Sat 3 Dec 2022
Bridgnorth started the second half of the season with the return fixture against Broadstreet. Although the temperature was cooler than in recent games the EDG pitch was in excellent condition for the match.
Bridgnorth welcomed Callum Bradbury back to the starting line-up after his return to the club and with a strong bench the squad had a promising look to it.
Bridgnorth started the game well and with the set piece firing on all cylinders the home team took an early scrum against the head, Connor Nicholls made a good break to pass on to Jordan Burgess who was tackled into touch.
The action was all in the Broadstreet half for the first period of the game until Broadstreet made it into the Bridgnorth 22 and almost scored the game's first try but were correctly judged short of the line.
Connor Nicholls was sent to the bin for 10 minutes and Broadstreet opted for a 5-metre scrum from the penalty. The away side infringed at the scrum however and conceded a free kick. Bridgnorth punted the ball well clear for a lineout.
Bridgnorth brought fresh legs on after just over 20 minutes with Adam Ellis and Patrick Smallman joining the back row.
This had the desired effect as Bridgnorth attacked in the Broadstreet half and right winger James Barham scored an outstanding try as he took a high pass on the wing and broke through four attempted tackles to cross the line. He had time to celebrate before running round towards the posts. Elliot Murphy kicked the conversion.
The lead was short-lived however as Broadstreet scored their own converted try after some poor Bridgnorth tackling. Perhaps the home side were distracted by ‘Tom Jones’ still belting out tunes from the marquee in the first half.
Bridgnorth responded well and scored an excellent team try, Will Biddell scoring after a good inside pass from Jordan Burgess. Bridgnorth continued to attack well after this with Connor Nicholls back on the field.
Near to the end of the first half Broadstreet had an attacking lineout after a penalty kick to the corner, good Bridgnorth defence repelled the attack however and the first half finished 12-7.
Bridgnorth started the second half attacking the majority of their support, James Barham made a great break and was able to pass the ball to George Newman who crashed over by the posts after a strong run, Elliot Murphy kicked the conversion.
Broadstreet now raised their game and had an attacking 5 metre scrum but were held up over the line, Bridgnorth kicked the dropout from their own line.
The ball was well returned however and Broadstreet scored in the corner, the conversion missing.
The away side quickly scored again with excellent interplay and unfortunately several missed tackles by the home side. The try was scored under the posts and easily converted. This levelled the scores at 19 all.
Bridgnorth didn’t let their heads drop and attacked again, Jordan Burgess continuing to look dangerous with the ball in hand, several knock-ons thwarting the home side's attacks.
Bridgnorth continued to play great rugby and after a penalty made several strong runs towards the Broadstreet line, centre Dan Spencer-Tonks made an excellent run and offload to captain Jonah Boyce who scored the bonus point try to the delight of the home support. Elliot Murphy kicking the conversion.
Broadstreet weren’t finished and attacked the away end with a penalty kick to the corner, excellent Bridgnorth defence held them out and Bridgnorth managed to regain possession of the ball. There followed a bizarre sequence of play as Bridgnorth had three attempted clearance kicks charged down on their own line.
Bridgnorth held on to their lead and the home team and their supporters were relieved to hear the final whistle with the score 26-19.
This was another excellent close game at the EDG and in a similar result to the previous week versus Stoke, the home side took the win and try bonus point and the away side the losing bonus point.
The Bridgnorth squad and management would be very pleased with the performance, (apart from the missed tackles) particularly an improved line out which operated at 100%. The team will look to build through the second half of the season.
Bridgnorth travel to Bromsgrove next week for what is always a tough test at Finstall Park. Bridgnorth then entertain Burton at home on the 17th December.
MATCH PHOTOS TAKEN BY DAVE COOPER (BRFC FACEBOOK) - CLICK HERE!
MATCH PHOTOS TAKEN BY ROBERT NICHOLLS (BRFC FACEBOOK) - CLICK HERE!
