Sat 8 Nov 2025
Bridgnorth RFC 30 – 19 Lutterworth RFC
Bridgnorth RFC continued their impressive home form with a bonus-point
victory over Lutterworth in the clubs’ first-ever men’s league meeting
at the Edgar Davies Ground. The day began in fine fashion off the
pitch, as the clubhouse hosted a volunteer appreciation lunch for both
clubs. Guests enjoyed curry, cheese and biscuits, and sticky toffee
pudding before the afternoon’s rugby got underway. A poignant
two-minute silence and rendition of The Last Post preceded kick-off,
as players and supporters paid their respects ahead of Remembrance
weekend.
Once play began, Bridgnorth immediately stamped their authority on the
contest. Fly-half Elliot Murphy punished early Lutterworth
indiscipline with a penalty after just a few minutes, then added three
more in quick succession as the hosts dominated territory and
possession. The pressure continued through the pack, as Bridgnorth’s
front row earned a penalty at the first scrum. Opting for the corner,
the forwards executed a powerful maul, with George Newman driven over
to score the opening try. Murphy’s conversion made it 13–0 and gave
Bridgnorth the start they had hoped for.
Lutterworth, however, struck back at their first real opportunity.
After a penalty for offside, the visitors kicked to the corner and
their forwards crashed over from close range for a converted try.
Bridgnorth responded in kind, maintaining their composure and sticking
to their game plan. A well-earned penalty set up another attacking
lineout, and when the drive was pulled down illegally, the home side
went again from ten metres out. The result was the same — Newman
emerging from the pile with the ball and his second try of the
afternoon. The missed conversion left Bridgnorth ahead 18–7.
Lutterworth again proved resilient, responding before the interval
with another close-range try, this time from their hooker after
sustained pressure. With both sides scoring twice through their
forwards, the halftime score of 18–14 set up a finely balanced second
half.
After the restart, Bridgnorth regained momentum. Full-back Jack Cole
sparked the next attack with a strong counter, and the pack’s
relentless drive earned another penalty deep in opposition territory.
Phases of controlled possession ended with left-wing James Barham
diving over in the corner to extend the lead to 23–14, much to the
delight of the home crowd gathered on the clubhouse balcony.
Lutterworth continued to threaten from set pieces and thought they had
scored again, only for Bridgnorth’s defence to hold the ball up over
the line. The contest then entered a scrappy spell, with both sides
guilty of handling errors, but the home forwards continued to dominate
up front.
The highlight of the afternoon arrived midway through the second half.
From a scrum ten metres out, crisp passing from scrum-half Benji
Ritson and Murphy released Cole, who showed electric pace to beat his
marker on the outside. He rounded towards the posts to finish in
style, sealing the bonus-point try amid jubilant scenes. Murphy’s
conversion made it 30–14. Lutterworth, to their credit, refused to
fold and pressed for a late score. Their persistence was rewarded with
a try in the right corner, though the conversion attempt drifted wide.
Bridgnorth’s defence — marshalled by the ever-reliable Ben Ralph in
the centres — held firm in the closing stages, while the tactical
kicking of Reece Boughton ensured the visitors were pinned back for
much of the remainder.
When the final whistle blew, Bridgnorth could reflect on a composed
and confident display, earning maximum league points and continuing
their strong start to the season. The result left players, coaches,
and supporters celebrating in the clubhouse. With no fixture next
weekend as England face New Zealand, Bridgnorth will next be in action
on Saturday 22 November, travelling to Banbury in what promises to be
another tough league encounter.
