Sat 10 Feb 2024
Bridgnorth welcomed Broadstreet RFC to the Edgar Davies Ground for the return fixture after their encounter at Coventry in September. The away team had lost every game so far this season but after the previous week’s reverse at Oxford and player unavailability, the home team was not taking anything for granted. Bridgnorth had Boyce, Newman, Bradbury, Needham, Barham, Rochelle and Tomkinson missing for a variety of reasons.
Bridgnorth received the ball from the kick off and put in a good clearance, Luke Brough got a good tackle in early and the home side were awarded a penalty. Although normally playing at hooker, this was the first time this season that Luis Evitt had thrown into the lineout, the home supporters had no need to be concerned however as the lineout performed at 100% for the game, his combination with Connor Nicholls was especially effective.
Adam Ellis took a good line for a break but the pass was judged forward, the first scrum went well for the home team and Gareth Bladen kicked through the loose ball to set up a move for Brough, this phase ended with a knock-on. Bridgnorth were then awarded a penalty after a lineout and Elliot Murphy took the three points on offer. The home side attacked again from the restart, Evitt took the ball on and Loti Molitika set up a drive for the line. The try was given and there was some debate about the scorer but it was later confirmed as Evitt (unconverted.)
Bridgnorth pressed on from the restart with a good break by Jordan Burgess and, after a series of drives and penalty advantages, Evitt scored his second try, converted by Murphy. Broadstreet launched their own offensive from the restart but it ended with a knock-on. Bridgnorth responded and after great carries from Ben Morris and Loti the ball went through the backs, Jack Cole came into the line and gave a good pass to Brough for him to score a converted try.
The Broadstreet restart went straight out which was not what the away side needed, Bridgnorth failed to capitalise however as a scrappy period of play ended with Cole gathering the ball on the wing to set up a promising run, the home touch judge however, ruled that all or part of his foot was on the touchline. This appeared to give the away side the advantage they needed as they drove forward and scored their first try.
This stung Bridgnorth into action and Nicholls pulled off a great steal at the next lineout, Ben Morris put in another powerful drive before Nicholls made an excellent break and pass to Ellis who ran in for a converted try to give the home side the four-try bonus point. To their credit Broadstreet pushed forwards again and with replacement ‘Big Dog’ Adam Stirling adding to the ‘Big D’ defence, the ball was held up near the Bridgnorth line. Ollie Neill then made a good break and Murphy took the ball on before passing to Cole who managed to negotiate the muddy corner to score the try, very well converted by Murphy. The half-time whistle went with the score 36-7.
Bridgnorth started the second half well with good carries by the two ‘Ls’ Loti and Luis. Then, great handling and movement in the backs gave replacement Will Biddell space to come into the line and give a good pass to Brough for him to run in and score a converted try. As before, the away side did not let their heads drop and it took good defence and scrummaging to keep them out. The next stoppage saw Benji Ritson replace Bladen at scrum-half for his first senior appearance, unfortunately, his first involvement was a forward pass but it showed good attacking intent. Burgess continued to keep himself busy on the wing, showing his usual strength to occupy several defenders. Joe Cave was also heavily involved in the forwards, both with good counter-rucking and strong busts forwards.
The game was entering a scrappy period but the frustration was broken when Brough received the ball wide out after another good home lineout. He took the ball forward and then speculatively kicked ahead infield, there did not seem to be any threat until Ritson raced forwards and gathered the ball over the line for the try to trigger ecstatic celebrations from his teammates and supporters. (Murphy kicked another conversion.)
Broadstreet continued to play a full part in the game, their backs and forwards both continuing to run and tackle determinedly. The home team then had a man sent to the bin as Loti fell foul of the new high tackle laws. The game was quickly evened up as the away side received their own yellow card. Bridgnorth continued to kick their penalties for attacking lineouts, one effort was held up over the line but then a five-metre lineout gave Evitt the opportunity to peel away from the maul and cross virtually unopposed for another converted try (and his hat-trick.)
Broadstreet responded with a good attack and then their rapid left winger received the ball in the backfield and raced through the Bridgnorth defence. The away side then forced a five-metre lineout and looked to set up an attack, Adam Ellis rose high however and tapped the ball back to steal the lineout, unfortunately the Broadstreet prop was quickest to react and caught the tap-back to cross for a consolation try.
The game ended with the away side again attacking but their last pass went forwards. Bridgnorth will be pleased with the 57-12 final score and the ‘first cap’ for Benji Ritson was a highlight, Evan Watts promoted from the Bulls also showed some good touches in the centre. The young Broadstreet squad performed admirably in what is a difficult season for them, their team spirit was demonstrated by their drinking games in the marquee after the match.
Bridgnorth now have another home game next Saturday as Derby come into town. Bridgnorth lost the game at Derby University 26-24 in November and so will be looking for revenge. They should be well supported as the Vice-Presidents, Patrons and Sponsors’ lunch is booked for the 17th, hopefully the Severn will not flood the EDG before the game. (Bridgnorth will also need a touch-judge for the game, applications for the job gratefully received.)
Match Photos taken by Dave Cooper - CLICK HERE (BRFC FACEBOOK PAGE)!!
Match Photos taken by Robert Nicholls - CLICK HERE (BRFC FACEBOOK PAGE)!!
