Sat 10 Oct 2026
MATCH REPORT: BRIDGNORTH RFC AT SYSTON RFC — SATURDAY 20 OCTOBER 2026
Since 2018 Bridgnorth (apart from one or two years when Syston were playing at a higher level) have made the two hour journey over to Leicester to play Syston at Regional 1 level. On only one occasion did the club return with a win.
Although only 3 games into the season, a crop of injuries and non-availability has resulted in Coach Pritchard picking yet more combinations throughout the squad. Special mention to Will Lever, stepping up from the Bulls into scrum half. Jordan Burgess was also back on the wing.
Recent rainfall had left a good playing surface on this wide pitch and the game started off with a strong breeze, although this later abated. Bridgnorth started the game with slope, sun and wind in their favour.
Whilst there were early signs of Bridgnorth dominance in set pieces, the first 30 minutes was littered with errors from both sides as the wind played its’ part in proceedings. However, the final 10 minutes of the half changed the course of the game.
It started off with an accidental collision between Adam Ellis (captain for the day) and the referee. There was a break in play as both physios attended the ref and patched him up. Shortly afterwards Adam was “yellow carded” for a technical infringement.
The temporary loss of a player obviously “flicked a switch” for the team and four tries were scored in quick succession. Two each for back row Cal Bradbury and winger Jack Cole. Syston saw very little of the ball for this period with kick offs quickly recycled up the field and over the goal line. Two tries were converted by Dan Robinson and the teams went back into the changing rooms with the score 0-24.
Half time was extended whilst the word was put out for another referee, the original one having injured his knee in the collision. Syston started the second half on the front foot and quickly got back into the game with a converted try. The increase in tempo from the home side was responded to in kind by Bridgnorth and hooker George Newman went over twice in the space of 5 minutes. Neither were converted as the score moved to 7-34.
Syston continued their resurgence, making full use of the wide pitch, and helped by no less than 11 penalties as the visitors attempted to regain control. The home team went over for 3 more tries in the next 10 minutes leaving the score 26-34 as the game moved into the final 10 minutes.
Errors crept into both sides as the clock ticked down with Bridgnorth retaining possession to kick into touch and end the game.
It was a great effort by a much-changed side with commitment and team work winning the day.
