BARFC 2nds 59, Nailsea & Backwell 5 (22/10/16)

AN Other | 23/10/2016

Albion’s United XV – having experienced an unbeaten season in Somerset 1 last season – expected tougher opposition in Somerset Premier this season and after winning their first three matches, found the maxim to be true. They had suffered defeats in their last three outings and were looking to stop the rot and get back on board against a Nailsea & Backwell side which was in the throes of rebuilding.

The opening quarter demonstrated the abysmal kicking patterns which infect the game at all levels with both sides guilty of aimless kicks providing one another with instant possession. N&B looked a useful outfit – particularly their backs who caused the Albion defence some problems early on. They in fact created the first clear cut chance but their wing dropped the ball at the vital moment. Albion gradually worked their way into the game and Hill missed a 35 minute penalty but they were able to maintain pressure on the opposition line and after a forward surge, Lewis crashed over for the first try. Seven minutes later the Nailsea backs once again produced a sharp move and with good handling this time their wing went over to equalise. Just on half-time after McLauchlan not for the first time made inroads into the N&B defence, Sluman slipped over for a try which Hill converted. The 12-5 interval lead just about summed up Albion’s superiority.

The second half was a complete contrast to the first. Brakes made an excellent catch from Albion’s kick-off and the forwards drove on to win a penalty. They camped near the N&B line and once again McLauchlan was instrumental in setting up Fournier d’Albe’s scrambling try which Hill again converted. In the 50^th minute Albion scored the best try of the match when Hill created a half break excellently carried on by McLauchlan and when the ball was spun out through the backs, Brakes sprinted over for Hill again to add the extras. Fournier D’Albe then broke through in midfield and Albion were rampant and turning on the style. Hill’s well-timed kick ahead bounced up beautifully for Devitt to run on and score for Hill to convert. Hill was now pulling all of the strings at stand-off with half breaks and subtle passes around the opposition. Bradley latched on to one of these and sprinted up the middle then linked with the ubiquitous McLauchlan who sent Devitt in for his second. Hill duly added the conversion. On the hour mark Hill once again broke through the middle and found Devitt at his shoulder and the full-back completed a fine hat trick. Albion still pressed in the closing minutes and were rewarded with two further tries when a combined backs and forwards sortie in the midst of the N&B half saw Knight dashing over; Hill converted. Five minutes from the end Albion again produced a scintillating all team move which ended with Bradley sprinting over. Hill once again added the extras to cap a fine afternoon and a 59-5 score line reflected Albion’s considerable improvement in the second half.

This win will set up the side for still harder things to come with a trip to Oldfield Old Boys this week followed by a home match against St Bernadettes Old Boys. Further tests but if they can play as in the second half here, then anything is possible.

Team: Devitt; Brakes Bradley Kerry Lang; JH Hill Fournier D’Albe; McLauchlan Sluman Urbonis Lewis Page-Symonds Woolford Knight Norman. Replacements (all used) – Euan Trebble-Westlake Buller Windsor.

Tries: Lewis Sluman Fournier D’Albe Brakes Devitt (3) Knight Bradley. Conversions: JH Hill (7).

H-T 12-5