Sat 25 Feb 2023
Bridgnorth’s visitors for the afternoon were Burton, having achieved narrow victories at Burton in their last two meetings the hosts knew they would be in for a challenging game. Bridgnorth started the match well and reclaimed their own kick off, they put together several good phases but Burton defended well and a Bridgnorth kick ahead resulted in a penalty to the visitors. Bridgnorth continued to attack and an outstanding 50:22 kick by fly-half Elliot Murphy gave the home side promising field position. The referee was allowing the game to flow and both sides put on a good show in attack and defence.
Bridgnorth scored the game’s first try after an overthrow at the lineout by Burton near their own line, the Bridgnorth hooker Nick Selway claimed the ball and prop George Newman went over for an unconverted try. Burton responded well and drove towards the opposition line, a missed touch by the Bridgnorth full-back kept the pressure on the home side. Bridgnorth’s defence held firm and with a strong scrum, Connor Nicholls the Bridgnorth number eight picked up from the base well and attacked the opposition.
It was Burton who were to score next however, good handling in the backs transferred the ball to the wing and then first-rate inside support play saw their scrum-half scampering over for a converted try. The rest of the first half was played to a high level by both teams who seemed evenly matched. Wing Jordan Burgess made two excellent breaks for the home side but the away side defence was up to the task. This nip and tuck rugby continued until the half time whistle with the score 5-7.
The second half started very well for Bridgnorth, after several phases second row Tom Foster cut a great angle to break through the away side defensive line and shrug off one would-be tackler, he showed good pace to continue his run to the line for a try converted by Murphy. Burton predictably bounced back and both sides enjoyed good periods of attack matched by opposition defence. Bridgnorth scored the next try, a kick pass to the wing was gathered by Jordan Burgess who showed customary strength to retain the ball, the home side drove to the line and the try was scored by captain Jonah Boyce, the conversion was missed.
Bridgnorth continued to attack, Nicholls making an excellent break with the home side creating an attacking lineout, the throw was judged not straight however. Another penalty to Bridgnorth gave them an attacking ten metre lineout, they drove the ball over the line but the ball was held up and Burton dropped out from their goal line. A Burton attack then resulted in a drop out twenty-two for the home side. Scrum-half Gareth Bladen was relieved to see play called back after his quick kick was gathered by the opposition and gave them a try scoring opportunity.
With Burton being given the scrum on the Bridgnorth twenty-two metre line the away side attacked through scrum and lineout. Burton kicked a penalty to the five-metre line and after several drives towards the Bridgnorth line the away side were awarded a penalty try to make the score 17-14 with prop George Newman also receiving a yellow card. With five minutes plus injury time of the game remaining the home supporters were feeling the tension of the occasion. This pressure was relieved when Murphy kicked a penalty and with Bridgnorth’s brilliant defence led in the backs by Will Bishop, they were able to close the game out. The final score was 20-14.
Credit must go to both sides for playing an extremely hard fought match, Bridgnorth showed admirable resolve to manage the game and claim the victory. Burton deservedly took away the losing bonus point and denied the home side the try bonus point for the first time this season at the Edgar Davies Ground. Bridgnorth travel to The Potteries to play Stoke on Trent next week, with a one-hour journey time all travelling support will be welcome. Normally the month of March sees kick-off times move back to 3pm but at Stoke this weekend it is still a 2:15 KO as agreed.
Match Photos Taken by Robert Nicholls (BRFC FACEBOOK PAGE) - CLICK HERE!!
