Sat 4 Feb 2023
Bridgnorth travelled to Finstall Park knowing it would be a tough test after the close game at the EDG in September. Without several regulars missing through injury or holidays the Bridgnorth side had a different look to it especially in the backs.
It was Bridgnorth who made the best start to the game, a penalty was kicked to the corner and after a long driving maul Connor Nicholls grounded the ball for an unconverted try. The rest of the first half was rather one-way traffic for Bromsgrove with Bridgnorth’s backs (some of whom were playing in unfamiliar positions) being exposed in defence.
A Bromsgrove kick through was not dealt with by the Bridgnorth full-back and Bromsgrove scored an unconverted try. Bromsgrove then scored another unconverted try through their large left winger. Connor Nicholls was sent to the sin-bin and Bridgnorth seemed to be on the wrong side of the referee as the penalty count against them grew.
Bromsgrove then scored an unconverted through more good handling by their backs. Bridgnorth’s defence improved as they returned to fifteen men but their scrum remained under pressure. Bromsgrove then took the three points after a scrum penalty to take a fifteen-point lead.
Bridgnorth finished the half well with another good drive from a lineout, however Bromsgrove managed to turn the ball over and went into half-time with the score 20-5.
Bromsgrove started the second half well and when they scored another unconverted try (for the bonus point) the outlook looked bleak for the Bridgnorth team and supporters.
Bridgnorth raised their game however and their attack began to fire. After better play, (including a more solid scrum) prop Oghenetejiri Ajuchi (TJ) showed great strength to drive over the line and roll away from the Bromsgrove tacklers to ground the ball. The try was converted by Will Bishop.
Bridgnorth scored again after a customary excellent break by Jordan Burgess playing in the centre, George Newman took the ball and scored a superb try (converted by Bishop.) Bridgnorth continued to play well and demonstrated that attack is the best form of defence. A break out by Connor Nicholls resulted in the move being illegally stopped by Bromsgrove and their player received a yellow card.
Bridgnorth had a straightforward kick to the corner for an attacking lineout but the kick was scuffed and barely got airborne, Bromsgrove were able to clear the ball. Bridgnorth continued to attack in the closing stages of the game but were repeatedly penalised by the referee.
The full-time whistle blew with the score 25-19. Bridgnorth showed great spirit in the second half to claim the losing bonus point and if a few things had gone differently could have gained the four try bonus point. It was pleasing to see young prop Milo Walters make his first team debut and the squad can hold their heads high, especially after the second half showing.
Bridgnorth now have a run of three home games in February (Nuneaton, Oundle and Burton) and will hope to maintain their 100% record at ‘fortress EDG.’
MATCH PHOTOS TAKEN BY ROBERT NICHOLLS ON THE CLUBS FACEBOOK PAGE - CLICK HERE!!
