Even the wind was in the home team’s favour, but Bridgnorth, with some good tackling, kept the strong running attack at bay. Jimmy Gore refused to be intimidated by his abrasive opposite number and some Bridgnorth attacks were not helped by the home team back row working from the extreme edge of legality.
After 20 minutes some strong running and deft handling brought Halesonians a good try in the corner. The kick failed but the Old Boys landed a penalty to put them 8-0 ahead at the break.
With the wind in their favour Bridgnorth were definitely still in the game, but from the kick-off a defensive lapse in the centre and a good planned move saw the home stand off touch down between the posts for an easy conversion. Bridgnorth came back strongly but were further hampered when an injury to Liam Holland brought Lance Taylor on to the field.
The Bridgnorth forwards raised their game and hammered the home line for minutes on end, with Ken Milkins, Cliff Tomkinson, John Watson and Danny Griffiths all coming within inches of scoring.
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The home side scrambled the ball away and with a long kick ahead. a lucky bounce and a good handling movement, first left then right, to score again under the posts. The conversion made the score 22-0.
Bridgnorth’s youngsters Warren Harding and Ben Hughes played their part with some courageous tackling against much heavier opponents as the All Blacks continued to attack. Halesonians prevented a Bridgnorth score by killing the ball, their openside flanker being sent to the sin bin.
Bridgnorth seemed likely to score when a lazy pass saw a home interception and the speedy runner set off on a 60 metre clear run. Matt Farrington chased and caught his man just short of the line.
Tempers flared just at the end when a hulking home forward ran through and punched Jimmy Gore in front of the packed grandstand. Punches were swapped but in typical rugby fashion as the refs whistle went seconds later the same players were shaking hands and clapping each other from the pitch
This was a good hard game for the young Bridgnorth side who refused to be intimidated by a much heavier and more experienced side and the score definitely flattered the home side who had most of the lucky breaks.
This weekend Bridgnorth face Stourbridge Lions at home who have also won two lost two, but had a 55-17 victory over Wednesbury last week. If Bridgnorth could be at full strength and had the vocal support that Halesonians enjoyed, victory should not be a problem.
The Tanners Man of the Match award went to John Madden.
