Gordano 1st XV V’s BARFC 2nd XV 29-22

Emma Kemmish | 05/12/2017

Saturday 25^th of November

Gordano 1^st XV V’s BARFC 2^nd XV 29-22

Jerry Philips
Gav knight
Brett Shaw
Tom Lewis
Simon Buck
Adrian Tew
Mike Saunders
Joe Bussell
Doug Caddick
Oscar Treganna
Dan Lang©

Shaun Mahoney
1. Lewis Plece
2. Sam Lee
3. Tim

Subs

James Brakes
Dan Page
———-

Battling Bridgwater were stopped short of the mark on what would have been a massive upset away at Gordano RFC, the squad arrived with a bare 15 as the replacements were held behind and only bolstered deep into the first half, but battled tirelessly throughout nearly cinching an elusive victory.

The game started poorly for the United XV as Gordano’s fleet forward flanker danced over the line all of 5 minutes into the competition, soon followed by 2 more tries, none of which were converted, after 10 and 15 minutes as Bridgwater struggled to adjust to the pace of the game and the new half back combination of Caddick and Treggana, putting the visiting side 15-0 behind just as the first quarter of the game played out.

Bridgwater forwards were workmanlike at the set piece securing good clean ball for the new flyhalf to clear the lines with. Gordano were happy to forfeit dominance at scrum and lineout and showed great skill in their elusive free running attacking plays stretching Bridgwater’s defence all day, making the new backline work overtime as two backrow players in Shaun Mahoney and Sam lee got used to life in the backs and defending out wider than would normally be expected. However Shaun’s defence was solid and controlled well by his centre partner Lewis Plece who put in a good shift at 13 stepping up into a playmaking role often and carrying well.

As the forward pods started to function and some form and shape was naturally happening the team grew every minute and began to create opportunities for the backline to exploit. At the 30 minute mark Adrian Tew trundled into the homes sides 22 a quick ruck saw the ball reach Plece at centre whereby he stood the defence up with good footwork and cantered over the line to get Albion on the score board. The conversion was missed leaving the score at 15-5

Straight from the kick off the home side defence was upon Bridgwater veraciously causing chaos and not allowing the visitors a chance to get really into the game, before the half was done Albion’s forwards battered the home try line as simultaneous penalties were awarded for infringements at the ruck from the home side, something which maybe should have allowed the referee to take control of an appealing home side and show them a card, alas this didn’t happen and after the 4^th consecutive penalties Bridgwater were illegally stripped at the breakdown again giving Gordano the chance to mount an attack and get into try scoring territory. Which they did as the last act of the half as the pressure grew a forced error in the backline they turned into points after a few quick plays tearing Bridgwater’s ragged defence apart the home open side to knock up his 2^nd score. This time converted. 22-5 at the half.

From the half, a quick shuffle in the back line bought on the 2 replacements putting Mahoney back in to the forwards for him to create more damage at the tackle. From the off Bridgwater played with purpose, being patient at the rucks filling the whole field at once they shut down any attacks and forced penalties from why Albion could relieve some pressure and find touch. As the game picked up some fluency for the travellers they worked into some good areas from which to launch attacks and try to claw the win back.

the growing penalty count gave the United XV a chance to attack and from a failed lineout drive on the home 22, cleared up expertly by veteran prop Jerry Phillips, Joe Bussell snuck around the edge of a ruck and was propelled over the line by Gav Knight to bring the boys closer to they’re goal. Extras kicked by Dan page made the score 22-12.

The rest of the half was a back and forth battle with each team throwing everything they could at the other to secure the win, with the initial rewards going to Gordano after some interesting calls by the match official gave the Sharks a good attacking position which they drove over the line to make the score 29-12 after the conversion. Again, Alboin thought back and matched the Gordano packs achievements in getting a converted try from a driving lineout. 29-19

The last 10 minutes were played in a haze of off the ball scuffles, niggles and general nasty words as the two sides battled for dominance and the chance to secure or steal a win respectively. In the dying moments of the game Bridgwater were awarded another penalty for ruck offenses, which they opted for a kick at posts to bring them within 7 points giving our lads a losing bonus point which although not the initial aim of the day is a good result to take away from a top of the table side and helping start the resurgence in the league that is surely growing and happening within the squad.

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