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MINEHEAD BARBARIANS 87, BRIDGWATER & ALBION UNITED 0

| 04/09/2017

EARLY INJURY AND RAMPANT HOME SIDE SPOIL UNITED XV FIRST OUTING

Match report by Mike Berry

Albion’s United XV know from last season’s first experience of life in Somerset Premier that most games are likely to be tough and very well contested. Minehead had regained some pride last season by convincingly winning Somerset I and certainly were intent on making their way back to the headier heights they have enjoyed previously going as far as Western Counties West.

The rampant Minehead pack generally controlled the outcome of this game – securing the ball for many phases and taking the game to the heart of Albion’s defence which became somewhat overworked due to the pressure exercise by the home side.

A 41 second injury to Albion left wing Brakes certainly did not help the cause and although he returned to the field later, he departed again on the half hour mark and required hospital attention to a neck injury which all Albion players and supporters will hope is not a recurrence of an earlier problem from two seasons ago.

Minehead took just four minutes to score their first try and regularly scored through this half to accumulate seven tries at half time with only two being converted. Albion had their moments when they could get their hands on the ball and it was a question of keeping it as much as possible but alas Minehead’s continued forward thrusts always caused problems.

In the second half Minehead scored seven further tries, four of which were converted to bring about their convincing victory.

The Albion side certainly did not give up and stuck to the task well but although there was some evidence of good defensive work, more closing down of space when the opposition had the ball and more ball retention when possession is obtained will be required in the next few matches until the side can harmonise more effectively.

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

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