Bridgnorth Boys' Academy

18 November 2007

Bridgnorth 15 - 6 Camp Hill

The All Blacks avenged their only defeat of the season with an outstanding display of controlled rugby in testing conditions on Sunday.

Both sides were evenly matched in the opening quarter & Camp Hill almost opened the scoring with a try from their robust centre but for a try saving tackle from No8 Tom Davies. Bridgnorth were then camped on their own five metre line & the signs looked ominous until the home scrum drove the visitors backwards at a rate of knots to the delight of the Bridgnorth supporters.

Camp Hill took advantage of a penalty awarded for a late tackle to open the scoring with a fine kick from their flyhalf but this seemed to sting the All Blacks into action & Camp Hill were forced to infringe on their 10 metre line. Matt Farrington drilled the ball into the corner to set up an attacking lineout & the forwards seized the opportunity with both hands. Chris Wilkes plucked the ball out of the air to secure the lineout & the whole Bridgnorth pack drove Camp Hill backwards over their own line & skipper Dan Kirby scored a pulsating try which Farrington nonchalantly converted.

The Bridgnorth scrummage steadily took control with props Adam Stirling & Freddie Holland ably supported by a rejuvenated Connor Madden in the second row testing Camp Hill time & again around the fringes. With Bridgnorth’s flankers Corey Barlow & Benedict Walker tackling like demons & charging into the opposition, Bridgnorth went into half time with their tails up.

The second half saw Camp Hill trying to use their speedy backs but the wet conditions & solid defence from Jimmy Gore; James Thwaites & Ben Hughes soon broke down any potential danger. Camp Hill then resorted to the boot testing Bridgnorth’s back three of Josh Smith; Aaron Robinson & Sam Bromwich but the defence once again rose to the occasion.

Bridgnorth capitalised on another Camp Hill infringement with Farrington again pinpointing the corner with an accurate kick putting his forwards into the attack zone. In a carbon copy of the first try, Wilkes secured possession & Kirby took control to drive the pack over for his second try. The All Blacks were then forced to reshuffle as the injured Madden left the field but on came replacement second row Chris Beagle to steady the ship.

Camp Hill hit back with another well taken penalty kick but Farrington had the final say of the match as he casually stroked over a penalty to secure the points for Bridgnorth in their opening North Mids League One match.

Bridgnorth travel to Droitwich on Sunday for another League One encounter, meet on Severn Park at 8.45am.

© Bridgnorth Rugby Club