Sat 16 Nov 2024
Bridgnorth travelled to Finstall Park to play their North Midlands
rivals knowing that Bromsgrove were in a rich vein of form. The aways
team’s own form however, meant this was set up to be a barnstorming
encounter and so it would prove! The travelling committee and guests
were treated to coq au vin in the clubhouse before the game as their
hosts displayed their usual generous hospitality.
Bridgnorth kicked the game off and perhaps with the adrenaline
pumping, the ball went out on the full. There then followed
thirty-five minutes of general Bromsgrove attack repelled by
outstanding Bridgnorth defence. The away side again seemed to fall
foul of the referee’s decisions as the penalty count against them
rose, including a sin-bin. The ferocity of the attack and defence on
both sides was something to behold, with the power of the collisions
and the fitness of the Bridgnorth players a credit to them.
Bromsgrove kicked a three-point penalty but were unable to extend
their lead during this period as perhaps they expected gaps to open up
in defence, but the ‘black-line’ held firm. Bromsgrove also missed
penalty attempts before Bridgnorth finally worked their way up field
towards the end of the half as the rain continued to fall. The away
side kicked a penalty for a five-metre lineout and with a well
organised routine, the ball was driven over the line for Loti Molitika
to score, Elliot Murphy kicked a sensational conversion.
The referee continued to play on for the first-half and the home side
kicked another three points and the score at half-time was 6-7. The
second half started in much the same vein as the first, the referee
penalising the away side and sending another Bridgnorth player to the
sin bin. Bromsgrove kicked another three points to take a narrow lead.
Bridgnorth now started to raise their attacking game and were asking
questions of the home defence both in the backs and forwards.
Bromsgrove had a man sent to the sin-bin to give the away side an
advantage. After earning another penalty, they kicked for the
five-metre lineout and this time Ed Taylor grounded the ball for an
unconverted try and the away side retook the lead.
The next period unfortunately saw Bromsgrove score two unconverted
tries as defensive lapses gave the home side’s strong running outside
backs the opportunity to break through for the scores. Bridgnorth did
not let this dampen their spirits, and they attacked again earning
another penalty for a five-metre lineout. The drive was well set, and
when the home side illegally stopped the driving maul, the referee
awarded a penalty try to make the score 21-19.
Both sides knew the clock was counting down, and as the game neared
its conclusion, the home side thought they had won the game as they
earned another penalty. They were not counting on the Bridgnorth
‘never say die’ spirit however and as the kick missed touch, the away
side started to work the ball up the pitch.
In a passage of play reminiscent of the Stourbridge game, Bridgnorth
kept the ball and with brilliant phases, they won a penalty in a
kickable location. The ball was well struck by Murphy but it went
agonisingly wide of the post to the delight of the Bromsgrove players.
The referee blew for full-time and the scoreboard read 21-19.
The Bridgnorth players and supporters were understandably disappointed
but for the effort and mental strength they showed, they should be
enormously proud. Congratulations go to Bromsgrove for the victory,
but the Bridgnorth squad left everything on the park and played a
massive part in an exceptional game of rugby.
Bridgnorth now have a week off before resuming their league campaign
at home against Burton on Saturday 30th November. There will be a
Ladies Day lunch with Elton John tribute to entertain the Bob Turner
room.
