Somerset One

Bridgwater & Albion II 20, Cheddar Valley 5

ALBION'S second-string opened their league campaign with a 20-5 victory against newly promoted Cheddar Valley at College Way on Saturday.

Bridgy gave senior debuts to five players in total, some graduates from last season's Colts team - as well as some returning to the Albion fold.

The first half proved an even affair with the score at 7-5 to Bridgwater going into the break.

Both teams were determined to set out their stock for the season with some strong defensive efforts, with Tew in particular putting in a memorable hit.

The first score came after some good gains in territory from the forwards, following some lineout drives.

Cheddar infringed at one of these close to their own line and Matt Ranson crossed just to the left of the posts after receiving the ball from Stradling - John Hill slotted a solid conversion.

Bridgy dealt with the restart well, but an errant pass in the back line went loose and the Cheddar backs were quick to pounce, with the ball being hacked through and winning the ensuing foot race to gather and score the try.

The second half was well-controlled by Bridgwater, with Cheddar seeing little possession and even less territory. Despite this dominance, Albion only managed one further try, scored in the left corner by Satchell following a neat inside pass from Ranson. John Hill again converted with an excellent kick.

John Hill finished with two further penalties and a 100% record from the tee, which took the final score to 20-5. This was a solid, entertaining, team performance from a young side against a Cheddar side used to winning. Bridgwater can be proud of this win, and look to push on and improve upon last season final league position.

Next week they travel to Chew Valley RFC, who were also promoted last season.