Webb Ellis Somerset Cup - semi-final
Hornets 48, Bridgwater and Albion 22

BRIDGWATER and Albion put in another strong performance against Hornets in the semi final of the Webb Ellis Somerset Cup at Weston-super-Mare RFC but in the end it was the South West Premier Division side that ran out the winners, writes Richard Walsh.

Hornets who were quickly into their stride and winger Ossie James put them ahead after four minutes with an unconverted try.

Bridgwater lost the services of Dan Kemmish when he went off with an elbow injury after 10 minutes, but the returning Will Monro soon went over for a try which Kyran Devitt converted to put Albion ahead.

The visitors were reduced to 14 men when number eight Brad Talbot was yellow carded and during his absence Hornets regained the lead courtesy of a try from flanker Matt Parker, converted by Jordan Humphries.

Bridgwater bounced back well and enjoyed a good period of play, during which they reduced the lead when Devitt slotted home a penalty from the 22 metre line to make it 12-10.

Hornets continued to attack and eventually the Bridgwater defence was beaten when Parker scored an unconverted try at the second attempt, his first in the prior move adjudged to have been held up.

Just before the break Hornets extended their lead further when centre Adam Francis went over to make the score 24-10 at half time.

Hornets began the second period strongly and soon after the re-start James Carter scored an unconverted try.

Bridgwater were reduced to 14 men on 52 minutes when Bryan Webb was yellow carded and from the ensuing penalty Hornets eventually drove over for a try scored by Parker which Humphries converted.

Despite being a player down, Bridgwater enjoyed another good passage of play which resulted in Lewis Plece running into score a try which Devitt converted.

Hornets rang the changes with their players during which time Bridgwater produced a good move which was held up just short of the line.

The Weston-based side were not done yet and, following a good break by Carter, Parker went over for a try which Carter converted.

Hornets carried on pressing and near the end they were rewarded again when Steve Pate went over for an unconverted try following a catch and drive.

Bridgwater had the final score as, almost on the whistle, replacement James Brakes put Ethan Trebble-Westlake in for a try to make the final score 48-22.

Despite being up against a side from the division above them, Bridgwater put in a good performance during which George Sluman made his 50th appearance and Jerry Phillips and his son Ollie came on as replacements to make their first team debuts for the Albion together - quite an unusual feat.

Albion: Matt Ranson, Matt Hastie, Craig Blyde, Ethan Trebble-Westlake,Dan Kemmish, Bryan Webb, Ollie Dunn, Brad Talbot, Jon Hill, Tom Fournier d’Able, Kyran Devitt, Nik Bradley, Lewis Plece and Will Monro.

Replacements (all used): Jerry Phillips, George Sluman, Shaun Mahoney, Gavin Knight, Ollie Phillips and James Brakes.