Geoff says!
Geoff Sluman the Bridgwater and Albion director of rugby had good reason to be pleased with the results of the club’s top two sides on Saturday, after both turned in impressive home performances and recorded victories.
“I am very satisfied with the performance of both of our senior men’s teams at the weekend. Both teams gained the maximum five league points with the First XV beating Cleve 37-3 and our Second XV beating Bath Old Edwardians by 55-24.
“The First XV had a tougher challenge than the score line suggests beating a spirited Cleve side who clearly turned up with the mind set of coming to do a job.
“We were never behind in the game and similar to our previous game we just kept the scoreboard ticking over. Your first target is always to get a win, and if bonus points can be achieved then that is an added extra. We were never concerned that much about that and the fact that we scored a late try to gain the bonus point is credit to the players, who never gave up or took their foot off the gas and that pressure finally told in our favour
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“We did have to deal with multiple injuries during the game – all of which were in the backs which did put pressure on our resources. Previously that may have been a reason why we would let the opposition back into the game but pleasingly the players just dealt with those injuries and the resultant reshuffle saw two back row players having spells in the three quarters line.
“The E18hteen Gin Man of the Match was awarded to player coach Wayne Sprangle who was one of the players that reshuffled to the back line.”
Albion’s Second XV were also at home and they too enjoyed what in the end was a comfortable victory.
“The Second XV result was just as impressive scoring 55 points in a league fixture. I think that just supports some of the claims I have previously made that players in the Second XV are capable of playing at First XV level and doing well too.
“With the first and second teams gaining five league points both remain in healthy positions in their respective leagues with the First XV in fifth place and the Second XV in a promotion gaining second place.”
Looking ahead Geoff said: “Next week the First XV travel to ninth place Crediton who we narrowly beat at home earlier in the season 27-22 so that will be a tough fixture with the hosts definitely thinking they can “get one back” for their earlier defeat. Our Second XV travel to fifth place Wellington.”
Category: Previews / Reports -XV
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