Simon’s happy!

Bridgwater and Albion head coach Simon Morrell was a happy man when he reflected on his sides 37-14 victory over Chard at College Way on Saturday.
“It was an interesting first half when I thought that we were exceptional for the first 10 minutes, but then through us playing in a positive way Chard got two freak scores, completely against the run of play.
“In fairness we were also guilty of switching off without the ball in defence, so we were in a hole at half time and could easily have lost the game- in fact we were probably only one score away from losing the game.”
Morrell went on: “However the way that the team responded in the second half was superb, and the Bridgwater boys went straight back to basics and reacted really well.
“We chased well, we kicked well, and created wave after wave of pressure. We squeezed them at the set piece and points followed and I was really proud of them to be honest.
“The boys really got a grip on the game in the second half and I think that is the best we have been at just doing the basics well and squeaky clean in our self discipline.
“The pack was superb, especially in the second half and completely strangled Chard so I was really pleased.”
Regarding captain Ollie Dunn’s four tries the head coach said: “When the chips are down you need someone to lead by example with positive actions on the pitch. Ollie didn’t say much at half time he just came back out and gave it his all and people just followed him, a sort of chain reaction that followed throughout the team.
“Ollie has been superb all season and every week he is so consistent.”
Looking ahead to the match at Clevedon on Saturday the head coach said: “We have worked hard over the last three weeks to get ourselves into the psotion where we can break into the top four before Christmas.
“Other than Weston I think that Clevedon are the form side and probably better than Thornbury but that said we know we can go there and win but it will be like a huge cup final for us and need to throw everything into it.”
Ahead of the Chard game along with backs coach Brad Field and player Luke Plummer the head coach was introduced to the 220 plus Friends of Bridgwater and Albion and their guests ahead of lunch about which he said: “To be invited to go and meet the 200 or so people on Saturday was a joy and there is no other team at this level has that kind of support.”
He added: “What the Friends of Bridgwater do for us is superb and we would be where we are now trying to push up the league without their help. We are very grateful for their support and hopefully they enjoyed the show that we put on for them in the second half.”

Category: 1st XV News, Previews / Reports -XV