Sat 15 Feb 2025
Bridgnorth travelled to Long Eaton in Derbyshire to play there for the first time in their history. The opposition’s recent results had warned the travellers that this would be a difficult fixture as their hosts were quickly adjusting to life at Level 5 in the league structure. The travelling supporters were very well hosted by Chairman Chris and his colleagues with an excellent lunch to sustain them on a cold day. The floodlights were on from the start as the game kicked off at 3pm. Bridgnorth made a very bright start to the game after the coaching team had called for a reaction after the previous week’s reverse at Derby. Two penalties from the kick-off resulted in a fifteen-metre lineout, and an excellent forward drive ended with a try for Luis Evitt, well converted by Elliot Murphy. Bridgnorth followed this up with good defence, captain Jonah Boyce leading the way as he flew out from the defensive line to twice nullify Long Eaton moves.
Gareth Bladen, returning at scrum-half, put up a good kick that Luke Brough did well to compete for and Bridgnorth had a scrum. The away side put in a powerful drive to set the tone for the afternoon. The conditions were challenging for expansive play as Jordan Burgess found, when the ball slipped from his grasp. The away side had the better of the opening exchanges but then Loti Molitika received a yellow card from the referee at an early stage of the game. Long Eaton now put the pressure on with their own attack, but more good Bridgnorth defence forced a turnover. Number eight Paddy Smallman took the ball on well at close quarters but forced a pass to Bladen when it may have been better to hold on to the ball. Long Eaton had the scrum and their number-eight scored a try with the conversion attempt rebounding off the post.
Bridgnorth won another penalty from the restart, but chose to go for the lineout rather than the three points. The lineout was lost however and Long Eaton made their way to the other end of the pitch to score a converted try through their full-back and make the score 12-7. Bridgnorth again won a penalty soon after the restart and this time the five-metre lineout was well managed for Evitt to score his second try, again converted by Murphy. Long Eaton responded well and their hooker crossed the line and grounded the ball but play was brought back for a forward pass. Both teams were putting everything into the game and after another penalty, Bridgnorth again drove forwards from the lineout. More penalties followed, however after having to work back infield when the drive was in danger of going into touch, the ball was knocked-on. After yet another penalty offence by the home side, they received a yellow card. Another great drive towards the line followed as the backs joined in, but again the ball was unfortunately knocked-on and the referee blew for half-time with the score 12-14.
After some half-time refreshment of cheese and port, the supporters were just taking their seats as the game restarted. They were in time to see Jordan Burgess score a brilliant individual try as he returned a kick to touch down in the corner. The conversion was missed and then after again putting excellent defensive work, Bridgnorth were penalised for sealing off when they looked to have won the ball. Long Eaton kicked the three points to bring the score to 15-19. Another Long Eaton player received a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on as the home side were reduced to thirteen players. Murphy kicked the three points to extend Bridgnorth’s lead to seven points but Long Eaton showed true-grit during this period and after pinching possession at the lineout, they kicked another penalty and the scoreboard read 18-22.
The supporters in the stand were really enjoying the pulsating game as both sides threw everything against their opponents. Bridgnorth full-back Jack Cole was having a very good game to clear his lines and Adam Ellis came on to refresh the back-row. Long Eaton back up to full strength, won a ten-metre lineout but the away side managed to hold them up over the line. Luis Evitt then received a yellow-card and the home side took advantage as their number-eight scored another try, this time converted, to make the score 25-22 going into the closing stages. Bridgnorth showed their usual indomitable spirit and attacked their opponents as they looked to snatch victory. The Bridgnorth lineout continued to work very well with Morgan French and Ed Taylor showing real skill to secure the ball in the conditions. Gareth Bladen then made a fine break to take the play towards the Long Eaton line. A penalty followed and the away side put in a series of ‘pick & go’ drives as they hunted the winning try. The ball was knocked on however as the scoreboard clock counted down towards the end of the game. Bridgnorth managed to maintain their field position near the home side’s line as they won more penalties, then with a piece of ‘x-factor’ play, second-row Ed Taylor caught the home defence napping as he took a quick ‘tap & go’ to himself to score the game’s winning try, converted by Benji Ritson. This was also the four-try bonus point.
The four point margin with the 25-29 score was possibly significant, as the referee gave the unusual decision to penalise Bridgnorth in the aftermath of the try being scored. This meant that Long Eaton could kick for an attacking lineout from the restart. Bridgnorth managed to successfully defend the lineout however and the referee blew for the end of the game to the joy of the players and supporters. Both teams should be congratulated for an excellent contest which was another superb game of Regional 1 Midlands rugby. Long Eaton could have won the game and had to settle for the losing bonus point. The Bridgnorth squad put in a monumental shift to come away with the victory and give themselves valuable momentum as they face Nuneaton, Bromsgrove and Burton on the next three Saturdays. Long Eaton were excellent hosts and both sets of supporters looked forward to the games and hospitality next season.
