Sat 31 Oct 2026
Bridgnorth RFC 57–24 Lutterworth RFC
Bridgnorth produced one of their most impressive performances of the season to overwhelm Lutterworth 57–24 at the Edgar Davies Ground, running in nine tries in a superb display of attacking rugby. A devastating first-half spell, in which the home side scored five tries without reply, effectively settled the contest, although Lutterworth showed considerable character after the interval to make the scoreline more respectable. It was a special occasion at Edgar Davies, with Bridgnorth welcoming Lutterworth for the second season running and the Bob Turner Suite fully booked for the traditional past players' lunch.
Some 180 diners enjoyed a marvellous meal before head coach Rhys Pritchard outlined the intensity of rugby that the squad were aiming to deliver. Coaches Zax Xiourouppa and Finn Thomas were also introduced as the conditions suggested that an afternoon of running rugby was in prospect.
The pitch was in excellent condition, and line-marker Gerard Callaghan had taken the opportunity to mark out a special 100-caps message for fly-half Elliot Murphy. Murphy had received his commemorative cap in front of the diners, recognising a significant milestone in his Bridgnorth career. Congratulations were certainly in order.
Lutterworth President Martyn was also present to witness the two sides take to the field. Bridgnorth received the opening kick-off and immediately looked to take the game to their visitors. An early penalty allowed Big T, Tamana Vakalevulevu, to carry powerfully towards the road before the move was halted by a Lutterworth knock-on.
The resulting possession provided an opportunity to showcase some of the work undertaken on the training ground. A planned backs move opened up the Lutterworth defence, and excellent handling sent Dan Brough through for the opening try. Murphy added the conversion to give Bridgnorth a 7–0 lead.
The game then took a significant turn when Lutterworth's number six and captain received a straight red card for stamping following the restart. The dismissal unsettled the visitors, but Bridgnorth deserve considerable credit for the way they capitalised on the situation.
What followed was arguably one of the most complete passages of rugby the home side have produced this season. The intensity discussed over lunch was translated into action, with forwards and backs combining superbly to move the ball at pace and repeatedly stretch the Lutterworth defence. Aiden Kabi crossed for the second try before George Newman added another. Big T then demonstrated his power to get over the line, and Loti Molitika completed the first-half scoring spree. Murphy converted all four tries, extending the advantage to an extraordinary 35–0 and securing the try bonus point before half-time.
The handling was exemplary, with players supporting each other intelligently and the ball moving swiftly through the hands. It was not simply the attacking play that impressed, however. Bridgnorth's defensive organisation ensured that Lutterworth found few opportunities to respond. Replacement Charley Wright also made his presence felt with an excellent jackal tackle, winning possession and underlining the collective commitment throughout the side. Lutterworth eventually found a response towards the end of the half. Some good handling created an opportunity for their left wing to cross for an unconverted try, giving the visitors something to take into the changing rooms. Nevertheless, the half-time score of 35–5 left Bridgnorth firmly in control.
The second half began much like the first, with Bridgnorth immediately displaying the same slick handling and attacking ambition. Murphy produced an excellent pass to put George Newman through for his second try of the afternoon, and the fly-half added the conversion to take the score to 42–5. However, Lutterworth had clearly regrouped during the interval and their talented backline began to find more space.
Their full-back became increasingly influential as the visitors enjoyed improved possession and began to test the Bridgnorth defence.
Their first second-half try came after Bridgnorth failed to clear their lines from the twenty-two, with an attempted clearance charged down to provide Lutterworth with the opportunity to score.
The visitors then demonstrated their own attacking quality. A clever grubber kick through from their centre allowed the full-back to gather and touch down, before the same player crossed again following a sustained period of possession and retention. Three tries in relatively quick succession brought Lutterworth their own try bonus point and demonstrated that the contest was far from over. Bridgnorth interrupted the visitors' revival with another excellent attacking move. Murphy produced a superb pass to Luke Brough, who showed great awareness with a clever hold-up and pop pass to put Big T through for his second try of the afternoon. Murphy, having enjoyed a perfect afternoon with the boot until that point, narrowly missed the conversion.
Lutterworth continued to compete, enjoying more possession and producing a more determined defensive performance. Their ability to win turnover penalties made life increasingly difficult for Bridgnorth, who were no longer able to dominate proceedings quite as comfortably as they had in the first half. The scrums eventually became uncontested after Lutterworth ran out of replacements, removing another important element from the closing stages. Despite the visitors' improved second-half performance, Bridgnorth continued to find opportunities to attack. Gareth Bladen added another unconverted try, and Luke Brough followed with a further score to complete a remarkable afternoon. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive
57–24 victory, with Bridgnorth having scored nine tries in a performance that delighted the large home crowd.
The celebrations continued in the clubhouse afterwards, where the scale of the victory was matched by the enthusiasm of the supporters.
Indeed, such was the post-match demand that supplies of both HPA and Butty Bach were exhausted — perhaps an appropriate reflection of the afternoon's entertainment! High praise must go to the entire squad and management team for the scale and manner of the victory. The first-half performance was particularly impressive, demonstrating exactly the intensity and attacking ambition outlined by Rhys Pritchard before kick-off. The combination of powerful forward carries, intelligent distribution and clinical finishing provided a blueprint for the sort of rugby Bridgnorth are capable of producing.
There will nevertheless be lessons to take from the second half.
Lutterworth's three tries highlighted the importance of maintaining defensive concentration and making better decisions when playing out of the twenty-two. Against stronger opposition, a period of lost control could prove considerably more costly. The wider season narrative is encouraging. Bridgnorth have shown that they can compete in closely contested away fixtures, but this performance demonstrated the considerable attacking potential available when the forwards establish a platform and the backs are given opportunities to play.
The challenge now is to reproduce that intensity and consistency beyond the Edgar Davies Ground. There is a short break before the next assignment, with Bridgnorth travelling to Moseley Oak on 14 November.
That will provide an opportunity to demonstrate that the home form can be translated onto the road. The following Saturday, 21 November, sees the return of local rivalry when Newport visit the Edgar Davies Ground. After an afternoon like this, the supporters will have every reason to look forward to the next home fixture.
