First Half bonus point

By Dave Donaldson

Fordingbridge 2nd XV travelled to New Milton and continued their winning form with a strong first half performance. For the first time this season we had the luxury of a subs bench.

Bridge started well and just 5min in centre Will Knight ran from his own 22 and showed a clean pair of heels to open the scoring. Converted by Josh Goodchild (playing 10) 0-7

The pack worked well earning 2 consecutive penalties from the scrum.Keith Walsh smashed through for the second try. Converted by Josh Goodchild. 0-14 after 12min.

New Milton had a very quick 10 and constantly tried to use him. Bridge conceded a penalty on our 10m line which they decided to run. Their 10 ran right through to open their account after 20 min 5-14.

Bridge veterans Philip Collier, John Vass and Dave Gogin (playing 9) showed some great handling throughout the game, and eventually earned a penalty to gain territory. From the line out on their 22 the platform was set by the forwards and the backs spun the ball the width of the pitch for winger Steve Watson to extend the lead 5-19.

On 34 min centre Tom Sheppard stayed strong in contact and gained ground earning a penalty. Back chat by the home side gave us another 10m . Bridge opted for a scrum on the 5m line. Although the scrum was lost captain Jamie Waters stole the ball and sneaked over for the bonus point try. 5 -24 Half time.

The second half was very scrappy as both teams seamed to be feeling the heat from the muggy conditions .
With handling errors from both sides both sides stopped the flow that had graced the first half.
20 mins into the half Andrew Godden broke through and with good support Steve Watson scored his 2nd try
5- 29

Philip Collier found himself isolated and for a kick and chase (there is a winger in there somewhere) and gained excellent ground. On 30 mins after winning a line out Jon Vass supported the backs and extended the lead with a typical second row try. Converted by Josh Goodchild 5-36.

With the final play of the game , although clearly knocked on (not seen by the ref) New Milton scored a consolation try. 10 – 36.
A very good spirited game and the 2nd XV momentum continues to rise.

Will Knight was awarded man of the match.

Despite a brace of tries Steve Watson DOD probably for his lack of football skills or forgetting that you go the other way in the second half!!!!!!!

With a week off next week Bridge travel to Wheatsheaf on 11th October.