Western Counties (North): Old Bristolians 24-31 Bridgwater & Albion

BRIDGWATER & Albion got their first win of the season in Western Counties North when they beat Old Bristolians on Saturday.

Played on a hot sunny day in melting heat both teams struggled and early on there were a number of errors by both sides.

However on 13 minutes the hosts broke the deadlock when following a line out on the right the ball was spread across the field to the left side, where Old Bristolians scored a try that was not converted.

The visitors maintained their composure well and on 21 minutes following a line out and a running maul they were rewarded when Josh Frost scored a try which Harrison Greenslade converted to put Bridgwater into the lead.

The Somerset side extended their lead on half an hour thanks to a try from Tom Hopkins which the trusty boot of Greenslade added the extras to.

There was no further score before the interval as the players went into half time with Bridgwater leading 14-5.

Soon after the restart the visitors created pressure and following a number of phases Lewis Plece went over in the corner for a try which Greenslade converted.

Both teams were wilting in the heat but Bridgwater kept coming forward and were awarded a penalty which Greenslade stroked between the posts to make the score 24-5.

Old Bristolians appeared to tire and feeding off their mistakes a series of good moves led to Plece’s second try, which Greenslade converted making the score 31-5.

If Bridgwater thought that the game was over they were in for a surprise as Old Bristolians fought back in the dying minutes, scoring three tries, two of which were converted.

The second half seemed to go on forever and despite a few late scares eventually the referee blew his whistle to signify full time and the Bridgwater players left the field happy to have notched up a bonus point win away from home to open their Western Counties account.

This Saturday the Bridgy Boys are back in town when they host Barton Hill at College Way starting at 3pm.

Squad: Harry Pentelew, Gavin Knight, Alex Hannah, Leigh Parker, Tom West, Tom Hopkins, George Sluman (capt), Harrison Cornish, Scott Franklin, Harrison Greenslade, Roger Drabble, Josh Frost, Lewis Plece (vice captain), Danny Mahoney and Kyran Devitt.

Replacements: Ollie Phillips,Josh Parker and Dan Lang.