The side was a mixture of youth and experience, with members of last year’s Bridgnorth Youth Academy, James Gore and Robinson, taking their places at fly half and wing respectively. Although Matt Farrington had already played for the senior side last year, the young full back was still also a member of last year’s youth team.
They were joined by 2008 England Deaf XV scrum half Adam Smallwood, along with the former Young England centre Ben Stafford. Bridgnorth also had former Bridgnorth first team lock forward John Watson, who had a storming match, linking well with young James Chattoe in the engine room of the visitors’ pack.
The match started with some lively play from both sides, and soon Bridgnorth gained some good possession. After some good passing from Gore at fly half, it soon became clear that Aston were a dangerous side, with their backs fast on the counter attack, as they picked up several clearing kicks and returned them with interest.
Once Bridgnorth had got themselves organised, they were soon putting the home side under pressure that resulted in a penalty which Farrington just missed. Encouraged by this, Bridgnorth got in sight of the Aston line, and worked a great move which led to skipper Mike Preece snaking has way through the defence to touch down beneath the posts.
Farrington regained his kicking tempo with a cool conversion, which was followed shortly afterwards by a marvellous tougher kick which sailed between the uprights.
Aston did score an unconverted try just before half time, after a mix up in the Bridgnorth defence, which up to that point had been heroic under pressure.
The second half was a more even affair, and Bridgnorth defended well with former skipper Ken Milkins and Craig Thomas to the fore. After spurning another shot at goal, a feature of Bridgnorth’s play that their long suffering supporters thought had by now been eradicated, Matt Farrington converted another tough penalty to increase the lead.
There was a brief period of over-robust play which both sides got themselves sucked into before Aston winger found space to score a good try.
Bridgnorth had to draw on all their experience in the final minutes for the experienced Ben Stafford to launch a kick to the corner for the Bridgnorth pack to force Danny Griffiths over for a great try and win the match.
It was heartening for coaches Niall Connor and Brian Smallman who have a good squad, who, if they can keep clear of injuries could mount a good challenge in this year’s league programme.
