3:22pm Sunday 28th February 2010
Bridgwater could only muster 17 players for the trip to Cambridge – their third match of the week – but showed commitment to the end, writes Tony Pomeroy.
On a muddy pitch, Shelford had the best of the opening period and took the lead with a penalty by fullback Ed Gough after Bridgwater’s Matt Hastie was sin-binned within four minutes.
After Bridgwater had defended stubbornly for 15 minutes, a series of missed tackles allowed home winger Dominic Jones to score. Gough’s conversion hit a post.
Following a penalty – but no yellow card – for a high tackle by a Shelford player, Bridgwater put together some good phases that ended with Matt Hastie crossing in the corner. Will Webster, kicking in place of injured Greg Charlton, hit the post with his touchline conversion attempt.
Shelford increased their lead with a try by James Ross, converted by Gough. Jack Kohler and Will Topps were prominent in attack for Bridgwater and their work led to a deserved try for James Stark.
Just before half time, a touch judge intervened for foul play by the home side but once again no yellow card ensued. At half time, the home side led 15-10.
Shelford applied enormous pressure at the start of the second half but Bridgwater held out. Steve Ward replaced Gavin Hancock on the wing and immediately dislocated his shoulder. With the only other replacement a prop, Bridgwater shuffled their resources.
Bridgwater, with Topps in defence, held out until mid-way through the half when Aki Lea broke through and scored a try converted by Gough.
Will Webster was injured in a tackle and tried to continue but had to leave the field condemning Bridgwater to play one short for the rest of the game as they had no more replacements.
Ed Mills, Shelford second row, was binned for a technical offence, leaving Bridgwater on the attack. Jack Kohler slipped around the blindside of a maul and scored his first try for Bridgwater in the corner but could not convert.
The possible losing bonus point for Bridgwater slipped away with Lea’s second try, unconverted, just before the end and, seconds later, he stole a line-out near his own line, and made 60m before he was hauled down. Bridgwater held out for a final score of 27-15.
After the game, the Bridgwater supporters could not fault the commitment of the Bridgwater players.
This third match in a week was a big ask for the players, especially with a somewhat depleted side. The forwards unsurprisingly tired towards the end, but they stuck to their task.
For one forward, James ‘Roly’ Bryant, it was the 250th time he had appeared for the 1st XV. As he has just bought a new pair of boots, he is obviously not looking to retire yet.
Bridgwater: Will Topps, Sam Showering, Jake Childs, James Stark, Gavin Hancock (rep Steve Ward 50, rep Damian Marsh 52), Dominik Griffin, Jack Kohler, Alan Trunks, Matt Hastie, James Bryant, Ali Blundell, Matt Northey (rep Damian Marsh 5-15), Dan Kemmish, Will Webster, Steve Hunt (capt).
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.bridgwatermercury.co.uk/trade_directory/