Sat 15 Oct 2022, 15:00
Bridgnorth travelled to their local rivals Dudley Kingswinford with both teams showing similar form in the early part of the season. However as is often the case with local derbies, the form book could be ripped up once battle commenced.
Bridgnorth, playing with the wind in the first half came under early pressure from their hosts, a penalty was kicked to the corner by Dudley but good Bridgnorth defence meant the three points were an opportunity gone begging for the home side.
The first try went to Dudley as their scrum half poached the ball out of the Bridgnorth scrum and dived over. Further forward pressure by Dudley resulted in the Bridgnorth number 8 receiving a yellow card and the away side would be under pressure for the remainder of the first half. The resulting scrum pressure enabled the Dudley scrum half to take the ball from the back of the Bridgnorth scrum on several occasions. Another Dudley try was scored after good pick & drive work from an attacking lineout.
A good break from Jordan Burgess on the left wing was stopped when he was tackled into touch, a late challenge from the Dudley hooker and captain resulting in a full scale melee between the teams.
Bridgnorth got on to the scoreboard with a penalty by Elliot Murphy after a high tackle by Dudley and their player receiving a yellow card. The score was 12-3 at the interval.
The second half got underway with another Dudley three point penalty. Then another good break by Jordan Burgess was stopped after he was tackled while looking for support when it appeared he could have gone on himself.
Bridgnorth scored a try when instead of taking the three points on offer, a quick tap penalty was taken by George Bvuma and he scored near the posts. Will Bishop kicked the conversion to make the score 15-10.
Dudley scored the next try when they kicked ahead, Bridgnorth were adjudged not to have grounded the ball in their in-goal area and the Dudley back touched it down for a converted try.
The resulting appeals to the referee meant he awarded a kick-off penalty to Dudley with their full back taking the three points with a towering kick from the centre spot. This ten point swing turned the game decisively in Dudley's favour.
Dudley scored another try on the wing capitalising on mis-match attacking play running against Bridgnorth forwards. The conversion was denied by the post.
Dudley now had their tails up and scored another two converted tries with flowing moves from their outside backs. Some Bridgnorth players may have been relieved to hear the final whistle. The score at the end of the game was 44-10.
Bridgnorth must now regroup as they host Kenilworth at the Edgar Davies Ground next Saturday. Strong home support will be supplied after the ex-players lunch in the marquee.
MATCH PHOTOS (Bridgnorth Rugby Club Facebook Page) - Taken by Robert Nicholls: CLICK HERE
