Sat 28 Sep 2024
SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2024 MATCH REPORT
BRIDNORTH RFC 22 24 SYSTON RFC
Bridgnorth welcomed Syston to the EDG, on a day when the home side were celebrating the achievements of former players with a very well attended lunch. With a packed “gallery”, both sides were determined to continue a trend of some closely fought contests going back a few seasons. Playing conditions, after recent very wet weather, were ideal for fast open rugby.
The game kicked off with both sides looking to gain some ascendency with Bridgnorth missing an early opportunity to kick a penalty. With some 15 minutes gone, Syston scored a converted try following slick passing and getting their quick outside backs into the game. This spurred the home side on, making ground through controlled possession and gaining a player advantage when a Syston player was yellow carded. Whilst this player was off the pitch, continued pressure resulted in a Try for Luis Evitt, which went unconverted when Benji Ritson’s kick came back off a post.
The visitors soon responded with their own penalty kick – a monster from over 50 metres out! However, further disciplinary issues resulted in a second yellow card for the visitors. Once again, and with time running out in the half, Luis Evitts crossed following determined and disciplined work from all the forwards. With the conversion going wide, the half time whistle blew at 10 points each.
The second period kicked off with Syston looking to regain control, helped when Bridgnorth full back Cole was yellow carded. This set a pattern whereby Bridgnorth continued to get penalised (8 in the second half) and the accurate Syston full back kicking 3 penalties to restore their lead.
As the game went into the final 20 minutes, some timely substitution restored the dominance of the home pack, especially at the scrum where more than one ball was won “against the head”. This pressure resulted in Luis’s hat-trick try, converted by Benji Ritson.
Somewhat against the run of play at the time, Syston made good use of kick off possession and set their backs clear again, a kick ahead being touched down. A rare miss by the full back nevertheless opened out a 7 point lead. Bridgnorth got stuck back into their game in the few minutes remaining, releasing Jordan Burgess on the left wing to score wide out. With the conversion missed, the game ended shortly afterwards.
