Sat 18 Oct 2025
MATCH REPORT – 18TH OCTOBER 2025 vs DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD
By Robin Padgett, with contribution from Cliff Lovegrove (Robin Glover is away)
With Bridgnorth struggling for consistency this term, and Dudley Kingswinford starting to get over a poor start to the season, this match was destined to be a tight affair – and so it transpired!
The match began with both sides fumbling possession, resulting in a Bridgnorth scrum that ultimately led to a free kick for Dudley Kingswinford (DK). The opening exchanges were notably messy. Bridgnorth were soon awarded a penalty directly in front of the posts on the 10-metre line, allowing them to take an early 3-0 lead.
Following the restart, play remained scrappy. DK came close to scoring in the corner, but this only resulted in a line-out to Bridgnorth, who managed to secure possession and drive forward. Despite Bridgnorth holding DK at bay, tackles deemed high resulted in penalties and a warning from the referee.
Following several attacks from DK, all resolutely defended by Bridgnorth, Morgan French received a yellow card for a high tackle. From the resulting penalty, and following more defensive big tackles, DK knocked on over the try line. DK resumed their assault. Although Bridgnorth tackled valiantly, DK eventually crossed in the corner for an unconverted try, taking the score to 3-5.
Bridgnorth returned to full strength as Morgan French came back onto the field. However, Bridgnorth continued to struggle, having to defend another 5-metre line-out as DK pressed forward, giving the home side more tackling practice.
Backchat from DK following a penalty resulted in a further 10-metres for Bridgnorth, allowing them to clear up field into DK territory. Bridgnorth pressed forward with Lottie going over in the corner. The conversion was missed, and the half-time whistle blew with Bridgnorth leading 8 points to 5.
As the second half got underway, poor line-out throws continued to plague Bridgnorth, and they were forced to defend deep once more. Nonetheless, Bridgnorth’s backs began to link up passes, moving play into the DK half and earning a penalty, which was quickly tapped as Bridgnorth pressed on.
The match ebbed and flowed until DK capitalised on the opportunity given to them by a penalty, which they kicked to bring the score to 8-8. Very soon afterwards Bridgnorth were awarded a penalty five yards out from the DK line. Morgan French scored, which Reece Broughton successfully converted, extending Bridgnorth’s lead to 15-8.
Bridgnorth’s defence continued to make life difficult for DK. Bridgnorth regained possession, and their backs moved the ball well, allowing Ben Ralph to break through on the left wing and score a fine try from 50 metres out. Reece added the conversion, taking the score to 22-8.
DK began to apply pressure once more, but Bridgnorth’s defence held firm until the referee awarded a penalty in front of the posts. DK opted to kick, narrowing the gap to 22-11.
DK continued to struggle against Bridgnorth’s obdurate defence. However, the referee produced another yellow card, this time for Lotti Molitika, who was sent off for ten minutes due to a high tackle—an unfortunate decision, as the DK player had gone in low.
A series of penalties disrupted DK’s momentum as they searched for at least a losing bonus point. Following a turnover, good handling from Bridgnorth saw them march into DK territory with several strong phases of play, but the game was halted due to a DK injury.
As play resumed, Bridgnorth found themselves five metres from the DK try line, pressing hard. Despite a powerful scrum from Bridgnorth, DK managed to clear up the pitch. The final whistle blew with the score at 22-11 in Bridgnorth’s favour.
