manager can now enjoy his retirement but will be sadly missed. The first XV will always be known as Wally’s Boys.

BOGNOR: B Archer, Riggall, Brock, Sweeney, Burgess, Parry, Legge, Flinn, Knight, Balchin, Tompkins, Barlow, Morgan, Mitchell, Broome, Johnson, Watson, N Archer.