Bishop started strongly and dominated from the start by using their bulky pack to bully the West forwards. This led to a number of penalties which finally concluded in Bishops first converted try 7-0

From the kick off, Bishop were at it again. Although the West back line tackled well and hard with Connor smashing the opposition into oblivion, the gaps finally appeared and their backs ran in Bishops second but unconverted try. 12-0

Bishop continued to control the game with West giving away far too many penalties due to Ill discipline. However, West held strong for the remainder of the half.

Half time 12-0

After a good bollocking at half time, and changes with Wray, Parker & Larkin taking to the field, West briefly came out the dominant side

Parker speeded the distribution up from 9 when he was able to get the limited ball with Wray looking strong in the row.

The evergreen Liam Larkin coming onto the paddock at half time made a huge impression and put most of his younger teammates to shame. However, he was outdone, not in the game but in age, neoprene and bandages by his opposite number who was the ripe old age of 58.

Baggs continued to carry and tackle well with spurts of assistance from Corbett. However, we were continually bullied and counter rucked off the ball due to the lack of aggression, support and poor body positions.

West backs looked really dangerous with ball in hand, however this ball was unclean and few and far between. Waites once again trying to orchestrate his magic with Connor hitting strong running lines.

Waites with his two shoulders really needs some looking after by his pack. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case today and he was second in the tackling count and showed more aggression and heart than most of his pack.

Against the run of play and with Wests best spell of the match, a 4 yard off side Bishop player intercepted a pass from West, only to run the full width of the paddock. 19-0

West attacked the Bishop line again. However, it was like deajavsoui and Bishop intercepted again. 26-0. With five minutes on the clock left Bishop scored again. 31-0

However it was West who had the final say in the dying second with Painter getting Wests only try. Converted by Waites.

FT Bishop 31 – West 7

A very lack lustre and poor team performance from a Stags side that the players themselves, coaches and club expect better things from. Let’s see if we can put this game behind us and show yourselves and the coaches what resilience and response we have moving into our next fixture.

MOTM: A colossal unit of a man which once the Friday night red wine got sweated out of his system (wife to blame he said) stood up to the mark with many a strong run and plenty of hard tackling. This weeks MOTM goes to Jordan Baggs👍💪
Dick of the day also makes a welcome comeback this week.
This goes to a frustrated forward who in anger slammed the ball to the ground, only to watch it bounce immediately back up and hit him straight in the mush. This was greeted by many a chuckle from both sets of players and the spectating sidelines. Well done Jordan Baggs👍. Two awards in one game.
Going - Good to soft
Conditions - Warm Autumnal day with a strong breeze