Sat 20 Dec 2025
Bridgnorth RFC 33 – 5 Drybrook RFC
Bridgnorth RFC brought the curtain down on 2025 in emphatic fashion
with a five-try, bonus-point victory over Drybrook RFC at the Edgar
Davies Ground, maintaining their growing momentum in an increasingly
congested league table. A festive atmosphere greeted players and
supporters alike, with a sell-out Christmas lunch enjoyed in the
clubhouse and a dry forecast providing ideal conditions for rugby.
Although Drybrook arrived with results not fully reflecting their
efforts this season, memories of the drawn contest at The Mannings
earlier in the campaign ensured there was no sense of complacency
among the home ranks. The match also marked a significant milestone
for Jack Cole and Luke Brough, both of whom made their 50th first-team
appearances for the club — an achievement warmly acknowledged by
teammates and supporters.
Bridgnorth kicked off towards the clubhouse end and, as expected, the
opening exchanges were dominated by a physical forward battle. The
referee was kept busy early on, with a flurry of penalties setting the
tone. A series of infringements by the visitors eventually earned
Bridgnorth a five-metre lineout, and from a well-executed drive it was
George Jackson who grounded the ball for the opening try, converted by
Reece Boughton. What followed was a frustrating spell for the home
side. The penalty count against Bridgnorth rose steadily, disrupting
their rhythm and drawing the ire of the home support. That frustration
perhaps crept into Bridgnorth’s discipline, and Zac Williams was shown
a yellow card as another promising attack was halted. Drybrook made
use of the numerical advantage, forcing their way over for an
unconverted try to narrow the deficit.
Bridgnorth’s response was both measured and timely. Dan Brough made an
excellent break to carry play deep into Drybrook territory, before
Cole showcased his pace and direct running to slice through the
defence and score under the posts. Benji Ritson added the conversion,
and the half-time whistle followed soon after with Bridgnorth leading
14–5 — a testament to their composure after conceding nine penalties
in the opening half. The home side were forced into changes at the
interval, with Boughton departing and Matt Needham shifting to
fly-half, while James Barham was introduced into the backline.
Bridgnorth began the second half positively, stringing together
controlled phases that earned a penalty and a twenty-metre lineout.
Hooker Malachi Stuffins, enjoying a strong afternoon, combined
effectively with Connor Nicholls and Adam Ellis as the forwards
powered the maul forward from distance. The drive proved irresistible,
and it was Stuffins who emerged with the ball to score an unconverted
try. That score seemed to release Bridgnorth’s attacking confidence.
Despite recent rain, the surface played well, and the home backs were
increasingly brought into the game. Dan and Luke Brough found space
out wide, while excellent link play from captain Jonah Boyce and
number eight Paddy Smallman set the platform for Barham to cut a fine
line and cross for the bonus-point try, converted by Ritson.
The introduction of Tom Caswell in the back row marked a proud moment
for the youngster, making his first senior appearance for the club.
Bridgnorth maintained their momentum, and further slick handling from
the backs sent Barham through once more for his second try of the
afternoon, again converted by Ritson, extending the lead to 33–5. As
the match entered its closing stages, Bridgnorth continued to apply
pressure through their pack. The combined efforts of Boyce, Stuffins,
George Newman, and replacement Jacob Tomkinson ensured the home side
carried with intent and control. Drybrook, however, showed admirable
resilience and forced their way back into the contest with sustained
pressure of their own.
Further penalties allowed the visitors to advance towards the
Bridgnorth line, and Caswell was shown a yellow card for failing to
retreat ten metres — an intervention that may well have prevented a
try. Excellent goal-line defence and a solid scrum effort enabled
Bridgnorth to repel the threat, and the contest ended with the ball
being booted into the winter sky at the referee’s signal of last play.
Full credit must go to the Bridgnorth squad and management for a
disciplined performance where it mattered most, securing another
bonus-point victory. Drybrook never relented and showed the spirit
that suggests they can yet retain their place at this level.
It was a fitting way to round off 2025 in front of a festive home
crowd and further underline Bridgnorth’s upward trajectory. While the
attacking cohesion and forward power continue to develop, the penalty
count remains an area for reflection as attention turns to 2026. With
the league beginning to take shape — the top two and bottom two
separating, and just five points covering six teams from third to
eighth — Bridgnorth remain well placed to climb the table. Challenging
fixtures against Bromsgrove, Newent, and Dudley Kingswinford lie
ahead, starting with an away trip to Bromsgrove on Saturday 10 January
2026, where another statement performance could significantly shape
the season’s direction.
