BRIDGENORTH v LEEK, MATCH REPORT

(Abridged Bridgnorth version this week)

Despite the relative league positions, Leek’s effort was particularly pleasing and continues to support the view that their 2nd half of season improvement can be sustained.
Bridgnorth started slowly and the first score was a penalty from Leek because Bridgnorth did not allow their opponents to release the ball.
Liam McDermott converted.
Bridgnorth continued to press the visitors, and caught Leek offside in front of their posts for Will Bidell to kick an easy penalty to level the scores at 3-3.

Bridgnorth then fell behind to another penalty at the breakdown, and McDermott at centre duly kicked the points for 3-6.
Leek are well known to Bridgnorth and a lively side, but the home sides pack was slightly bigger and fitter, and this eventually manifested itself when Darren Brick scored a great pushover try after good approach work from Elliott Brookes. Bidell converted well. 10-6

Brookes was then yellow carded for off feet and McDermott added his 3rd penalty to lift Leek to within a point. 10-9
After this setback, Bridgnorth nudged further ahead after a good mazy run by Jimmy Gore, to notch up another penalty, after catching Leek offside as both sides contested well in open play.
Half time 13-9

Both sides were contesting well, and after a good run from Preece, Bridgnorth caught Leek offside near their line and quick thinking from Darren Brick who powerfully launched himself over for an individual try, again easily converted by Biddell. 17-9.
Bridgnorth then really got into their stride against a tiring Leek side, for Simon Fletcher to sprint over wide out after a great run and lay back from Ed John. Biddell converted. 24-9
The full back Bidell was on hand again to take a clever ball on the burst, to completely wrong foot and outpace the Leek defence to score a cracking under the posts, and he converted easily for Bridgnorth to pull away from Leek and gain their bonus point. 31-9.
Leek were not finished, and rallied several times with some good interpassing, and a good kick from their fly half was misjudged by the home side and The visitors scored a well-deserved try in the corner which the ever reliable Mc Dermott converted from the touchline. 31-16

Penalties were then exchanges with Bridgnorth getting one and McDermott getting 2 more to conclude a 100% record with the boot on the day for 6/6.
34-22
Bridgnorth had the last say with a great try from Biddell again, who latched onto a great pass from Mike Preece after the veteran flyer put him clear on the half way line.39-22

Leek did well enough against the league’s top side and must now gather themselves for the visit of Burton on Saturday. Kick off is now 3pm.

It is Ladies day as well, so plenty happening in the clubhouse before the game with food and drink on offer.

Author John McDermott