Sat 22 Nov 2025, 14:15
Bridgnorth travelled down the M40 to their now familiar rivals in
Regional 1 Midlands. The travelling supporters were very well hosted
as usual by the Banbury President Richard, the sticky toffee pudding
and an excellent cheeseboard were highlights. The match was played in
the rain throughout and with a strong breeze down the pitch, game
management and sound tactics were the order of the day. Bridgnorth had
never beaten their hosts at GRAF stadium but with good recent form,
the supporters had reason for optimism.
Bridgnorth had the edge in the first quarter of the game, two
penalties (well struck by Elliot Murphy) gave them a strong foothold
in the game as their hosts struggled to put together a consistent
threat. After the half-hour mark, Reece Boughton put through a
speculative kick into the opposition in-goal area and it was Murphy
who was quickest to react, as he sped through to ground the ball for
the try. The conversion was missed, but this was enough to give
Bridgnorth a 0-11 half-time lead. Banbury had failed to kick
tactically into the right areas, and their lineout and handling
suffered in the wet and windy conditions. Bridgnorth, however did not
over-elaborate their game plan and a massive effort by the forwards
with Ethan Pearce-Cowley to the fore, gave them a deserved lead.
The second half was played in equally poor conditions and the wind
allowed Bridgnorth to keep the play in their opponents’ half for long
periods. Bridgnorth did decline two kickable penalties and although
play remained in the Banbury half, failing to take three points in a
low scoring game seemed the wrong option. These Bridgnorth fears were
realised as Banbury put together better phases of attack after their
players returned from the sin-bin. Their two Polynesian forwards doing
damage with physical carries to get over the gain-line. This led to
the Banbury opening score as their blind-side flanker crashed over for
a converted try.
Bridgnorth stuck to their task heroically however and excellent game
management earned them another penalty which was converted to make the
score 7-14 in the final quarter. Replacement George Jackson came on
for his first start for Bridgnorth and the pack continued to ply their
trade in the atrocious conditions. Banbury were still playing with
confidence and a series of penalties near the Bridgnorth line saw
their nineteen-year-old prop crash over the line, the referee judged
that the ball had been held up over the line however and the danger
was cleared. The away side managed the ball well for the remaining
time and victory was theirs at the final whistle 7-14.
This was an epic game of rugby, a clash of two forward packs going
toe-to-toe in dreadful weather. A game which was excellent to watch
for the enthusiasts in the stands. Massive congratulations go to the
Bridgnorth squad and their management team. A shout out also to Mark
Murphy, Michelle Nicholls and Jonathan Ritson who were the brave few
who made it to Banbury to support the team (along with the two Robins
and Cliff Lovegrove running the touch.) Bridgnorth face local rivals
Newport at home next week. A vocal home support will be in attendance
from the 200+ diners at the ex-players’ lunch.
