Bridgnorth took the field with several key men missing but pressed strongly from the whistle. After only two minutes Charlie Ralph came close with a penalty attempt, then two minutes later pulled another attempt well wide. Dixonians countered with a good forward drive, gaining a penalty that put them in the lead 3-0.
Bridgnorth missed yet another penalty and had to defend desperately as the home side tapped and ran three penalties in as many minutes when they should perhaps have taken the relatively easy kicks at goal.
Relieving kicks from Bridgnorth put them down field at the other end where the mobile Bridgnorth pack forced a five metre scrum and Adam Smallwood crashed over for a trademark try close to the upright. This time Charlie Ralph made no mistake.
Right from the restart Rick Wilde fielded and rang strongly down the right flank, culminating in another penalty which Ralph converted. Next Matt Farrington, a most impressive player, fielded another long clearance attempt and weaved his way for 30 metres through despairing tackles. Dixonians conceded yet another penalty but although Bridgnorth’s erratic kicker failed with this one he succeeded with a much more difficult one from the right touchline putting the All-Blacks in the driving seat 3-13.
From the restart Bridgnorth’s John Watson secured good line out ball with forwards Tomkinson, Lambert and Holland combining well to drive their opponents back over their line for Ken Milkins to claim the try. Although the kick failed, 15 points clear seemed an unassailable lead.
Dixonians had different ideas. Superb tackling from Jim Mc Gettrick, Jimmy Gore and especially the hard-working Craig Thomas stopped several dangerous moves but Bridgnorth’s sterling defence eventually broke as the home team secured a try under the posts.
The simple conversion followed by another penalty and suddenly there was only one score in it. Bridgnorth made a strong attack but a wayward pass in the centre saw an interception from Dixonians impressive fly half, giving him a clear run to the line from 30 metres. Matt Farrington, although five metres behind, made a herculean effort, hauling the speedster down only yards short and the day was saved.
Despite the high penalty count Bridgnorth deserved to win this exciting encounter with an excellent and gutsy team performance.
There were several contenders for man of the match. Youngsters Matt Farrington and Jimmy Gore gave faultless displays of skill and courage. Ken Milkins and James McGettrick pushed their battered bodies to the limit but for supreme energy in both attack and defence Craig Thomas deserved the honour.
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This week Bridgnorth meet Ludlow in their first home game of the season. Ludlow surprisingly beaten by Stafford bounced back with an impressive win over Wednesbury last match so it should prove an interesting encounter.
