Report by today’s guest tough judge Tony Pomeroy – done from memory so be kind…….. 🙂
Ollie Dunn scores
After a run of five consecutive defeats, Bridgwater regained winning ways with this comfortable bonus point win over relegation threatened Avonmouth OB.
Bridgwater made changes following the Bideford match. Kyran Devitt came in at full back with Rob Gurnett moving to outside centre and Rob Allen on the right wing. Luca Ercolani, back after Easter in Italy, returned at flanker.
Bridgwater kicked off with the breeze helping them. The home side were never behind in this game and, after some early forays from both sides, took the lead after 10 minutes when Rob Allen crashed over the visitors line. Chris Ashwin converted with a superb kick from near the right-hand touchline.
Minutes later, Avonmouth hit back with a try from birthday boy, Charlie Reynolds. Tom Davies’ conversion attempt thumped into the near post.
Ashwin was narrowly wide with a 48m penalty attempt before landing two more, both from near the 22m line. The only other scoring attempt of the half was a penalty for the visitors by Davies from 30m. However, he pulled it left of the posts to leave the game nicely poised at 13-5 at the break.
James McLaughlan takes the final try for the Bridgy Boys
As the second half started – in a heavy hail shower – Luca Ercolani broke clear from inside his own half and handed on to Taylor Buller. Somehow Avonmouth prevented the try being scored but lost prop Ben Souch to a yellow card. Bridgwater continued to attack and Rob Gurnett made a clean break and handed on to Allen. He, in turn, passed to Tom Fournier D’Albe who scored near the posts, giving Ashwin an easy conversion.
Davies reduced the deficit for Avonmouth with a short-range penalty. From the kick off, Avonmouth dropped the ball. Bridgwater skipper, Ollie Dunn, was on hand to pick up and burst through the visiting defence for an fine individual, try at the posts. Ashwin converted easily.
Midway through the half, visiting skipper, Dan Lee, saw yellow and minutes later a little fracas saw home prop Lewis Phillips get his first ever yellow card. He was joined in the bin by visiting flanker, Rhys Meredith.
Bridgwater thought they had obtained their fourth try but the referee penalised them for offside.
However, the bonus point did arrive and it was appropriate that it was gained by the home skipper, Dunn, who broke clear some 30m out. His second try of the day gave Ashwin another easy conversion.
Bridgwater lost replacement scrum half, Scott Franklin, to a shoulder injury. Avonmouth did not lie down and Charlie Reynolds got his second unconverted try.
Bridgwater had the last word when Ercolani again broke clear from midfield. The ball eventually reached replacement James McLauchlan appearing on the left wing and he scored wide out. Ashwin’s excellent conversion from the touchline was the final act of the game.
Bridgwater will be very happy that they have ended the losing streak. However, particularly late in the game, there were far too many mistakes made – particularly in handling. The pack were strong but will be worried by conceding half a dozen free kicks for pushing too early in the scrummage. Perhaps this was caused by the visitors ‘not taking the hit on engagement’ but it is something the pack have to sort out ‘on the hoof’. The lineout was strong, occasionally stealing an opposition throw. The backs ran strongly and the defence was generally good.
Somerset Society referee, Mason Davies, a Bristol schoolmaster, was making his first visit to Bridgwater and generally acquitted himself well. We look forward to seeing more of him in future seasons.
Tom Fournier scores from behind the post!
Avonmouth and Wells are now deep in the relegation zone and must be favourites to join Coney Hill at level 7 next season. Bridgwater are secure in mid-table but could jump a couple of places with wins in their final two games. Next week, Bridgwater make their first visit to the Bitton Sports Ground in Teignmouth where the home side will be out to avenge a defeat at Bridgwater earlier in the season. Teignmouth are currently 10th in the league with 47 points and Bridgwater are in 7th with 64 points.
The final home game will be on April 23rd when the visitors will be North Petherton and a very large crowd is expected for the 3-00pm kick off. It is planned that the respective 2nd XV’s will meet before the 1st XV game. Come early and watch both matches.
Tries: Dunn (2), Allen, Fournier D’Albe, McLauchlan
Kyran Devitt, Rob Allen, Rob Gurnett, Jervis Manupenu, Ryan Barnett, Chris Ashwin, Tom Fournier-D’Albe, Lewis Phillips, Gavin Knight, Adrian Tew, Dan Kemmish, Rob Thompson, Luca Ercolani, Ollie Dunn (Capt), Taylor Buller.
Replacements all used : Scott Woolford, James McLauchlan, Scott Franklin
Referee : Mason Davies (Somerset Society)
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Category: 1st XV News, Previews / Reports -XV
