First XV

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19 April 2008

Stafford 26 Bridgnorth 0

Well, Bridgnorth certainly saved the worst ‘till last. In the final League match of the season the fireworks expected to end the show, turned into a damp squib as the All-Blacks were given the runaround by a Stafford team containing at least three Colts members by 26-0.

Bridgnorth were in fact, lucky to get nought, as the young Stafford backs dropped three scoring passes and lost the race to a runaway touchdown by the width of the line. A conversion attempt also came back off the upright.

After only ten minutes play Stafford forced their way over under the posts and with the conversion went 7-0 up.

Disaster struck for Bridgnorth when Ken Milkins, Bridgnorths most energetic player, left the field injured. Richard King, his equally energetic replacement, lasted only two minutes before losing a difference of opinion with referee Steve Fairclough to spend ten minutes in the sin bin. Down to seven men the Bridgnorth forwards lost their own line out and Stafford shunted the disorganised Bridgnorth pack back over their own line for another touchdown.

The kick came back off the upright.

Although Bridgnorth had their moments of attack only Kel Kelcher and Matt Farrington could match the speed of thought and deed of their opponents with Skipper Mike Preece doing the lions share of the tackling. Charlie Ralph missed Bridgnorth's only penalty attempt for a score of 12-0 at the break.

Bridgnorth continued their policy of playing forwards in the back line and Staffords minute scrum half ducked under Rob Greaves attempted tackle to score under the posts and the home side continued the onslaught. Richard King back on the field got in some thumping tackles but the Stafford wingers both dropped scoring passes before slack tackling again let them in under the posts. Two conversions made the score 26-0. Bridgnorth were also lucky when Stafford kicked through a dropped Bridgnorth pass into acres of open space but the ball just beat the chasing Stafford player to the dead ball line.

It is obvious from the touchline that Bridgnorth need to address their speed and fitness levels all round and also that eight forwards playing together as a pack will overcome six with two watching. Stafford certainly deserved their win and on this form could be a force to be reckoned with next season. Bridgnorth finish 7th in the League in a season which has seen a wide range of results, with some sparkling wins and humiliating defeats but with tremendous growth coming from the Juniors sides the future looks bright.

For Bridgnorth flagship 1stXV it is hoped that coach Niall Conner will lead his men to the top of the Brown Clee next month carrying 40kgs of kit, and keep them at it during the summer months in a bid the raise flagging fitness levels by the time September comes round again.

© Bridgnorth Rugby Club