Sat 13 Dec 2025
Bournville RFC 35 – 22 Bridgnorth RFC
Bridgnorth RFC made the trip to Avery Fields to face Bournville on
their synthetic surface, looking to build on a convincing away victory
at Nuneaton the previous week. The travelling support was warmly
welcomed by Bournville’s ever-present President George, with Alex and
Mick also in attendance, and an excellent pre-match pie enjoyed by
all. Playing with a strong wind at their backs in the first half,
Bridgnorth began brightly and showed early defensive intent. Morgan
French set the tone with a sharp press and interception in the
Bournville backline, and although Reece Boughton’s kick ahead forced
only a goal-line dropout after a scramble in the in-goal area, it
signalled early ambition from the visitors. That pressure soon told.
Bridgnorth countered effectively and, following an excellent pop pass
from Connor Nicholls, French finished confidently for the opening try
of the match. Boughton added the conversion to give the away side an
early lead.
Bournville responded with composure and began to assert themselves,
particularly at the scrum where Bridgnorth found themselves under
unfamiliar pressure. The home side turned territory into points when
their dangerous left wing broke through with a powerful run to score a
converted try. Comfortable on the artificial surface, Bournville
continued to play an ambitious, high-tempo running game, forcing
Bridgnorth’s defence to scramble and reorganise repeatedly. A
Bournville penalty edged the hosts ahead before Bridgnorth struck back
in fine fashion. Dan Brough produced a brilliant run down the left
wing, and captain Jonah Boyce linked superbly with Benji Ritson, who
showed great awareness and pace to scoot over for Bridgnorth’s second
try, which Boughton again converted. Bridgnorth continued to grow into
the contest and George Newman was introduced early as a tactical
change to help reorganise the front row and steady the scrum. Jack
Cole followed with an excellent kick-and-chase, and moments later
Brough was alert to follow up a charged-down clearance, crossing for
an unconverted try as the visitors edged ahead.
Playing with confidence, Bridgnorth were unfortunate not to extend
their advantage further when a well-judged chip ahead was slightly
overrun by several attackers. The ball was regathered by the
Bournville left wing, who punished the visitors by racing clear to
score a converted try. As the half drew to a close, Bridgnorth’s
penalty count began to rise. Bournville capitalised from a five-metre
lineout, driving over for an unconverted try to take a narrow 22–19
lead into the break.
The second half began positively for Bridgnorth, with Brough again
making strong ground as the visitors attacked towards the clubhouse
end. Sustained phases of pressure earned a penalty, which Boughton
calmly converted to level the scores. That passage of play also saw
Bournville lose their influential centre to injury, a player who had
posed a constant threat throughout the first period. Bournville
regained the lead shortly afterwards with a converted penalty.
Bridgnorth then came close to reclaiming momentum when Brough found
open space ahead of him, but elected to cut back inside rather than
take the outside route. The decision allowed Bournville’s defence to
produce one of several impressive jackal turnovers that characterised
the second half.
As penalties continued to mount against Bridgnorth, Bournville once
again made them pay, driving over from a ten-metre lineout for a
converted try to stretch their advantage. Although Bridgnorth
continued to threaten with ball in hand, each incursion was halted by
strong breakdown work or further penalties conceded. Fresh legs were
introduced in the shape of Zac Williams and James Barham, and
Bridgnorth were handed an opportunity when Bournville’s number 12
received a yellow card following a high tackle and repeated
infringements. Despite the numerical advantage, the visitors were
unable to convert pressure into points, as Bournville defended
resolutely during the sin-bin period.
Jack Cole, Ben Ralph, and Adam Ellis all made strong carries in the
latter stages, but once again Bournville’s breakdown efficiency turned
promising attacks into turnovers. A further penalty for the home side
extended the lead to 35–22, and Bournville closed out the contest with
disciplined defence to the final whistle. Full credit must go to
Bournville for an accomplished and controlled performance in both
attack and defence. Bridgnorth were left to reflect on missed
opportunities, particularly their inability to secure possession after
line breaks and the costly penalty count in the second half.
Bridgnorth return home next weekend, Saturday 20 December, when they
welcome Drybrook to the Edgar Davies Ground. With a festive crowd
expected, the hosts will be hoping to improve on the draw secured
earlier in the season in the Forest of Dean.
