Bridgwater & Albion 15ptsDrybrook 10pts
Drybrook were most unfortunate to only come away with a losing bonus point after more than playing their part in a pulsating encounter at Bridgwater’s College Way ground.
Drybrook looked a transformed outfit from that of recent weeks and surprised Bridgwater who are themselves are fighting for promotion.
It was the inclusion of Tim Stevenson at outside half, back after a 15 month injury lay off, that galvanized the Drybrook performance and inspired all those around him.
Both sides missed an early penalty attempt but it was not long before Stevenson was able to release strike runners Jamie Cook, Harry Gooderham and Ben Large who kept the visitor’s going forward.
Bridgwater used the strong wind advantage well to clear any danger and after 15 minutes they scored the game’s first try.
After sucking in defenders they switched play to the opposite side to squeeze in at the corner.
With the game being played at a tremendous pace both sides looked to create opportunities but defences held firm until Drybrook conceded a penalty after 24 minutes.
Bridgwater then had their hooker yellow carded for repeatedly putting hands in at the ruck which allowed Drybrook to take control.
A tremendous break from centre Cook took play deep into home territory but despite quick recycling and an overlap begging prop Craig Clarke was unable to hang on to an awkward pass.
The gifted prop soon made amends though when he barged over for a try from close range after a continued assault on the Bridgwater line.
Stevenson’s conversion brought Drybrook to within a point and with the wind advantage to come in the second half they were in a good position.
Half Time:
Bridgwater & Albion 8pts
Drybrook 7pts
Drybrook started the second half well and were unfortunate to loose Cooke to a knee injury but nevertheless they continued to have most of the play.
With 21 minutes gone Drybrook deservedly took the lead with a Stevenson penalty after a Bridgwater player petulantly threw the ball at his opposite number after making a mess of a quick 22 metre drop out.
Drybrook then lost Gooderham to injury which meant flanker Danny Price had to go out on the wing.
Despite the disruption the visitor’s continued to pen Albion back but just couldn’t get the score needed to put the game beyond the home side.
With only 2 minutes of normal time left Drybrook were hit on the counter as both sides frantically fought for the loose ball in front of the grandstand.
Bridgwater managed to get hold of possession and looked to move the ball wide where a blatant forward pass was not picked up by the referee. They were allowed to continue and managed to outflank Drybrook before running in under the sticks.
It was cruel luck on Drybrook but they showed great character to hit back in injury time and almost got a try when a move involving Price and Mitch Bourne was halted just short.
Next came the most controversial moment of the game when Stevenson got over the home line in the last seconds for what would have been the equalizing score with the conversion to come.
Unfortunately the referee disallowed it for an alleged crossing incident and Albion were able to kick the resulting penalty into touch with the last play.
Despite the defeat Drybrook will be heartened by this display with the whole team performing admirably. Tim Stevenson deservedly took the man of the match award with Mitch Renton again the pick of the forwards.
Drybrook; Kristian Taft, Alex Bendin, Jamie Cook, Harry Gooderham, Ben Large (capt), Tim Stevenson, Mitch Baldwin, Craig Clarke, Luke Fisher, Elliot White, Will Greenway, Rik Cottrell, Danny Price, Mitch Bourne, Mitch Renton.
Replacements; Tom Treherne, Neil Morgan, Dean Jelf
Ollie Floyd
A minutes silence was held before the game in tribute to former player Ollie Floyd who was tragically killed this week. All at Drybrook Rugby Club send their deepest sympathy to Ollie’s family and friends.
