Sat 3 Oct 2026
Bromsgrove RFC 38–29 Bridgnorth RFC
Bridgnorth travelled to Finstall Park to face North Midlands rivals Bromsgrove RFC, following the opening weekend victory over Broadstreet. The official party received a very warm welcome from Bromsgrove President ‘Welly’ and Chair Clare, with both clubs enjoying a memorable afternoon of rugby in the sunshine. Bridgnorth received the opening kick-off but conceded an early penalty, allowing Bromsgrove to apply pressure in attack. The home side appeared to have knocked the ball forwards, but with play allowed to continue, Bromsgrove took full advantage and crossed for the opening converted try.
Bridgnorth responded immediately. Captain Jonah Boyce led from the front as the visitors built pressure through a series of excellent phases, earning a penalty and taking play into the Bromsgrove 22.
Further pressure resulted in hooker Dan Morgan crossing in the corner for Bridgnorth's first try, with Dan Robinson adding an excellent conversion. Fly-half Elliot Murphy was unfortunately forced to leave the field with an eye injury. Another penalty allowed Bridgnorth to return to the Bromsgrove 22. Although the ball was knocked on, the resulting clearance was returned and Bridgnorth made superb use of the space available. Centre Tamana Vakalevulevu, known as ‘Big T’, finished brilliantly in the same corner for an unconverted try, putting Bridgnorth ahead.
The visitors almost immediately repeated the move. A powerful run from full-back Dan Brough was followed by superb handling, creating the opportunity for Big T to cross for his second try. The conversion was missed. Bridgnorth were then awarded a penalty at the restart following some foul play during the scoring move, but unfortunately could not capitalise. Bromsgrove retained possession and kicked a three-point penalty to reduce the deficit. The home side attacked again and their rapid right wing was tackled into touch, relieving the immediate pressure. Unfortunately for Bridgnorth, the resulting lineout was overthrown, giving the Bromsgrove hooker a relatively straightforward opportunity to score a converted try and bring the scores level at 17–17.
The talented Bromsgrove backs then struck again, with their left wing finishing for another converted try. Bridgnorth responded superbly, producing another period of excellent handling and possession. Loti Molitika raised the tempo and powered through to score a fine try, converted by Robinson, bringing the scores level at 24–24 as the referee blew for half-time. The try also secured Bridgnorth a valuable four-try bonus point. It had been an outstanding first half of rugby from both sides. Bridgnorth's performance in both attack and defence was particularly impressive and a joy to watch. There had been some concern among supporters that this could prove to be a difficult afternoon, particularly remembering the corresponding fixture in January last year when Bromsgrove led at half-time 43–12. The performance on this occasion was in stark contrast.
The second half began with Jack Cole demonstrating his pace as he carried play towards the home clubhouse. The high quality of rugby continued from both sides, with Bridgnorth again showing their attacking ambition. Excellent handling eventually created the opportunity for Dan Morgan to dive over in the right-hand corner for a brilliant try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Bromsgrove responded by raising the intensity and began to exert increasing pressure. A series of penalties followed, with the home side eventually taking one quickly and converting the resulting pressure into another converted try. At 31–29, the game remained firmly in the balance and victory was still within reach for either side.
Unfortunately, the loss of Murphy began to have an impact on Bridgnorth's organisation, with a number of restarts failing to travel the required ten metres and some penalty kicks to touch also falling short. The Bridgnorth scrum came under increasing pressure after Jacob Tomkinson left the field. Despite these setbacks, Bridgnorth stuck manfully to their task and continued to compete with enormous commitment. Both sets of supporters were enjoying an entertaining and highly competitive game in the sunshine. Eventually, the pressure at scrum time took its toll. As Bromsgrove's pressure increased and the penalty count mounted, the home side scored their fifth converted try.
The Bromsgrove full-back maintained a remarkable 100% success rate from the tee, and the final whistle confirmed a 38–29 victory for the home side, both sides having scored five tries.
Bridgnorth were unable to secure a losing bonus point, but the result should not detract from what was an extremely encouraging performance.
The quality of the rugby, particularly in the first half, will give players, coaches and supporters great hope for the season ahead. New Head Coach Rhys Pritchard deserves considerable credit, alongside all the players and support staff, for the effort and performance produced at Finstall Park. Next Saturday brings another demanding challenge, with Bridgnorth making the long journey to Syston, who have lost their opening two matches following relegation from the National Leagues.
Bromsgrove RFC 38–29 Bridgnorth RFC
Bridgnorth: 5 tries — Dan Morgan (2), Tamana Vakalevulevu (2), Loti Molitika
Conversions: Dan Robinson (2)
