Sat 16 Apr 2022
The rearranged match against Oundle RFC saw a Louis Evitt hattrick of tries lift Bridgnorth to third place in the Midlands Premier, making the All-Blacks hooker the highest try scoring forward in the League this season.
Following a fine home win against promoted Sheffield a week earlier another bumper crowd at the Edgar Davies Ground was fully expectant of a repeat playing performance from the team. Supporters were not to be disappointed as the home side raced into a 17 – 0 lead with two tries from Evitt and one from No. 8 Tom Foster. Dan Austin converted one of the three.
A commanding performance from the Bridgnorth forwards was allowing the three quarters to make inroads into the visitors’ half and elusive running from Ollie Neil, Elliot Das Guptar and Gareth Bladen suggested that more tries were likely. As half time approached Bladen evaded several opponents creating a gap for Jordan Burgess out on the left wing. Deft footwork and a turn of speed led to a fine try which Austin converted to make the score 24 – 0 at the break.
With Dan Griffiths replacing the injured Foster the home side took time to adjust at the start of the second period. A plucky Oundle response and fightback led to their forwards dominating the breakdown which saw two tries being scored both of which were converted. 24 - 14 to BRFC.
Will Biddell replaced Austin and Captain Jonah Boyce urged his team to react to the Oundle effort. Biddell was soon into his running and a determined effort saw him pass to Evitt who ran in unopposed for his third try making the conversion simple for Biddell. 31 – 14.
Oundle rallied again, but during one attacking play a superb interception by Guptar saw the young full - back sprint 80 yards to touch down under the posts. Biddell converted. 38 – 14. Still working hard, the visitors, with their third but unconverted try, took their points tally to 19.
As the game entered its final minutes another popular try was scored. A lung busting effort from former colt Matt Burke down the right flank ensured his second try in as many games. A great cheer rang out for his effort as the home support was appreciating the young talent on display from the likes of Burke, Guptar and Neill. Final score 45 – 19.
Next week sees the All Blacks travelling to 4th placed Syston RFC (Leicester) for the final match of the season. It should be a tasty affair as whichever team wins claim third position in the League!
