Fixture

Bridge were to come from Rhyl with the win in this Div 2 North West fixture. Both teams were to play their part in this evenly contested match, played at times in a gale force wind. Rhyl elected to play with the wind behind their backs in the first half and began the game with the better of both possession and territory. Bridge grew into the game and their pack were to play the elements smartly by utilising the short driving game on the fringes to great effect. It was Bridge that took the lead 30 minutes in after great play by the team saw them take play deep into the Rhyl 22. From here they were awarded a penalty 5 metres out after the Rhyl full back was penalised for a high tackle on their full back Sam Williams. Bridge elected to scrum and from this they were to register the game's first try, with Number 8 Ashley Gilligan picking up at the base of the scrum and powering his way over the try line.

Rhyl came back into the game in the final 10 minutes of the half and were rewarded for them using the wind to their advantage, after several phases deep within the Bridge 22 saw them score from close range and go in at half time 7 - 5 up.

The second half began badly for Bridge as failure to deal with the kick - off saw Rhyl regain possession thus enabling them to build pressure which resulted in their full back going in at the corner. Rhyl led 12 - 5 at this point.

Despite much of the next 20 minutes being played out between both teams’ 10 metre lines, Bridge were to claw their way back into the match after concerted pressure within the hosts’ 22 which saw scrum half Pat Roberts barge his way over the white wash from all of one metre. With the conversion unsuccessful Rhyl still led 12 - 10.

The final 10 minutes saw both teams have opportunities to score, but with Bridge having the upper hand in territory, it was they that went on to win the game. After a huge scrum from the Bridge pack shoved Rhyl off their own ball and allowed them to regain possession from the ensuing ruck, Rhyl were to infringe. Up stepped Sam Williams to slot the penalty between the posts from 35 metres out and hand Bridge the victory with the last kick of the game.

Both teams should be commended on the part they played in this entertaining match.

Bridge entertain Denbigh at Llyn Y Felin next Saturday (March 4^th) with a 2:30 pm kick off.