League season starts with a late victory

West Bridgford's 2nd team league season got off to a tricky start at home to a strong Newark side who had had 2 good away victories under there belt already this season.

The game couldn't have started worse for the home team. A lack of communication at the kick off lead to a penalty and from the resulting lineout another penalty was conceded at the breakdown and a yellow card was brandished. The extra man was immediately evident and Newark scored the games first try next to the uprights.

The early try spurred Bridgford into life and after a period of territorial advantage the ball went through the hands of the backline and the try was expertly finished by Snakey in the corner, whilst being bundled into touch by the cover defenders. With the conversion successful the scores were back level.

Newark hit straight back from the restart and were awarded a penalty to retake the lead. A period of strong defence from both sides followed until Sean Crowe hit an excellent line from inside his 22 splitting the defence and showing great pace, unfortunately he couldn't quite round the fullback who produced an excellent tackle to bundle Sean into touch. From the resulting lineout Newark infringed and the penalty leveled the scores.

Newark opened up a 6 point lead with penalties either side of half time. But Bridgford were by no means out of the game and after a lot of pressure and a number of penalties in the Newark 22, James Scott scored another excellently taken try again in the corner. With the conversion dropping just under the crossbar the score moved to 15-16.

Unfortunately the 6 point lead was reopened as Newark again piled on the pressure from the restart and after a period of last ditch scrambled defence the try line was eventually breached.

The see-saw nature of the game was again evident as Bridgford applied more pressure on Newark and after a quick penalty caught out the defensive line Tom Wagstaff crashed his way under the posts. The conversion was inexplicably missed, but this did set up a tense last 10 minutes with Bridgford desperate to get the points required to win the game.

This opportunity arose with 2 minutes left on the clock. David Watson put his earlier miss behind him and kicked the opportunity to put Bridgford ahead for the first time in the game. But a game like this wouldn't end there and a knock on from the restart gave Newark an excellent attacking opportunity. They weren't able to take it immediately but after a hectic passage of play where Bridgford were unable to close out the game Newark were given one last chance. Fortunately the penalty attempt went wide and Bridgford's season got of to an excellent start.

It was a really tough run out with some excellent defence and plenty to work on in attack. Onwards to Derby next week!!

Back of the Match was Sean Crowe
Forward of the Match Dharam Devgun.