B&A RFC 2nds 17, Wellington RFC 2nds 12 (26/01/13)

With both clubs’ first team games called off due to the weather, each team fielded a strong side, leading to an exciting game.

Wellington kicked off, Rob Thompson caught the ball and charged straight back at the visiting pack. The ball was recycled and shipped to Pippard, making his welcome return from injury, who gained valuable territory, pinning Wellington back in their own half. Following an infringement, Bridgwater opted to take the points with Pippard slotting a simple penalty to make the score 3-0 to Albion.

Wellington worked hard with some good offloads and quick hands to move themselves downfield, earning a lineout in the Bridgy 22. The ball was caught, and a trademark catch and drive resulted in an unconverted try for Wellington.

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Bridgwater then began to dominate possession for a period, with strong runs from Basson, Russell, Thompson and Windsor as well as magical footwork from Pippard and Trouet, ended with Pip stretching for the line to score a good team try, just to the left of the posts, which he duly converted to make the scores 10-5 to Albion going into the break. 

Immediately from the restart, Bridgy scooped up the ball and deft hands sent Dave Rae over in the corner, however the referee adjudged him to have put a foot in touch. The referee thought that this act was confirmed by the home touch judge raising his arm to indicate this, however he was merely celebrating his teams try!

Wellington got themselves back into the game, with some strong runs, and following a Bridgwater mistake were able to pick the ball up and run in a try under the posts, which was easily converted, taking Wellington into the lead for the first time in the game with the scores at 10-12 in their favour. The game became much more open with both teams looking to score more tries.

With Bridgwater close to the Welly try line and the referee playing advantage, Bridgwater were awarded a scrum five metres out. Wellington were unable to deal with the sheer power of the Albion pack and a penalty try was awarded. The extras were added with Pippard adding to his tally, taking the score to 17-12 to Bridgwater.

Welly were not done though and continued to attack right up until the final whistle before the ball was kicked out by Albion.

This was a welcome win for the seconds, and was well deserved after a much inproved performance on recent weeks, showing much more organisation and determination. A great team performance.

Team: Willis, Kerry, Trouet, Basson, Lang, Pippard, Hill, Moulding, Knight, Saunders, Taylor, Thompson, Sadler, Windsor (Capt), Russell. 
Reps (all used): Walker, Clark, Rae

Category: 2nd Previews / Reports -XV, 2nd XV News