Sat 4 Jan 2025
Bridgnorth travelled to Leicestershire to play Syston for the first game of 2025. Given the recent results between the teams, both clubs knew this would be a competitive game with Syston being unbeaten this season and Bridgnorth keen to avenge the 22-24 defeat at the EDG in September. The pitch was in good condition despite the frosty conditions elsewhere and a warming chilli con carne was gratefully consumed by the travelling supporters. Bridgnorth kicked the game off playing towards the clubhouse and after a strong period of play winning penalties and having the upper hand in the scrum, the ball was passed from the scrum to Luke Brough on the right wing who dived in at the corner for an early try, very well converted by Elliot Murphy.
Bridgnorth kept up their good level of play for the opening quarter of the game but then Syston’s ball retention and fast paced game started to open up holes in the away side’s defence. After a ten-metre lineout, Syston spun the ball wide and their outside-centre evaded the tacklers to cross for a converted try to level the scores. Syston knocked-on at the restart and Bridgnorth won a penalty from the scrum. The ball was kicked for an attacking ten-metre lineout but then, in what was an unfortunate feature of the game, Syston stole the ball at the away-side’s lineout and the danger was cleared. Syston turned the pressure screw and Bridgnorth conceded numerous penalties for offside. When Bridgnorth did manage to put together some play in the backs, the ball was almost intercepted by the opposition and the fact that it was given as a ‘knock-on’ only, showed how close the chance had been.
Bridgnorth were tackling very well and flankers Zac Williams (playing his second game for the first team) and Charley Wright were both leading the way in the scramble defence. Syston continued to dominate possession however, and when a chip ahead was not cleanly taken in the Bridgnorth back-field, the home side scored a try in the left-hand corner through their pacey right-winger, well converted by their kicker. Syston followed this up with an excellent break from their hooker to take the play straight downfield again, with James Barham on for Luke Brough, Bridgnorth initially maintained their defence but again conceded penalties and when Syston kicked for a five-metre lineout, they scored their third converted try, this time from a forwards’ drive. This was virtually the last play of the half and the scoreline at the interval was 21-7.
Syston kicked off the second half towards their supporters, and the very long kick was only able to be cleared to the twenty-two-metre line by Bridgnorth. Syston started the second half in the same vein as the first with excellent ball retention and phases continually asking questions of the opposition. After winning a scrum penalty, the home side kicked for a five-metre lineout and with a clever quick peel off the maul by their substitute, he passed to his hooker for Syston’s bonus-point try and with the scoreboard reading 26-7 it looked like this was possibly going to be a very long afternoon for the visitors.
Bridgnorth however, then put together some of their best possession rugby of the match with the forwards carrying for the hard yards in attack, (the front five of Boyce, Evitt, Newman, French and Molitika putting in their usual massive shift.) They won a penalty for a ten-metre lineout but Syston again disrupted the throw, Bridgnorth had the put-in to the scrum however, and after retaining possession and an attacking ruck, Luis Evitt broke through from the ruck to dot down for the try converted by Murphy. The restart was well cleared by Murphy but then the ball came to the Syston left-winger and he put in a great break with pacy, elusive running that looked to have been taking him over the try-line, the ball was knocked forward however and Gareth Bladen was able to clear well. Matt Needham and Connor Nicholls then brought some great go-forwards for Bridgnorth with strong carries. The away side followed this up with excellent phases which was leading towards a try before a Syston defender managed to force a turnover penalty.
The pressure was now telling on Syston and their right-winger was given a yellow card for a high tackle, Bridgnorth kicked for an attacking five-metre lineout but the ball was claimed by Syston who cleared to the twenty-two-metre line. The away side attacked again and earned another five-metre lineout, but in an action replay, Syston claimed the ball and cleared to the twenty-two. Bridgnorth attacked again and when they won another close-range penalty, this time they opted for the five-metre scrum. With Ben Morris on at prop, the scrum again nudged forwards before Connor Nicholls broke from the base, the number eight’s run was threatening the home defence but the ball was lost forwards and the chance was lost.
Bridgnorth continued to play the game in the Syston half and Jack Cole on the left wing returned the ball well to keep the away side in the hunt for the losing bonus point. Syston’s own lineout started to wobble and they conceded further defensive penalties for high tackles. In a typical Bridgnorth rousing finale, the forwards and backs (with substitute Paddy Smallman carrying well) continued to hammer away at the opposition. When it looked as though time might run out, Luis Evitt again popped up with his ‘pick & go’ through the ruck to score Bridgnorth’s third try, well converted by Murphy to make the final score 26-21 with the last play of the game.
Syston then, took their rewards from the game – five points and a continuation of their unbeaten season as they push for promotion. Bridgnorth will reflect on the damage done in the first half when they played without the ball for long periods. However, they will look back with pride on the second half where their dogged determination combined with undoubted talent brought them the reward of the losing bonus point. Although Bridgnorth have now lost six games, they have earned the losing bonus point in all those games. Bridgnorth welcome Nuneaton to the Edgar Davies Ground next Saturday where a strong home support would be welcome.
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