Ashbourne 17 Bridgnorth 10
THE All Blacks talented young rugby team travelled to Ashbourne knowing this was always going to a hard game against a side who are improving as the season progresses.
Again injuries continued to hit the Bridnorth first XV with Ken Milkins, John Watson, Dan Kirby, Ricky Wilde and Rob Rollings all ruled out from last week’s game.
Playing downhill on a waterlogged pitch suited the determined home side who were well organised and tackled superbly. Ashbourne took advantage of the slope to score twice with two well worked moves down the left flank with good pace and support with both try’s being converted. A further penalty before half time made it 17-0 with a huge task in front of the All Blacks to turn the game round.
The second half saw Bridgnorth play all the game in the opponents half but were constantly frustrated by the game plan of Ashbourne whose blitz defence suffocated the All Blacks.
Matt Farrington having his second again at fly half opened the scoring for Bridgnorth with a good penalty and this followed by a typical signature break by Mike Preece who ran 45 metres for a brilliant try, again converted by Farrington. Two further try’s from Bridgnorth were disallowed as they pressurised the Ashbourne side with passion and determination.
The loss is part of a hard learning curve for this side and on a firm surface undoubtedly they would have won comfortably. They have two months to work on their game plan under Richard Woods direction before the end of the season and start tomorrow with a challenging home game against Old Saltleians who are currently top of the league. This should not worry the Bridgnorth first XV as they have all the ability and talent to win this game.
