After a week of bad weather which restricted training to only one session, Javea played hosts to Torrevieja at their temporary "home" pitch in Gandia. During the week up to the game no less than six first team players were unable to play, so it was the turn of the combined 1stXV and 2ndXV players to step up and face the opposition.
The match started evenly for the first few minutes and the back line from Torrevieja showed spirit, while the centres proved elusive and Javea tackled poorly. A break-through from the Bulls' back line ended in a penalty try after only two minutes play for a tackle off the ball from a Torrevieja player.
Soon after the restart the Bulls put together a successful phase play which saw their fullback score from a crash ball which was converted by Javea's number 10. Torrevieja seemed unsettled but put some good forward play together and caused some problems for the newly formed Bulls' pack which resulted in a penalty by Javea for going over the top in the breakdown, which Torrevieja converted, but it was short lived and Javea's tight-head prop smashed over for a try. With half-time looming, the Javea team was relentless in their forward play which resulted in a fabulous three quarter miss move to send the winger in for another score which was converted, half-time score 26-3.
Torrevieja started the second half and the Bulls seemed to have raised their concentration and played exactly to their training routines which saw the forwards make good and steady ground, which pulled much of the Torrevieja defence out of position and saw the Bulls spin the ball wide for the wing to score a great try in the corner. The Bulls' pressure was relentless and scored a succession of six more tries but the kicking game was lacking with only 5 kicks from 11 attempts. Unfortunately there was some fierce exchanges as the Torrevieja team showed their frustration towards the end of the game but everything calmed down after the final whistle, which saw Javea win 65-3.
With many players missing, the Bulls showed true spirit and are building the squad gently and securely so we can hopefully peak at the right time for the play-offs in a couple of months. The win for Javea and an upset for league leaders Denia losing to Elche 15-10 in Elche last Sunday means that the stage is set for the return match against Denia on Saturday 13th Feb at the sports stadium in Gandia. It truly promises to be a very tough and hard fought battle with many scores to settle, so don't miss it and come and support the Javea Bulls.
For more information on the club, its supporters or to come along and play please call 625 205 125, email info@javeabulls.com or enquire via the website at www.javebulls.com
