BATH OLD EDWARDIANS 31 – BRIDGWATER & ALBION 2XV 25
Bridgwater’s 2xv travelled to Bath after a turbulent week which very nearly resulted in them being unable to travel at all and losing 5 valuable league points. Thankfully; due to the persistence and determination of a few, the boys scrambled a side together at the last hour and those who travelled should be proud of their efforts in what turned out to be a hard fought match in freezing cold conditions.
After settling into the game, Bridgwater began to show some early dominance, particularly through the forwards. Good ball retention and patience in Bath O.E twenty-two saw stand in number 8 Mike Saunders go over in the corner for the first score.
Bath O.E hit back with two quick unconverted scores and at 10-5 the game became end to end. Finally Bridgwater were rewarded, when from a Bath O.E lineout in their own twenty-two, Jerry Phillips managed to charge down the half-backs attempted clearance kick enabling son, Ollie, to dive on the ball which had rolled over the try line.
The teams went in at half time 10 a piece.
The beginning of the second half saw a combination of Bath O.E numerical advantage and Bridgwater’s poor defending pay off for the opponents with two quick converted scores making it 24-10.
However Bridgwater started to find their feet again once more and began to fight back. Winger Jack Smith scored the first of his brace after a clever box kick from scrum half Roger Drabble and a good line chase pressured Bath O.E into a hasty clearance, which was charged down by Smith allowing him to dot over the line. 24-15.
With Bridgwater’s continued pressure and growing confidence, Smith scored his second after some smart backs play saw a ‘2 on 1 ‘ expertly put away by the winger from some distance out.
With the score now at 24-22, and at least 1 league point guaranteed, Bridgwater now went searching for an un-expected win and after some smart forward play they were awarded with a penalty which Dan Page converted to make the score 24-25 on the 65 minute mark.
Both teams continued to battle fiercely for another 10 minutes, it was clear that the numerical advantage was again beginning to take its toll on a Bridgy side who had given everything for 75minutes.
Unfortunately it wasn’t to be and after another charged down kick and a frantic scramble for the line, Bath O.E were able to find the score they needed to make it 31-25.
With minutes remaining Bridgwater came close to hitting back straight away but ultimately fell short. With the Bridgy boys flat out on their feet the match ended 31-25.
What began as a salvage mission on Saturday morning ended in a feeling that a win had got away amongst the boys, which shows the tremendous determination these lads have. The squad should never have been in that position in the first place; nevertheless every single player dug deep and showed others what it means to put on a Bridgwater and Albion RFC jersey.
On the day, walking away with 2 losing bonus points in such circumstances was a fantastic outcome and every player, regular or those who stepped up should be proud of themselves.
Next Saturday, the 2XV finally start a prolonged run of home games against Wellington 2XV.
Your support will be much appreciated, see you there!!
Category: 2nd Previews / Reports -XV
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