PJF avoid Banana Skin

It was evident that PJF were here to play as they took the match to their opponents after going 10-5 down during the first 20 minute session. Had it not been for a late Bognor try in an ever increasing, second-half, extra time period, the score would have indicated more the dominance PJF had over Bognor in between.

Behind a strong and effective pack Man of the Match, scrum half Pete Doyle, opened PJF’s account after they had gone 7-0 down through an intercepted try. Good central field possession allowed the backs to run at Bognor and Ruairi Carson sliced the defence open being stopped on the 22 metre line. In support was Doyle who ran aggressively for the line and scored.

The hosts hit back with a penalty, which was quickly answered as PJF attacked the blind side and saw Ryan Tracey score the first of his two tries. Matt Vaughan then nailed a penalty and PJF finished the first half on the up 13-10 ahead.

From the re-start PJF were penalised for wheeling and the opposing fly half drew his side level with the resultant kick. PJF re-took the lead through quick recycling and fast hands which freed Tracey on the right wing where his pace proved too much for the covering defence as he ran in from 40 meters out. Within 5 minutes, PJF managed to lose the ball at the front of a line out and the host’s hooker reacted to cross the line.

Sticking the ball up their jumpers, PJF grafted hard to gain territorial advantage. A well taken line out and drive saw them march the Bognor pack 22 metres where Steve Alvarez rounded the move with a try. Vaughan converted and from here on PJF were comfortably in control. Pressure saw PJF’s fourth try being taken by Padraig Hickey who pounced quickly on scrambled ball and put PJF further ahead, Vaughan converted. PJF limited Bognor to territory gains through penalty kicks only, a testament to the constant tackling of Hickey, Doyle and Alvarez. Kerr and Amess carried well throughout the match.

The Status Quo remains at the top of the League 3, as Tunbridge Wells also won, at Chichester . Next week PJF host Aylesford at the Pightle for a 15:00 kick off.