Sat 22 Jan 2022
Bridgnorth RFC . 33 – Doncaster Phoenix RFC . 35
The Phoenix snatched victory with a last gasp try in the corner, the referee calling time following the failed conversion. The score knocked the home side off the top of the league, much to the delight of the away supporters, thus allowing local rivals Newport to climb to top spot.
The late drama was a true reflection of an absorbing and exciting match which always looked likely to be settled by a single score. Phoenix got the first score via a penalty after four minutes but a quick response by Bridgnorth saw young debutant Jacob Shervill scoring a try in the corner after some good handling by the backs. The conversion failed and despite conceding numerous penalties, which all went wide of the mark, the home side increased the lead to 12 - 3 following a fine individual try by right wing Scott Mackenzie, converted by Elliot Murphy.
Another penalty awarded to the visitors reduced the lead to 12 – 6 before a blatant obstruction on a Bridgnorth defender in midfield created a gap for the visitors outside centre to score a try beneath the posts that was converted making the score 13–12 to the Phoenix. However, on the stroke of half time Louis Evitts was on hand to score a try for the hosts, converted by Murphy. 19 -13!
In the second half, Shervill was replaced by fellow debutant Tom Foster, but, unfortunately for Bridgnorth, Evitts was yellow carded for an alleged late tackle. Phoenix were quick to take advantage scoring a good try under the sticks to make the score 20-19 with the conversion. The Bridgnorth players dug deep and responded with a try of their own, scored by new boy Foster, converted by Murphy to make it 26 -20. Another Phoenix response with an unconverted try reduced the arrears to one point, 26-25! Despite Bridgnorth conceding far too many penalties at the breakdown, a fifth try courtesy of George Newman, converted by Murphy gave them an eight-point margin with ten minutes remaining 33-25! The home supporters were now looking to bag the five league points on offer.
Unfortunately, Newman left the field with a neck injury to be replaced by third debutant Connor Madden. The visitors rallied once more and scored an unconverted try to make the score 33- 30! With minutes left the Phoenix forwards pummelled the home defence time and time again, eventually moving the ball out wide to their speedy right winger who, avoiding the covering defenders for his second touchdown, snatched a famous victory for his Doncaster team. A cruel blow for a valiant Bridgnorth team who took the field without captain Jonah Boyce having to blood three debutants who all gave a good account of themselves in this enthralling encounter. The Bridgnorth Man of the Match Award (a free pint of HPA!), for his heroics as a stand in prop, went to Ben Rochelle.
