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BARFC 18, NPRFC 22 (23/04/16)

| 23/04/2016

Match Report by Tony Pomeroy

In this pulsating local derby played in front of a huge crowd, the lead changed hands four times in the second period and it was visitors, North Petherton who were just in front when the final whistle went.

Bridgwater rang changes after last week’s debacle , bringing in John Hill at fullback, Rob Gurnett moved into the centre to replace the injured Rob Allen with Oscar Tregenna returning on the wing.  Shaun Mahoney, a recent recruit, was brought in at hooker and Tom Fournier D’Albe at scrum half. while Taylor Buller moved to the second row with Nick Spellissy starting at No 8.

The star for North Petherton was full back Harry Roberts.  He scored the first try after only five minutes when he was on hand to finish off a break by winger Gavin Hancock. His conversion from near the touchline was just wide.

He was on target after twelve minutes however, converting the second North Petherton try following a heel against the head when Bridgwater’s defensive tackling was suspect.

Minutes later, Bridgwater were badly hampered losing fly half Chris Ashwin and centre Jervis Manupenu to injury at the same time. With only one back replacement available, second row, Taylor Buller, reverted to his schoolboy position of centre.  Hill moved to fly half with Scott Franklin at full back.

Bridgwater started to exert pressure of their own and after a series of forward drives that were repulsed, the home side moved the ball to the right where Rob Gurnett slipped through for a try converted via the far post, in Ashwin’s absence, by John Hill.

Play flowed from end to end as the ball was frequently turned over in the tackle.

Hill missed a very kickable penalty for the home side  then almost immediately landed a much more difficult kick to bring the score to 10-12. Roberts then also showed his fallibility by just missing a monster effort from near half way on the stroke of half time.

Ashwin, with his shoulder miraculously recovered, returned for the second half and immediately gave Bridgwater the lead for the first time with a short range penalty.

Both sides had their chances to score but it was Roberts who was next on the score sheet with a simple penalty when Bridgwater infringed at a tackle.

North Petherton’s 13-15 lead lasted only a couple of minutes before a good move involving Bridgwater’s forwards and backs saw the ball reach Oscar Tregenna on the left wing and he scorched over for an unconverted try and a score of 18-15.

Both sides almost took turns to attack but generally the defences were on top until with only a few minutes left, a good North Petherton move up the left saw that man Roberts gleefully claim bragging rights for North Petherton with a try in the corner that he converted with an excellent kick.

Try as they might, Bridgwater could not get the vital try in the final minutes and they had to give best to their local rivals in a  game that was a great advert for local rugby.  Both clubs will relish the local derbies to come next season.

Bridgwater looked a different side to that which played at Teignmouth. Early in the game, the home pack looked dominant but North Petherton eventually took four scrums against the head.  Defensive work on both side was reasonable but there were a number of turnovers in the tackles.  Both sides will now look forward to the summer rest and return refreshed for next season

Reports are that Luca Ercolani, moving to Hartpury College, and Chris Ashwin, moving to Cornwall, will not be appearing in Bridgwater colours next season.  If this transpires, we wish them well and thank them for their efforts this season.

Bridgwater Team:

John Hill,  Ryan Barnett,  Rob Gurnett,  Jervis Manupenu, Oscar Tregenna,  Chris Ashwin, Tom Fournier D’Albe,  Lewis Phillips,  Shaun Mahoney,  Adrian Tew,  Dan Kemmish,  Taylor Buller, Luca Ercolani,  Ollie Dunn (Capt), Nick Spellissy

Replacements all used :  Gabrieli Nobili,  Rob Thompson,  Scott Franklin

Referee:  Nick Heath (Somerset Society)

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Category: 1st XV News, Previews / Reports -XV

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