Sat 3 Feb 2024, 15:00
Bridgnorth travelled to Oxford for their first game at the Harlequins club. Despite having beaten their opposition in October, the away side knew that was their only defeat of the season and their form indicated what a tough game was in prospect. The travelling blazers were well looked after by their hosts, including Robin P who had come on the bus with the players. (Respect to Andy Williamson for being the paying passenger.)
Oxford Quins first team pitch is a 3G surface, this combined with the strong wind towards the clubhouse gave the home side the advantage in the first half. The home side made the most of early pressure to convert two penalty kicks at goal. Bridgnorth then had an attacking opportunity after a Quins punt rolled over the dead-ball line and gave the away side an attacking scrum back. Unfortunately, the Bridgnorth attack ended with an interception by the home side for an unconverted try.
The home side produced an excellent half of attacking rugby, with good lines of running backed by power and pace. The Bridgnorth defence stuck to their task but excellent support play by Quins saw them score four further tries in the first half to make the half-time score 40-0. The Quins team had power runners all over the park in the backs and forwards, the speed and service of their scrum-half, combined with the power and pace of their number eight meant they kept up an intense attack.
The Bridgnorth coaching and management of Dan Griffiths, Bryan Smallman and Rich Phillips must have had a difficult job at half-time but combined with the leadership of Jonah Boyce, the Bridgnorth travelling support kept the faith with their team and this was repaid in the second half. With the wind in their favour and the scrum and lineout performing well, the away side attack started to function better and establish a foothold in the game. This momentum was partially stalled when Connor Nicholls was sent to the sin-bin.
The away side continued to attack however, but the next phase saw the ball stripped from the Bridgnorth player and then the Quins hooker showed a remarkable turn of pace to run in the ball from his own half for an unconverted try. The away side were still unbowed and Adam Ellis then produced an excellent turnover and run to carry the ball into the Quins half. The home side attempted to turnover the ball but were penalised and Bridgnorth kicked for a six-metre lineout. The away side's forwards set up a great drive and drove the ball over the line, with all credit to the referee, he was on his hands and knees crawling to view the ball and signalled that the try had been scored by Luis Evitt, (unconverted.)
Unfortunately, the home side responded almost immediately through their talented number eight for another unconverted try. Bridgnorth continued to attack right up to the final whistle, still earning penalties and scrummaging well. The final whistle blew with the score 50-5. The Bridgnorth squad could hold their heads high at the final whistle, they deserve great credit for not being “nilled” and competing for a 10-5 loss in the second half.
Bridgnorth now have two home games on the bounce, lunch is served before both games, with the 17th featuring the vice-presidents’ lunch. A strong home support would be appreciated.
MATCH PHOTOS TAKEN BY ROBERT NICHOLLS - CLICK HERE (BRFC FACEBOOK PAGE)
