Hornets 2nds 20, BARFC 2nds 5 (07/12/13)

Joe Stradling at work……

Bridgwater welcomed Hornets, who started the day two league places above them. Albion were looking to build upon recent wins, however events did not unfold as planned.

Bridgy showed early promise and had the better of the first ten minutes, spending a good deal of time in Hornets 22, following strong running from House and Basson, however they could not breach the line. The game then became quite end to end with both teams pressing hard, but not quite able to make the final pass. During these phases of play Webb was sin-binned following a dangerous tackle.

On twenty minutes with Bridgwater in the Hornets 22, a cross field kick was attempted, unfortunately it was gather by the Hornets fullback, who shrugged off a weak tackle attempt to run the length and score the first try of the game. The conversion was missed.
Hornets, lifted by this somewhat fortuitous score, began to get on top of the game and some powerful line out drives by their large pack put pressure on the Bridgy line, and only excellent work by Sluman stopped the score.

Shortly afterwards Hornets then produced probably the best play of the game, with their backs running a well drilled move from a line out, resulting in their centre crossing for a score. The conversion was successful taking the score to 12 – 0 at half time.

Bridgwater started the second half sluggishly and almost immediately concede a penalty, which Hornets converted, taking the score to 15 – 0. The game was not a great display of rugby from either team, resulting in a good number of scrimmages, of which Hornets had the upper hand, benefiting from big boys in the tight.

Bridgy’s only score came on 65 minutes with James Kerry finishing off a move following good work by the forwards with Steward and Sluman carrying well off of the service of Hill.

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Photographs by Andy Woodhead

With the game nearly over Hornets scored a well worked cross-field kick, finished off by their winger “Pencil” sending their players into a state of near euphoria. This made the final score 20 – 5 to Hornets.

Bridgwater may well blame some late changes to the side, however Hornets were a very well drilled side with good organisation. Bridgy will feel that some very weak tackling at times contributed to their downfall against a team of a much higher standard than those that they have played recently.

Next weekend is the seconds final game before the Christmas break, away to Yatton’s second string.

Team: Brakes, Barnett, House, Basson, Kerry, Smith, Hill, Marsh, Norman, Woolford, Stradling (Capt), Burtenshaw, Sluman, Webb, Steward.
Reps: (used) Lipscomb, Sturdy, (Unused) Badger.
Try: Kerry

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