Bridgwater & Albion RFC 21- Sidmouth RFC 21.

Emma Kemmish | 22/11/2021

South West One (West)

Bridgwater and Albion RFC extended their unbeaten run to four matches on Saturday afternoon against Sidmouth who proved to be tough opponents and at the end of the hard fought end to end encounter they had to settle for a draw.

The hosts were quickly into the game and following a strong run down the left wing by fleet footed Will Munro, Stuart Heal kicked a penalty.

Sidmouth levelled

Sidmouth levelled the scores after a strong break by former Exeter Chiefs player Phil Dollman resulted in a penalty in front of the posts. Then Cole Monaghan kicked.

The next passage of play saw both sides battling hard to create chances but neither was able to turn their advantage into points until on the half hour Sidmouth were awarded a penalty for a high tackle which Monaghan kicked .

The visitor’s lead was short lived as the Albion countered strongly and five minutes later Heal kicked another penalty to level the scores.

Action was thick and fast at Bridgwater and Albion RFC

The action was coming thick and fast and within two minutes Sidmouth were back deep into home territory. They managed to cross the line but the home defence remained steadfast and Rob Griffin’s attempt was held up.

Just before half time Heal made a good break before off loading to winger Kyran Devitt. Devitt went over for a try in the left hand corner to make the score 11-6, which is how it remained at the break.

Strong return from both teams after interval at Bridgwater and Albion RFC

Both teams came out strongly from the interval as both searched to add to their tally. Defences held strong.

However 20 minutes into the second half a strong Sidmouth attack down the left wing resulted in an Albion clearance being charged down. This resulted in a try for Griffin which Monaghan added the extras to that put the visitors back in front.

Almost from the re-start Sidmouth were back on the attack and extended their lead. Jed Reid went over for a try in the left corner, which made the score 11-18.

Fans at Bridgwater and Albion RFC were treated to a great game

Bridgwater and Albion RFC were smarting from that brace of tries, but fought back well and levelled the scores when the ball reached Richard Bright. Bright spotted a space and crossed for a try which Heal converted to level things up again at 18-18.

The final 10 minutes of the game saw both sides looking for the winning score. With time slipping away Albion were awarded a penalty on the 22 metre line in front of the posts. Heal then duly kicked.

Sidmouth came fighting back

Sidmouth once again came back and in the dying minutes the visitors won a penalty. Monaghan kicked to level the scores as the game ended 21-21.

This was a thrilling match to watch if you were an impartial spectator. Albion supporters will be left feeling that this was a game that their side could have won.

The Friends of Bridgwater and Albion RFC

Before the game against Sidmouth the Friends of Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Club held a most enjoyable lunch. It was attended by 140 people and raised £1500. During the course of the meal Albion, Director of Rugby Geoff Sluman, Jake Knight and Captain George Sluman dropped in and talked about the season so far. They thanked the Friends for all the help and support they give to the Juniors, Women and Mens teams at the club.

Next Week

Next week Albion travel to second placed St Austell on Saturday where they will face another tough game.

Bridgwater and Albion RFC- Mike Saunders, Gavin Knight, Sam Adcock, Wayne Sprangle, Tom Hopkins, Karolis Urbonas, George Sluman (capt) Olly Davis, Jake Knight, Stuart Heal, Thomas Croal, Oskar White, Richard Bright, Will Munro and Kyran Devitt.

Replacements Shaun Mahoney and Roger Drabble- both used and James Palmer

Check out the few remaining spaces at The Bridgwater and Albion Christmas Party Night.

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Game under lights Friday 26th November. The Mighty 2’s v North Petherton ll’s. KO 7.30pm come on down and cheer on the Bridgy Boys!!

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