Drybrook 22ptsBridgwater & Albion 0pts
Drybrook played extremely well to record their first ever victory over Bridgwater and in doing so maintained 3rd position in this highly competitive league.
The opening exchanges were competitive and fierce with neither side able to get on top but Drybrook almost broke the deadlock after 10 minutes following a lovely run from fullback Charlie Hubert but the try was disallowed for a forward pass.
Slowly but surely Drybrook began to take a grip on proceedings but found the Bridgwater defence difficult to break down until 25 minutes in when the game sparked into life.
Flanker Sam Peaper cut a lovely angle through a gap before bursting through two tackle on his way to the line for a try. With both regular goal kickers side lined Mitch Baldwin took over and added the extras with a fine kick.
Bridgwater then started building possession and territory and for 10 minutes Drybrook were on the back foot but their defence stood up to the test to keep them out.
With 30 minutes gone the heavens opened, sending spectators scurrying for cover, and the ball became difficult to handle resulting in a number of handling errors as Drybrook began to press once more.
Drybrook had the opportunity of a catch and drive try at the end of the half but it was illegally brought down resulting in a stern warning but no yellow card.
Drybrook messed up the next throw in and Bridgwater cleared the danger back to half way as the half came to a close.
Half Time:
Drybrook 7pts
Bridgwater & Albion nil
Skipper Ben Large scored a good try for his team at the start of the second half when he scythed through a gap on half way before beating the cover defence to the line. Baldwin converted and Drybrook were right on top but Albion intercepted from the next attack on half way and it was Drybrook’s turn to race back to cover.
Hubert had been at the heart of a lot of Drybrook’s good attacking play but he made a mistake on 20 minutes when he tried to chip over the Albion defence only to see the ball intercepted.
Several off loads later Drybrook just got back to prevent a try but in the ensuing panic Large ended up with a yellow card and Bridgwater had the chance to get back into it.
Drybrook played very well with 14 men and managed to pin the visitors back in the score board corner for a period and then a promising attack brought a penalty in front of the posts that Baldwin put over to increase the lead.
Bridgwater did not give up and kept trying to play rugby but Drybrook’s defence was well organised and managed to keep them out.
With virtually the last play of the game Drybrook sealed victory with another good try when some quick hands along the backs put winger Ollie Moore clear on the overlap and the young winger raced in from 40 metres.
For Drybrook flanker Danny Price was the forward of the match with countless turn overs and some top class tackling in a great individual display. Moore also came in for praise with his best performance so far ending in a well-deserved try.
Things are set to get a lot more difficult next week with the visit to Newent’s recreation ground for the much anticipated local derby – kick off 3pm.
Drybrook 1st XV; Charlie Hubert, Mitch Baldwin, Joe Margretts, Harry Howard, Ollie Moore, Ben Large (captain), Ben George, Mitch Hale, Ashley Howells, Huw Rimmer, Glenn Nott, Joe Tingle, Danny Price, Sam Peaper, Mitch Bourne.
Replacements; Nathan Tucer, Mitch Renton, Len Mulhane.
Hardwicke & Quedgeley 24pts