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In their last league game of the 2007/8 season, Boston turned in a disappointing finale in front of the club’s watching vice-presidents and club supporters. In a game where there was nothing to play for except pride, with both clubs firmly entrenched in a comfortable mid-table position, it was a strangely subdued Boston who played their last match under coach Ray Hayward’s direction.

The home side made the worst possible start imaginable and after only 10 minutes were 12-0 down, a position they never really recovered from. To be fair, Boston were stung into action and when finally they did have some possession, they took the game to Belgrave. However, with a creaking scrum and at times basketball-style passing, they failed to register any points and entered half-time interval trailing by 12 points.

Injuries early in the second half forced Boston to make a number of changes with Mark Miles being replaced by Lloyd Hurford in the back row and A Phoneix by B Wilson. Boston did show rare glimpses of the rugby they are capable of producing when they scored their only try of the match. From a scrum just on the half way line, number eight Eddie Theron broke blind and fed winger Ollie Webster, who went on a surging run down the touchline, his off load just near the line enabled captain Tom Kemp to score in the corner.

After this it was mainly one-way traffic as Belgrave, who appeared to want the win more than the home side, scored three further unanswered tries, to run out eventual winners, despite, at times heroic tackling.

With coach Ray Hayward leaving the club to go back to New Zealand after two seasons, the club wish him well for the future. The search for a new development coach has already started and both club players, committee members and supporters will look to the close season to rest, recharge their batteries, before the pre-season work starts.

Boston 1st XV: I Sampson, C Dowse, A Phoenix, F Cannon, N Lane, M Miles, L Eldin, E Theron, T Kemp, O Webster, J Brookes, A Myles, B Moores. Replacements: L Hurford, P Cumber, B Wilson.

Boston Development XV 0 Skegness 1st XV 10

In a hard fought game, Boston’s development squad put in a good solid performance to run local rivals Skegness close in this entertaining end of season encounter.

April 5

Boston 1st XV 3 Scunthorpe 28

In the semi-final of the County Cup, Boston turned in a disappointing performance to lose against Scunthorpe. Boston’s cup run was effectively ended when No 8 Eddie Theron was sent off after 30 minutes to reduce the home side to 14 men and basically end the contest. Up to this point, the match was finely balanced at 3-8 in favour of the visitors. John MacPherson had converted an early penalty to put Boston on the score card.

The match proved to be a scrappy affair with neither team being able to impose themselves and the blue and whites making numerous handling errors. What proved disappointing for the Boston coaching staff was their team’s inability to capitalise on turning pressure into points when they had worked themselves into good attacking positions only to concede possession and end up back deep inside their own half.

At half-time the score remained 3-8 in the visitors’ favour. Despite tackling their hearts out, the second period was torturous for the Boston players and spectators alike as inevitably Scunthorpe made use of their numerical advantage and ran in four tries. Boston did have the consolation of a trademark John MacPherson try from 10 metres out, to add some respectability to the scoreline, which could have been far worse had Scunthorpe been more clinical in finishing. Scunthopre will now play Sleaford in the final on May 11.

On Saturday April 12, Boston travel to play Amber Valley in their penultimate league game of the season.

Boston 1^st XI: I Sampson, C Dowse, A Buckberry, N Lane, F Cannon, L Hurford, E Theron, L Eldin, J Honiblow, J Macpherson, P Cumber, M Miles, A Miles, O Webster, M Sharman. Replacement: A Phoenix.

March 8, 15, 22, 29

No reports submitted.

March 1

Kesteven 1st XV 10, Boston 1st XV 10

In a classic game of two contrasting halves, Boston continued their unbeaten playing record against Kesteven, with a hard-fought draw and a share of the league points. Boston had played Kesteven the previous week in the Lincolnshire Cup and won with a less than impressive performance. Here, seven days later they faced the “the Black Army” in front of their home supporters who were celebrating their club’s anniversary. And Boston sensed they might have their work cut out.

Kesteven were highly focused and motivated to gain revenge for previous league and cup defeats. And from the kick off, they took the game to the visitors. With the advantage of the strong wind behind them Kesteven’s game plan was simple, utilise their forwards to exert constant pressure on the Boston pack, via their scrum with controlled driving mauls and wait for the mistakes to happen. Boston remained firmly rooted on the back foot for long periods of the first half and only on rare occasions did they manage to get out of their own half. Despite struggling in the scrum, Boston’s defence stood firm and also their discipline, conceding only one penalty. It took Kesteven 30 minutes before they breached the Boston defence to score a deserved converted try and take a 7-0 lead into the interval.

For the second half Boston coach Ray Hayward brought on prop Iain Sampson, moved Nigel Lane back into the second row to stabilise the scrum and asked the team to start to dictate play and control possession. Within five minutes Boston had scored their first try, via a flowing back move, which saw winger Joe Horniblow score his first senior try, which when converted on the touch line by Ben Moore drew the sides level.

Kesteven were not fazed by this and quickly restored their lead via a penalty minutes after the restart to resume the lead by 10-7. Indeed, it was Kesteven who sensed the match was still there to be won, and as Boston started to concede penalties, they had several kickable opportunities, which narrowly failed. Boston’s play was patchy, with brief spells of controlled phased rugby, only to be let down by poor handling and over adventurous attacking options. Boston did eventually win a penalty after a surging run from the base of the scrum from number eight Steven Loveley to draw level.

With 15 minutes remaining the game was definitely in the balance and Boston brought on Jake Brookes for Wayne Barnett in the centre. Despite Boston coming close on a number of occasions, Kesteven’s defence stood firm and a draw on the day would prove to be a fair result for both teams.

Next week (March 8) Boston entertain league leaders Ashbourne, kick-off 3.00pm. All support is welcome at the club to see if the squad can gain revenge for their previous defeat.

Boston 1^st XV: A Buckberry, C Dowse, N Lane, F Cannon, L Eldin, L Hurford, O Webster, S Loveley, T Kemp, P Cumber, W Barnett, A Miles, J Horniblow, P Jarvis. Replacements, I Sampson, A Maguire, J Brookes.

February 16

Boston 1st XV 10, Mellish 1st XV 15

Boston will look back on this match as a game they could and should have won against second placed Mellish. Despite a brave and inspired second half fightback, it was not meant to be. Missed opportunities and mistakes in decision-making at crucial times proved costly, ultimately leading to defeat.

In terms of performance level the first half was patchy to say the least. Boston contributed to their own downfall as missed tackles saw the opposition quickly move into a 10-0 lead. With Boston’s scum under increasing pressure and Ben Moore failing to convert the first of his two penalty attempts, it looked as if it would be a long afternoon for the home supporters on a perfect winters day. Boston’s woes were further compounded when an injury to prop Alan Phoenix after 30 minutes forced the referee to halt the game. Phoenix’s departure forced coach Hayward into a reshuffle. In the pack, Nigel Lane moved to prop and Alex Maguire came into the second row. The disruption seemed to rejuvenate the home side and for the next 10 minutes they enjoyed their best spell of the first half. Surging runs by Ollie Webster, were stopped only by last-ditch defensive work from the visitors. And on two occasions the side had clear overlaps to score.

Entering the interval at 10-0 down, there was still all to play for and coach Hayward urged his players to up the tempo and produce quicker ball. Within minutes of the restart, captain Kemp provided the perfect response and from a Mellish scrum on the half way line. He stole the ball from the number eight and set off down the park only to be stopped 10 metres from the line. The resulting conceded penalty saw Boston’s pack execute a well rehearsed catch and drive for number eight Eddie Theron to score Boston’s first try and reduce the deficit to 7-10, with Ben Moore’s conversion added. An injury to Lee Hurford saw Lewis Elding join the pack and shortly renewed pressure brought its reward when a penalty from Ben Moore brought the scores level at 10-10.

With 20 minutes left it was game on. The home side sensed victory and continued to remain camped in the Mellish half. A missed penalty attempt prevented Boston taking the lead. Then, on a rare foray into the Boston territory, Mellish scored their third try against the run of play to go back into the lead 15-10. Despite this setback, the home players knew their was still plenty of time left on the clock and created a number of try scoring opportunities, going close on two occasions only for solid defence from the visitors and turn over ball to deny Boston a try.

The final whistle signalled the end to a brave second half fightback. All that was left for Boston was time to reflect of what could have been. The Mellish players knew the were fortunate to escape with a win. Next week (February 23) Boston travel to play Kesteven, kick off 2.15 pm.

Boston 1^st XV: A Phoenix, C Dowse, A Buckberry, F Cannon, N Lane, M Miles, L Hurford, E Theron, T Kemp, O Webster, B Moor ,J Brooks, A Myles, P Cumber, J Horniblow. Replacements: A Maguire, Lewis Elding, W Barratt.

There was no Development fixture.

January 26

Boston 1st XV 7, Ashby 1st Xv 5

In a tight, tense and, at times, fractious match, Boston secured not just a first win of 2008, but also a notable first “double” over Ashby in the league. The match wasn’t a game for the rugby purists to enjoy as, overall, it was a scrappy team performance. However, there are times in sport when winning (and winning ugly on occasions) is all that matters. This was one such occasion.

The coaching staff made a number of adjustments to the team that last played two weeks ago. In the pack Chris Clawson returned at prop, and Lloyd Hurford came into the back row. The backs welcomed the return of Ben Moores( flyhalf), Darryn Barratt( centre) and the debutant Wes Craven ( centre).

Playing with the advantage of the strong cross wind in the first half, it was the visitors, not Boston, who made all the running and looked the most likely to score. It came, therefore, as no surprise to the home support when, after 20 minutes, Ashby scored the first try courtesy of jinking solo run by their scrum half who made inroads into the Boston 22m zone for the ball to be quickly spun out to their winger to score.

Boston were unable to impose themselves in the first half. Much of the play was in the middle of the park, poor handling, alignment and lost ball in turnover, only conspired to lower performance levels. However, despite this, they entered half-time only trailing 5-0 and with all to play for.

Boston’s old habits of conceding penalties in the loose quickly gave the advantage to Ashby at the start of the second half and thankfully for the blue and whites Ashby’s kicker had left his boots and radar at home, missing two opportunities to extend their lead. On 65 minutes coach Ray Hayward decided to implement a double substitution and tactical switch-round in the backs, bringing on Perry Cumber (wing) and Wayne Barnett (centre) for Ben Moores and Wes Craven while moving Darren Barratt to fly-half and Joseph Horniblow to full-back with Kenny Lines coming back into the centre.

The plan did briefly galvanise Boston’s attacking ambitions and for a brief 10 minute period they remained camped inside Ashby’s twenty two. The crowd sensed this would be the time they could score and get back into the match. From a tap penalty inside the twenty two, taken by scrum half Tom Kemp, the ball eventually reached back row Mark Miles who jinked and burst through several tackles to score by the posts to allow the conversion by Darryn Barratt to take Boston into the lead 7-5. Boston’s confidence, and self-belief grew and with 15 minutes remaining they realised victory was in sight.

Had the momentum of the match been changed for good? As always this proved to be a tense period for both players and spectators alike. Injuries to Darren Barratt, and prop Chris Clawson, who was forced to retire with a neck injury, forced yet another reshuffle as Nigel Lane moved to prop and Alex Maguire came off the bench to cover in the second row. It meant it was a tense time, as the clock was being run down. To the relief of all at the Boardsides, the whistle did eventually come and signalled a deserved and morale-boosting win.

Next week (February 2) Boston, travel to play Castle Donington, in a re-arranged league fixture due to their pitch being waterlogged the previous week.

Boston 1^st XV: A Buckberry, C Dowse, C Clawson, N Lane, F Cannon, M Miles, L Hurford, E Theron, T Kemp, B Moore, O Webster, D Barratt, W Craven, J Horniblow, K Lines. Replacements: P Cumber, W Barnett, A Maguire.

January 19

Boston Development XV 24, Skegness 2^nd XV 0

With Boston Rugby Club first team’s scheduled match against Castle Donington postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, it was the turn of the development side to take centre stage at the Boardsides when they tackled local rivals Skegness.

With Skegness, unable to field a full team, Boston loaned them three players, Philip Roberts, Ste Brogan and Sam Paling, to ensure a equal contest and add a surrealistic touch to the occasion. The game also saw the debut of Dominic Gibbons on the wing.

The development side under the watchful eye of coach Ray Hayward started the game positively and within three minutes had registered their first points via a well taken try by centre Matt Sharman, the conversion by John MacPherson taking Boston into a 7-0 lead. Boston were controlling the match and it was no surprise when 10 minutes later, scrum half Matt Keightley scored the home side’s second try, again converted by MacPherson to extend the home sides lead to 14 points to nil.

With the home side remaining camped in the Skegness half for the majority of the first half, it was left to fly-half MacPherson to score two further trade mark solo tries, to see Boston enter half time a comfortable 24-0 in front.

While there were no further scores in the second half, it did give coach Hayward an opportunity to utilise all Boston’s replacements and allow players to press their claims for inclusion into the first team squad.

This week (January 26) the development side travel to play Grimbsy seconds while the first XV entertain Ashby at home in the league, kick off 2.15 pm.

January 12

Boston 1^st XV 21, Amber Valley 1^st XV 22

In an entertaining and enthralling contest, Boston nearly snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a roller coaster ride. With the last kick of the game, John McPherson's penalty attempt drifted wide to end the home sides brave second half fight back. In sport, the margins of victory and/or defeat are often very small and Boston will rue a number of basic mistakes, and missed tackles at crucial times in the match which handed the visitors the initiative and eventual victory.

After the previous week’s game the coaching staff kept faith with the squad and the only changes were at fly half with John McPherson being promoted from the development side and a youthful bench with Joe Horniblow, Billy Wilson and Lewis Elding all products of Boston’s youth team.

The first half proved to be mixed in terms of performance and endeavour. For the first 10 minutes Boston remained camped in their own 22m zone as Amber Valley controlled the game and deservedly scored their first try through their winger. Boston was struggling to gain possession especially at the breakdown and with limited ball could not unleash their backs. It was only after 25 minutes that Boston entered Amber Valley’s half. A missed penalty by John McPherson quickly followed by a disallowed try moments later only seemed to add to Boston’s sense that this would not be their day despite, their renewed commitment and pressure they still did not have any points on the board.

To add insult to injury Boston not only lost their defensive co-ordinator Jake Brooks at centre, which resulted in Joe Horniblow making his first team debut at full back, but conceded a soft try as poor tackles enabled the visitors to score and take a 14-0 lead at half-time. There were encouraging signs for the watching spectators as Boston had started to put together some promising phases of play with good support however, poor handling again was to let them down.

The second half started promisingly with Boston taking the game to Amber Valley and showing signs of their old self. A piece of magic from John McPherson saw him make a telling break inside the 22m area to outpace the defence and convert his own try to reduce the deficit to 17-4. Boston’s confidence was quickly being restored led by some inspiring breaks by back-rowers Kenny Doig and Eddie Theron who on numerous occasions were making considerable yardage.

Just as Boston were getting back into the game they conceded a try from a 5m lineout for the visitors to extend their lead to 19-7 and seemingly count Boston out of the game. The blue and whites, however, were not reading this script and from a searing break by Kenny Doig from inside his own half he ran half the length of the field to be stopped yards short of the line — his off-load enabled Tom Kemp to feed Alfie Myles to see him score in the corner and bring the scoreline to 12-19. The momentum of the match appeared to be turning in Boston’s favour and they were soon after awarded a penalty try by the referee for a high tackle on Ollie Webster which the referee deemed had prevented him from scoring.

With 10 minutes left, the scoreline was 19-19 and a conversion by John McPherson took Boston into the lead for the first time at 21-19. Having climbed the peaks to reach parity and then gain the lead, crucial mistakes from the kick-off and then minutes later in the loose allowed Amber Valley two penalty opportunities, one of which they converted to regain the lead 21-22. At this stage Billy Wilson and Lewis Elding were brought off the bench to replace Kenny Doig and and Alex Maguire. With the final kick of the game, the home side had an opportunity to record a dramatic victory. However it was not meant to be and in this re-arranged fixture from last year, Boston still look to record their first victory of 2008.

This weekend (January 19), Boston continue their league action with a trip to Castle Donington, kick-off 2.15pm.

Boston 1^st XV: N Lane, C Dowse, A Buckberry, F Cannon, A Maguire, M Miles, K Doig, E Theron, T Kemp, J McPherson, P Cumber, J Brooks, A Myles, O Webster, K Lines. Replacements: J Horniblow, B Wilson, L Eldin.

The club’s development side did not have a fixture. They play Castle Donington 2^nd XV at home.

January 5

Boston 1st XV 0 Bakewell 1st XV 65

In a shambolic team performance, Boston started the New Year in a way few supporters expected when suffering a record home league defeat. Earlier in the season Boston produced an inspired away performance, to defeat Bakewell. How times have changed as Bakewell more than exacted revenge for Boston’s earlier victory.

The season of goodwill was extended to visitors Bakewell as, throughout the game, Boston’s defensive game plan and in particular their tackling went from bad to worse to embarrassing, conceding nine unanswered tries. In a match where Boston untypically struggled to win clean first phased possession via scrum and lineout, conceded numerous turnovers and only showed rare glimpses of the expansive play they are capable of, it proved to be a long cold afternoon for stoic home supporters.

The portents for the game were seen in the first 10 minutes when Bakewell scored two quick tries, ripping open Boston’s defence and dominating possession that continued throughout the match. Late on in the first half Boston eventually woke from their slumbers and for a brief 10-minute period, did put - at last - some sustained pressure on the visitors, remaining camped in their 22. While going close on a number of occasions they could not produce any cutting edge to cross the whitewash as Boston entered the interval 24-0 in deficit.

The second half can best be described as a nightmare as Boston conceded nine unanswered tries to suffer their heaviest home league defeat for some time. In the next few days coach Ray Hayward and his squad will have an intensive period on the training park to correct in particular Boston’s misfiring lineout and defensive game plan prior to their next league game on Saturday January 12 when Boston play their re-arranged fixture against Amber Valley - a match which was postponed last year. The team will be looking to get back into winning ways to gain vital league points and climb back up the table.

Boston 1^st XV: I Sampson, C Dowse, A Buckberry, N Lane, F Cannon, K Dpoig, M Miles, E Theron, T Kemp, B Moor, A Myles, J Brooks, P Cumber, K Lines. Replacements: S Loveley, A Maguire, O Webster, L Hurford.

Boston’s development side did not fare any better against Bakewell seconds when losing heavily 48-3 in an overall bleak day on the playing front for the club.

December 15:

Market Rasen XV 29, Boston 1st XV 8

After drawing in their first league encounter earlier in the year Boston were out-mauled and out-muscled by the powerful Rasen forwards, who convincingly won this re-match, in front of their home crowd. For Boston coach Ray Hayward, preparation before this fixture was far from ideal as the list of players unavailable due to work, injuries and absence grew. And in the end it proved critical in determining Boston’s fate.

With both Craig Dowse and Olly Webster unavailable, prop Rahiri Connor moved to hooker, Chris Clawson was promoted to the front row from the development team, the ever-versatile Kenny Doig moved to No 8 and Alex Maguire came in at second row. In the backs, Ben Moores made his first team debut at full-back.

It was critical for Boston to start strongly and, despite the changes in personnel, not allow Rasen to dictate the opening exchanges. Boston, however, made the worst possible start to the game by conceding 12 points within the first 10 minutes handing Market Rasen the psychological advantage that they never conceded. And with their physical presence, they made life difficult for the visitors throughout the afternoon. For the watching supporters, it was an afternoon of mixed emotions.

The loss of centre Paul Jarvis after 15 minutes together with two penalty misses by Rahiri Connor only seemed to convince the travelling faithful that this would not be Boston’s day. It was not until midway through the first half that Boston started to recover their composure. To their credit they mounted a comeback scoring a well-taken try through winger Alfie Miles. A quickly-taken tap penalty by scrum half Tom Kemp saw No 8 Kenny Doig throw a long pass out to allow Alfie Miles to score in the corner before he had to be replaced by Kenny Lines a result of an earlier shoulder injury. With the flow of the game in Boston’s favour, minutes later the deficit was reduced by three points — a well-taken penalty by Conner reduced the score to 12-8. At this stage on 30 minutes Market Rasen upped the pressure and any hopes of a sustained recovery were quickly dashed as a pushover try put them into a commanding 17-8 lead at the interval.

Within five minutes of the re-start the match was effectively won when an error in the Boston backs allowed the home side to score their third try and move into an unassailable 24-8 lead. Despite the squad knowing the match was effectively lost, they showed considerable spirit and endeavour in the next 30 minutes by playing open running rugby. Both sides joined in and provided an entertaining spectacle for the crowd on a bitingly cold winter’s day. However, despite the best endeavours of centre James Ross, winger Kenny Lines and Rahiri Conner (who all made impressive runs), the Rasen defence held firm and Boston were unable to add any points to their score. In fact the final nail in Boston’s coffin came with minutes remaining when they conceded a final try to see Rasen win 29-8.

This week Boston look to the pool for a fixture.

Boston 1st XV: I Sampson, R Connor, Chris Clawson, F Cannon, A Maguire, M Miles, L Hurford, K Doig, T Kemp, D Barratt, P Cumber, J Ross, P Jarvis, A Miles, D Moores. Replacements: K Lines, J Brooks, M Bifico.

December 8:

Boston 1^st XV 27 Sleaford 1stXV 5

In the first round of the Notts, Lincs and Derbyshire Shield competition, Boston produced an inspired and controlled performance to deservedly beat local rivals Sleaford and claim the local bragging rights.

On a bittingly cold and windy winter’s day, it was always expected that the side that mastered the conditions would be able to control their destiny into the next round. And this Boston executed to maximum effect.

Despite playing with the advantage of the elements in the first half, it was the visitors Sleaford who came “out of the starting blocks” the quickest, their controlled forward driving play making inroads into the Boston defence. A feature of the game, however, was Boston’s aggressive defensive tackling, from backs and forwards alike, as the players demonstrated their derby “passion and fire” to nullify many a promising Sleaford attack and cause enforced handling errors from the normal fluent visitors backs.

It was, therefore, somewhat against the run of play, when winger Alfie Miles scored an interception try, running in from just inside the Sleaford 10 metre line, and under the posts to take the home side into a 7-0 lead, the try being converted by Rahiri Connor.

Boston were intelligently using the wind, with fly half Darryn Barratt and scrum half Tom Kemp, kicking deep into the Sleaford half to keep Sleaford pinned down in their own half. From a 5m line-out, Boston pressurised the Sleaford line and after being repelled on several occasions, the physical presence of prop Rahiri Connor supported by the pack drove over the whitewash to score their second try, which Connor duly converted to take Boston into a 14-0 lead.

With only five minutes remaining of the first half, the crowd sensed that there were not enough points on the board, for Boston to defend against the wind and rain in the second period. Their concern was not helped when for reasons only known to the players they lost concentration and a series of missed tackles saw Sleaford score under the posts and gain crucial momentum, trailing only 14-5, with the conversion being surprisingly missed. Boston were given a lifeline when straight from the kick off Sleaford conceded a penalty, which Rahiri Connor converted to take the home side into a 17-5 lead.

The start of the second half was like groundhog day with Sleaford taking the game to Boston, exerting sustained pressure and only excellent defence seeing Boston through, a missed penalty by the visitors only added to Sleaford’s woes. With Boston, through number eight Eddie Theron and prop Rahiri Connor making inroads into the Sleaford half though direct runs, the home side managed to play their way out of trouble and exert some sustained pressure. This was quickly rewarded when slick passing between the pack saw Rahiri Connor score his second try and take Boston into a commanding 22-5 lead after 20 minutes.

At this stage of the match coach Ray Hayward brought on fresh legs with prop Iain Sampson being replaced by Anthony Buckberry, Lee Hurford substituted at number six by Kenny Doig, Mark Miles by Ollie Webster and centre Kenny Lines by Jake Brooks.

Boston successfully closed out the last 20 minutes and the icing on the cake saw prop Anthony Buckberry score his second try of his career on the stroke of the final whistle to secure a convincing victory and put the smiles back onto the Boston 's squad's faces after the disappointment of last weeks game.

Boston Rugby Club would like to thank HGV Truck and Trailer Parts for sponsoring the match and Caterwell Catering Ltd for their continued support.

Next week (December 15) Boston resume league action as they travel to Market Rasen. In their first encounter earlier this season the match ended in a draw. Boston Caterwell will be looking to go one step further this time and look to gain victory and momentum in their league challenge. Kick off is at 2.30pm and all support is welcome.

Boston 1st XV: I Sampson, C Dowse, R Connor, N Lane, F Cannon, M Miles, L Hurford, E Theron, T Kemp, D Barratt, P Cumber, J Ross, K Lines, A Miles, P Jarvis. Replacements: K Doig, O Webster, J Brooks, A Buckberry.

October 13 to December 1:

No reports submitted

October 6:

Boston 98 Southwell 7

Boston Rugby Club 1^st XV bounced right back to form with an emphatic victory over a completely outclassed Southwell side. A total of 14 converted tries sent the Nottinghamshire side back home still wondering what had hit them. The visitors had no answer to the pace of the young Boston side which scored at will with a devastating display of fast attacking rugby.

This was an excellent team performance with Paul Jarvis scoring five tries, James Ross scored three and was the architect of many more, and Rahiri Connor scored a try and hit all 14 conversions to register a personal points tally of 33. It took Boston 10 minutes to open their account and then it was one way traffic all the way through to the final whistle.

Ross made the telling break before feeding Jarvis and although the full-back still had plenty to do, he shook off the visiting defenders to touch down under the posts. Only four minutes later Eddie Theron and Darren Barratt combined to set Perry Cumber free and he obliged with the score. Another quick score from Ross meant there was no coming back for Southwell although they rallied well. But the visitors knew it was not their day when after their only concerted pressure of the match Ross picked up a loose ball and fed Jarvis who ran the full length of the field to wipe out any trace of resistance from the visitors.

Soon afterwards it was Jarvis again who went inside and outside defenders with devastating speed before scoring and making the half time score 35-0. After the break the scoring onslaught gathered pace with Jarvis adding to his individual tally before Steve Loveley broke to set up Cumber and Connor rubbed salt into the wound as he picked up a loose ball before charging over. Perhaps understandably Boston became complacent and a succession of missed tackles allowed Southwell a consolation try which was converted.

Coach Ray Hayward responded immediately and brought on Jake Brooks who made some magnificent tackles before Ross added another try and prop Anthony Buckberry found himself in usual territory to get on the scoresheet. All the party-pieces were on show now and when Theron intercepted a pass he set up Ross to score only for Ross to return the compliment to Thereon who scored. Russell Wright was next to get his name on the scoresheet and the rout was finished where it began with yet another score from Jarvis.

September 29:

Mellish 1st Xv 29, Boston 1st XV 25

In a pulsating and physical encounter, a try in the dying moments of the game saw Boston lose their 100 percent league record away at Mellish. The match ebbed and flowed throughout, keeping the watching spectators from both sides fully enthralled. Ultimately, though, it was the power of the Mellish pack that proved Boston’s undoing in tight play that went a long way towards settling the issue.

Boston started the game brightly, looking to play an expansive game and were soon rewarded with Rahari Connor converting a penalty to take a 3-0 lead after six minutes. However, a lapse of concentration, errors in the lineout and penalties conceded handed the home side the advantage. This factor was compounded when Boston conceded a soft try that enabled the home side to take the lead. The momentum of the game swiftly changed, with the home side growing in confidence and eager to press home their advantage. This they effectively did via a lineout catch and drive after 25 minutes to extend their lead to 10-3. Fortunately for the visitors, Mellish’s kicker was having an off day, as despite Boston conceding numerous penalties, the home side could not add to their score.

To Boston’s credit they responded positively and scored two further tries before half-time. The first saw centre James Ross “stand up” the home side defence and burst through. He outpaced the covering defence to score under the posts. The conversion by Rahari Connor brought the scores level at 10-10. After 35 minutes a quickly taken lineout by full-back Paul Jarvis on the half way line sparked a flowing move by Darren Barrett and Paul Jarvis which was ably supported by Nigel Lane who gave the final scoring pass to winger Perry Cumber to take Boston into a 17-10 lead at the interval.

The second half saw Boston continue to be under pressure in the scrum Boston’s woes were compounded when from a 5m scrum the Melllish pack drove over the line to draw level after only five minutes. At this point coach Ray Haywood was forced to replace prop Iain Sampson bring Nigel Lane into the front row with Lee Hurford into the back row. Yet again the home side’s superiority in tight play was rewarded as 10 minutes later — again from a 5m scrum — the Mellish number 8 drove over for his team to regain the lead at 22 points to 17. Despite Boston struggling in both lineout and scrum, to their credit they continued to take the game to Mellish and were rewarded when Rahari Connor added a penalty to reduce the arrears to 22-20 with the match entering its final quarter. A sustained period of pressure then saw Boston camped in the Mellish 22m zone. This soon brought its reward when a well-worked back move saw full-back Paul Jarvis enter the line to devastating effect and score Boston’s final points to once again take the lead at 25-22.

At this stage fresh legs were called for as Ray Hayward brought on Ollie Webster at hooker and Adam Wright on the wing. With 12 minutes remaining Boston were looking to hold on. However, the momentum once again changed as Mellish went close to scoring on a number of occasions. Finally the visiting side’s defence was breached in the dying seconds of the game conceding a late try to lose the match 29-25. On Saturday October 6, Boston entertain Southwell, kick off 3pm, in the league. All support is welcome.

Boston 1^st XV: I Sampson, C Dowse, R Connor, N Lane, A Maguire, S Loveley, M Miles, E Theron, T Kemp, D Barratt, P Cumber, J Ross, J Brooks, A Hart, P Jarvis. Replacements: O Webster, L Hurford, A Wright.

September 22:

Boston 1st XV 71, Kesteven 0

Boston continued their winning start to their Midlands 4 North East League campaign with an emphatic 11-try demolition of county rivals Kesteven. The match contained several other highlights. Prop Rahiri Connor, continued his impressive form with a personal tally of 31 points (three tries and eight conversions). Not to be outdone, flying full-back Paul Jarvis also recorded a hat-trick of tries, as the side registered their biggest league win this season.

Boston, now sponsored by Caterwell, provided the home crowd with a feast of running rugby, as the the team produced a solid all round performance against a team who have yet to register their first league win, to the delight of coach Ray Hayward. In perfect playing conditions Boston started the game brightly and soon had the Kesteven scrum under pressure. However, handling errors and forced passing let them down. It was not until 10 minutes into the match that Boston opened their account through a fine solo try by fly-half Ryan Krause. He exposed a gap in the Kesteven defence and ran in from 10m.

Boston were now beginning to gain an increasing share of possession as they capitalised on the misfiring Kesteven lineout. From deep inside their own 22, quick hands down the backs from a Kesteven lineout allowed winger Adrian Hart and full-back Paul Jarvis to create space for speed merchant Jarvis to run the length of the pitch to score under the post. The converted try saw Boston extend their lead to 14-0.

Boston’s grip on the match was secured when after a patient build-up of phased play in the Kesetven half, the ball was fed to winger Adam Wright to sprint over in the corner and extend the home side’s lead to 19 points. Shortly after this a knee injury to second row James Fendyke saw him leave the field to be replaced by Ste Lovely on 30 minutes.

Boston entered the interval with a comfortable lead and with the advantage of the elements in the second half, few of the watching spectators would have foreseen the half century points avalanche that would occur. Minutes after the restart, prop Rahiri Connor scored the first of his three tries when he proved unstoppable form a rolling maul five metres from the Kesteven line. Shortly after, a cleverly worked back row move by number eight Eddie Theron created space for Ryan Krause to split open the away side’s defence and score under the posts. The converted try took Boston into a 31-0 lead.

Throughout the second half Boston kept the scoreboard ticking over as Adrain Hart, Rahiri Conor, Paul Jarvis, Adam Wright, Rahiri Connor and finally Paul Jarvis scored tries. The final try of the match was a particular delight for the Boston coaching staff as quick handling between both forwards and backs allied with good support play allowed the full-back to round off an all-round effective team performance.

Coach Hayward was pleased that the side had move forward from last week and were starting to eliminate a number of basic mistakes. As always there were areas that could be improved upon and areas to “tighten up,” he said.

On Saturday (September 29) Boston travel to play Mellish in the league kick off 3.00pm. All support is welcome.

Boston 1^st XV: R Connor, C Dowse, I Sampson, J Fendyke, N Lane, M Miles, L Hurford, E Theron, T Kemp, R Krause, A Wright, J Ross, J Brooks, A Hart, P Jarvis. Replacements: S Loveley (30mins) R Wright and O Webster (55mins)

The development side’s scheduled match against Kesteven seconds was called off late on Thursday and the team were unable to find a pool fixture.