Old Bristolians RFC v Bridgwater & Albion RFC – Match Report

Emma Kemmish | 21/10/2024

BRIDGWATER & Albion RFC slumped to their fifth rugby defeat in six matches this season when they went down 39-19 away to Old Bristolians in Western Counties North last weekend.

It means Albion, whose only success this season was a 24-17 home win over Chosen Hill Former Pupils the previous weekend, are now down in tenth spot in the 12-team division. Only three points are separating them from the bottom side, Cinderford.

Old Bristolians, who had beaten Burnham on Sea convincingly 58-12 on the same ground the previous weekend, stormed into a 22-point lead in the opening 20 minutes. Only one of four tries were converted but this secured a bonus point early in the game.

Bridgwater in trouble

And it was not long before the home side scored another converted try, leaving Bridgwater in all sorts of trouble.

However, the visitors finally got their act together. After a driving maul, hooker Karolis Urbonis, making his 50th appearance for the side, scored a try. Kyran Devitt converted to make it 29-7 at the interval.

Albion began to have more possession in the second half and Devitt ran in a try under the posts. He also converted, to give Albion a glimmer of hope.

Old Bristolians fought on

But Old Bristolians put an end to any serious thoughts of a fightback with an unconverted try to make it 34-14 in the 67th minute. They then added another five-pointer seven minutes later to go 39-14 ahead. This left Albion with only pride to play off.

Still battling, Albion managed to cross the home side’s line in the dying minutes through right wing Dan Lang, which was again unconverted.

Albion used all three replacements, including former Colts Charlie Barnes and Trystan Hudson who both made their first-team debuts after coming on as replacements.

Looking back, Albion paid the penalty for a poor start in which they effectively lost the game. They enjoyed plenty of possession after the home side’s early try-rush but the damage had already been done.

Bridgwater & Albion RFC Team

Frost, Devitt, Plece, Willcox, Lang, Owens, Hill, Buller, capt, Sluman, Knight (A), James, West, Howden, Knight (G), Pentelow. Replacements: Urbonis, Barnes, Hudson.

Albion will be looking to bounce back when they play Taunton 2nd XV, who are lying fourth in the table, on Saturday, October 26. 3 pm kick-off. Taunton have won four of their opening six matches.

Elsewhere, Cleve maintained their position at the top of the table – and their 100 per cent record. This was achieved with a thrilling 39-35 away victory over Chard last Saturday.

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