Sat 7 Jan 2023
Derby RFC vs Bridgnorth RFC - 07.01.23
Bridgnorth travelled to Derby having not played for five weeks due to frozen pitches and the Christmas / New Year break.
Derby started the game well and it was clear they were keen to play with the ball in hand, the artificial pitch lending itself to an open game and allowing the ball carrier to make good progress past the tackler.
However, it was Bridgnorth who opened the scoring after four minutes, a driving lineout after a penalty kick to the corner saw the try scored by Loti Molitika. Elliot Murphy kicked the conversion.
The match would continue on this basis, Bridgnorth had good defence against the Derby running game and their attacking game developed as confidence grew throughout the side. The set piece worked well throughout the game enabling them to put the squeeze on their opponents who started the day one place above them in the table.
Bridgnorth scored the next try, a well worked lineout and ball retention saw the ball move to Jordan Burgess on the wing who broke through two tackles close to the touchline to score an excellent try. (The conversion was missed.)
Derby now raised their game and positive play saw them attack the Bridgnorth line, again good Bridgnorth defence saw the ball held up over the line allowing the away side to drop-kick the ball clear. This pattern of Derby attack and Bridgnorth defence continued, centre Ollie Neill hurting himself in one solid tackle, fortunately he was able to continue the game.
After twenty-five minutes, backchat by Bridgnorth allowed Derby to kick to the corner and they scored a converted try in the centres after winning the lineout. Derby then kicked a penalty after more attacking play and the game was well balanced at this point.
It was then Bridgnorth’s turn to attack, an amazing breakout run by Jordan Burgess ended with a penalty to the away side and Elliot Murphy kicked an excellent punt into the corner for the lineout. Again, a well worked lineout and ball retention saw Cal Bradbury ground the ball for the try, the conversion struck the post and rebounded into the field of play.
Bridgnorth continued to attack and after a dropout clearance by Derby the away side earned a penalty and opted for the attacking five metre scrum. After one reset an excellent quick pickup from the base of the scrum by Connor Nicholls saw the number eight score near the posts and Murphy kicked the conversion.
This meant a first-half try bonus point for Bridgnorth and the score was 10-24 at half time.
Bridgnorth kicked off the second half and reclaimed the ball, Molitika, Nicholls and Morgan French all made good ground with the ball before Jordan Burgess received the ball and showed remarkable strength to make headway and ground the ball for the try. (The conversion was missed.)
Bridgnorth’s outstanding defence continued and even when reduced to fourteen men for ten minutes they frustrated the Derby attack. The Bridgnorth attack was unrelenting both at the scrum and from the outside backs which saw the brand of flowing rugby that many supporters had been waiting for, Murphy and centre Will Bishop pulling the strings. This attack was exploited by Gareth Bladen who scored Bridgnorth’s sixth try which was converted by Murphy.
Bridgnorth were back to full strength now and kept the pressure on Derby who themselves were reduced to fourteen men after a deliberate knock-on. The Bridgnorth attack was then held up over the line and the away side were forced to shuffle the team around, Adam Ellis played on the wing and prop Ben Morris returned to the field when not at 100%. Director of Rugby Dan Griffiths came onto the pitch for the last eight minutes having a been a late addition to the substitutes bench.
The game finished after six minutes of injury time, the final score being 10-36. This was an excellent all-round performance by Bridgnorth and will give them confidence going forwards. Hopefully the walking wounded can be patched up for next week’s home game vs Dudley Kingswinford. The DK side sit at the top of the table and with Bridgnorth moving up to second place after this result a terrific game is in prospect.
Match Photos taken by Robert Nicholls - CLICK HERE (BRFC FACEBOOK PAGE)
