Nailsea and Backwell RFC 15- 21 Bridgwater & Albion RFC
Bridgwater and Albion RFC rounded off their league season in style. They had a hard-fought victory over second-placed Nailsea and Backwell away from home.
There were plenty of Albion fans on the touchline to cheer the side’s third successive victory. This was the first time they had toppled one of the top clubs this campaign, all of which bodes well for next season.
Given the wet conditions, the match was switched from the main ground and played on a sloping pitch. This coupled with strong cross winds made the conditions difficult for both sides.
Things even early on at Nailsea and Backwell RFC
The opening exchanges were even with the early action taking place in midfield. Eventually, it was Nailsea who were in the ascendancy. The visitor’s defence coped well with any attacks that threatened their line.
Gradually the visitors got more and more into the game. In the 31st minute, they took the lead when Kyran Devitt intercepted a pass and made a strong run upfield before the ball went into touch. From the ensuing line out and driving maul Albion were eventually awarded a penalty try. This was because Nailsea pulled it down.
The visitors continued the attack for the rest of the half but there was no further score making it 7-0 at the break.
Yellow card for Bridgwater & Albion RFC player
Four minutes into the second half Albion had Alex Knight yellow carded. Despite being a player down they continued to defend well. There was no further addition to the score during this time.
On 55 minutes, however, Nailsea got themselves onto the scoreboard. They pulled Albion off the scrum Wood went over for a try which Chidzey converted.
Albion who were now playing down the slope responded strongly. Three minutes later a scrum near the Nailsea line saw Jordan Buller, Tom Hopkins and Lewis Plece all go close before Jake Knight went over for a try. Devitt added the extras to,
The visitors continued to put pressure on the Nailsea defence. After 67 minutes following a series of moves involving Taylor Buller and Jake Knight, the former went over for a try which Devitt converted.
The home side fought on
Trailing 21-7 the home side battled back strongly and with 10 minutes left prop Hay scored an unconverted try.
Albion came back strongly with an attack led by Jake Kinght. Nailsea defended well and with five minutes remaining, and were awarded a penalty which Chidzey converted.
The remaining saw Nailsea pressing hard but again the Albion defence held firm and repelled any scoring chances as they had throughout the game.
This was an impressive victory for Bridgwater and Albion. It will be good preparation for their Somerset Cup semi final match against Chew Valley. This is to be played on Thursday 11th April at Gordano FC kick off 7.30pm.
Bridgwater & Albion RFC Team
Harry Pentelow, Jordan Buller, Alex Hannah, Harrison Cornish, Tom Hopkins, Alex Knight, George Sluman, Taylor Buller.(capt) Jake Knight, Jay Owens, Dan Laing, James Collings, Lewis Plece, Josh Frost and Kyran Devitt.
Replacements- Matt Ranson, Josh Parker and Will Kerry.
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Category: 1st XV News