Fixture: Casuals v Bingham 22 Sep 2024
Final score Casuals 2 Bingham 3 (but 2:2 on a different day with a different ref ? – see below)

It was a thoroughly soggy morning for Casuals first fixture of the season, with an odd distant rumble of thunder setting the scene perfectly for our thunderous start. The kick off whistle blew and as if on cue the sky above filled with geese flying low to trumpet the official return to match play.

It was a fast-paced start from both sides with Bingham pressing hard but Casuals remaining solid in defence. Casuals kept the energy and pressure high and narrowly avoided conceding to remain well in contention at the end of the first quarter. Score at end of Q1: 0-0

Q2continued with the same intensity and work rate with Casuals crucially preventing a maul from rolling to keep Bingham at bay. Eventually Bingham slipped through a try, but Casuals kept their heads up and bounced straight back applying good pressure to quickly level the score with a try from Felix – the culmination of a great run of supportive teamwork. Score at end of Q2: 1-1

The coaches’ challenge for Q3 was to “GOGL” (get over the gain line) and “run hard at them to make ourselves a nightmare to play against” … a challenge the boys embraced with a series of hard runs at Bingham’s defence from Rupert, Bradwell, Noah, Spencer, Liam, Emmett and finally Owen who drove over the line to put Casuals into the lead. Play quickly moved to the other end of the pitch with a blistering try-preventing tackle from either Liam or Noah (apols boys – I could see curly hair through the tangle of bodies, but not quite faces). Bingham pushed back and eventually levelled the score sheet … although on a different day with a different ref this might have been disallowed on a technicality (ask Owen about the details). Score at end of Q3: 2-2

The final quarter saw more of a kicking game take hold as tired legs fought for territory. A couple of good takes of the ball by George and Stan from Bingham’s long kicks thwarted their plans, but eventually they snuck one final try through Casuals’ defences to end the match Casuals 2 Bingham 3.

There was much to like about today’s spirited performance and Casuals should be proud of themselves for a solid, confident start to their season. Well done to Noah for an epic debut and to Bradwell as this week’s player of the week. As always Casuals demonstrated excellent commitment to TREDS - it was clear that both players and spectators alike had really enjoyed today’s game.