Bridgwater Away Match Report

A good away win for the Severnsiders with another solid defensive performance and clinical attack to see off a Bridgwater side that had made a number of changes to strengthen their side. The Severnsiders made a few changes with Tom Cubitt on the wing, Costner Lane starting at loose head and a debut for flanker Jordan Fowke. The forwards gave a solid base with John Barker and Ryan Stephens in the second row and a back row of Fowke, Scriven and Walter dominated scrum time all afternoon. Hooker Ashley Howells in his second start had another strong game as did Harrison Fowke who put in some impressive tackles.

On a glorious afternoon made for running rugby the Severnsiders dominated from the off. The forwards on top in the set piece and after just six minutes the impressive prop Harrison Fowke broke free on the 22 outpacing the defence to score out wide for 0 – 5. Bridgewater responded with some good pressure but the defence held firm and it was just a penalty from Stuart Heal that they achieved for 3 – 5. The hosts continued to pressure the Lydney half but some great defence in the back line organised by Joe McClean saw them remain without further scores. Right on half time Lydney got some ball and scored the try of the match, the ball out with the backs saw McClean break the defence and offloaded to full back Alex Nlemes, a superb dummy bought by the Bridgewater defence saw him cut through and score unopposed under the posts, Joe Hamlin added the extras for a half time score of 3 – 12.

Bridgwater started the second half strongly trying to get back in the game and a high tackle saw the visitors reduced to 14 with Henry Sleeman in the bin. The Severnsiders regrouped despite the host’s pressure and saw out the 10 minutes without issue. Despite much possession the hosts did not look like scoring and reverted to a penalty kick by Heal to get the score back to 6 – 12. Still on the attack the hosts drop the ball and Joe McClean kicks through, regathers only to be caught just short of the line but a great offload to winger Mike Cross sees him score under the posts, with Hamlin adding the extras the game was safe at 6 – 19. Although the hosts never gave up Lydney scored again right on full time when another McClean break combined with Mike Cross to pass out wide for winger Tom Cubitt to outpace the defence and score. Hamlin added the extras for a final score of 6 – 26.

Director of Rugby Chris Green commented ‘really pleased a great win on the road, we managed the game well, defence was solid again with no tries conceded and the forwards were good in the set piece. We took our chances when they came which is a sign of a good side. Bridgwater made a number of changes and their league position does not reflect this side so makes the win that bit more impressive. We have Chew Valley next up at Regentsholme so will be a real promotion battle fixture for us’.