Drybrook 5ptsBridgwater and Albion 13pts
Games between Drybrook and Bridgwater are traditionally very tight and this latest clash proved to be a similar affair with the unbeaten visitors just squeezing home in the dying minutes.
It was tough on Drybrook who deserved at least a losing bonus point from this high octane encounter in which both teams attacked at every opportunity and defended as if their lives depended on it.
The early part of the game was concentrated around half way with neither side managing to break through but on 10 minutes Albion took the lead with a long range penalty goal.
A long period of stalemate then followed despite the efforts of both teams but as the half came towards a close Drybrook began to get on top.
A penalty kick to the corner was followed by a line out catch and drive and No 8 Mitch Renton looked to have scored a good try but was called back for an accidental offside in the build up.
Drybrook kept up the pressure but Bridgwater held firm and eventually cleared their lines.
Right on the stroke of half time a strong scrum led to a penalty award for the visitors which they duly converted to increase their lead.
Half time:
Drybrook nil
Bridgwater and Albion 6pts
Drybrook were very industrious in the second half but were met by an equally workmanlike visiting outfit.
Something had to give and with 25 minutes gone Albion lost a player to the bin for a deliberate knock on. This gave Drybrook the incentive they needed and following a concerted period of pressure Renton deservedly got the touch down after a strong forward drive.
Mitch Baldwin’s conversion sailed agonisingly wide but there was plenty of time left for Drybrook to snatch victory.
Both teams threw caution to the wind in a hectic finale but with 3 minutes left the visitors sealed victory with a score from broken play.
A Drybrook move broke down on half way and the loose ball was gathered before a chase to the line resulted in a try near the home posts.
The successful conversion meant Drybrook would not even get a losing bonus point and from the restart their luck deserted them again.
Impressive centre Jamie Cooke was up quickly to claim the ball but it just slipped from his grasp as a big gap opened up in front of him.
The final whistle then came but despite defeat Drybrook can take heart from this performance particularly considering they had a number of key players missing. Back row man Mitch Bourne was awarded the man of the match award and it was also good to see Simon Rugman, Ashley Howells and Luke Roberts in for their first starts of the season.
Drybrook; Kristian Taft, Sam Peaper, Jamie Cook, Simon Rugman, Luke Roberts, Jack Combes, Mitch Baldwin, Mitch Hale, Ashley Howells, Dean Jelf, Glen Nott, Will Greenway, Mitch Bourne, Danny Price (Capt), Mitch Renton.
Replacements; Neil Morgan, Chris Rawlings, Luke Fisher.
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