Friendly

Bridgwater & Albion 20, Blackwood 31

AN inexperienced Bridgwater & Albion side suffered a 31-20 defeat in the opening pre-season friendly against Welsh side Blackwood, writes Tony Pomeroy.

The home side scored four tries courtesy of Rob Allen, Ollie McGowan, Rhys Satchell and Dan Lang - but it wasn't enough to prevent the defeat.

In the first minute, Blackwood lost possession in midfield, Bridgwater hacked on the loose ball and were delighted when Rob Allen gathered some 40 metres out and cruised over for the opening try under the posts.

Minutes later, from a scrum on their own 10 metre line, Bridgwater moved the ball left where it reached winger, James Brakes, whose chip ahead caused absolute mayhem in the visiting defence and the bobbling ball eventually reached debutant scrum half, Ollie McGowan, who scored a second unconverted try.

Blackwood hit back and following a scrum against the head, flanker Ben Papp scored the try converted by Scott Turner.

Blackwood dominated the second quarter but all they had to show was a try from number eight Mike Preece converted by Turner.

At the end of the period, a rare Bridgwater attack saw Rhys Satchell score an unconverted try to regain the lead at 15-14.

The only score of the third quarter saw the visitors gain a 15-19 lead with an unconverted try for David Brake.

Blackwood again dominated the final session and a clean break saw an excellent unconverted try for Matt Morgan closely followed by a fifth try, this time for Rhys Lloyd converted by Turner.

The final act of the game saw the ball reach home winger, Dan Lang, who crossed in the corner.

Next week, Bridgwater visit Exmouth for another friendly.

## EXETER Chiefs Rugby Camps at North Petherton RFC, Beggars Brook on August 28 and 29.

The first Exeter Chiefs rugby camp at the North Petherton was a success with the keen youngsters commented they learnt new skills and had a lot of fun.

The coaches were pleased with all the enthusiasm and the skills of the players.