South West 1 West
Thornbury 17, Bridgwater & Albion 18

BRIDGWATER & Albion started their season with a narrow victory at Thornbury, where they turned in a battling all-round performance against a team they have only beaten once in the last five years away from home, writes Richard Walsh.

Thornbury kicked off down the slope and after just three minutes scrum-half Jak Evans went over for a try that full-back Jake Wood converted.

Wood added to the Thornbury score when he slotted home a penalty on 11 minutes.

But skipper Stuart Heal got Albion on the scoresheet when he kicked a penalty, to make it 10-3.

Then, on 22 minutes, the visitors saw Number 8 Ollie Steward make a good break before he was bundled into touch; from the lineout, player-coach Wayne Sprangle scored a try that Heal converted to level.

Thornbury wasted no time in regaining the lead, as shortly after the restart Mike Beswick scored a try in the corner which Wood converted.

Once again Albion came back strongly, and following a period of pressure on the half hour Tom Fournier scored a try in the corner which made it 17-15 at half time.

The second half started with Thornbury on the attack, but the visiting defence stood firm and for much of the time it was the visitors who had most of the possession.

The clock was ticking down, but with six minutes left Albion won a penalty, which Heal kicked to edge his side in front.

With the final play Thornbury were awarded a penalty on halfway, which was missed, so at the final whistle it was Bridgwater who claimed the spoils 18-17.

Bridgwater & Albion: Will Monro, James Brakes, Rob Gurnett, James Collings, Kieran Devitt, Stuart Heal (c), Tom Fournier, Ollie Steward, Wayne Sprangle, John Roberts, Ben Lipscomb, Ethan Trebble- Westlake, Martin Keywood, Matt Ranson and Craig Coleman. Replacements (all used): Gavin Knight, Ryan Webb, Ryan Barnett.

Bridgwater Mercury:

NARROW WIN: Action from Thornbury against Bridgwater & Albion, the visitors triumphing by a single point. Pic: Sophie Phillips

***

South West 1 West
North Petherton 59, Coney Hill 7

NORTH Petherton got off to a flying start with nine tries in their victory at home to Coney Hill on Saturday.

Mac Taylor got the ball rolling with a break from the Pethy 22, and Damian Griffin added another.

Greg Charlton powered over, Sam Chillingworth sprinted in, and Taylor got his second.

James Taylor popped up with two more, Aiden Cotton got another on the break, and Griffin finished off the rout.

Harry Auton kicked seven conversions.

Bridgwater Mercury:

FINAL FLOURISH: Damian Griffin goes through for North Petherton's ninth try against Coney Hill. Pic: Chris Hancock