Bridlington RUFC 58 v 15 Northallerton RUFC
By Alexander Fynn
Bridlington RUFC began their 2025/26 campaign in style to beat Northallerton in what can be described as a one-sided contest.
On what was also an emotional day for the Bridlington side, they paid their respects to David Jackson who was a beloved figure within the club – serving as a committee member and former chairman. The minute’s silence was slightly overshadowed as Bridlington Town next door managed to score in the first minute of play.
The first half was a fierce and highly contested affair with Northallerton starting the stronger and able to get the ball into the 10-metre zone to give them the first lineout.
This pressure by the away visitors was short-lived as the Bridlington side began to lay down a marker for the season ahead in Yorkshire One as the defence held firm. Martin Robinson broke free from his man, however the Northallerton back line pushed him into touch.
Bridlington opened the scoring just after they were awarded a scrum as the ball was deemed to have rolled forward. The home side went through a superb phase of passing play before Nick Brown managed to get himself over the line. Unfortunately Ed Armstrong was unable to convert for the extra points.
Bridlington quickly doubled their advantage when Brown broke free, Fisher in his attempt for the visitors to pull him back failed and Brown was just too quick and able to get over the try line. Armstrong, sadly, couldn’t get the ball through the sticks again for the conversion points.
The next phase saw Northallerton awarded a scrum, but straight from the back pass Huyser gifted Bridlington the ball straight back. Tayler Reaney attempted to drive forward, but Northallerton pulled him down to deny any further attack.
Charlie Watts then took the game to the visitors and broke free, showing some superb footwork as he skipped around the defenders. Brid passed the ball out wide but winger Reaney was unable to collect the ball, which went out of play.
Robinson for Brid was then taken off the field injured and was replaced by newcomer 17-year-old Jack Lee.
Bridlington managed to score their third try of the half with some wide passing play. The ever present Watts collected the ball and dragged himself over the line. However once again, Armstrong couldn’t add the extra 2 from out wide.
The game went very quiet for the next 5 minutes, until Bridlington spilled the ball backwards. Northallerton second rower Small tried to get the ball, however Callam Sanderson came rushing in to deny any further threat.
The visitors, pressing for points, scored their first try of the match, with some good passing play, as the Northallerton forward was able to drive himself over the line.
Bridlington though continued to pressure. Lee scored his debut try with a superb charge and was able to ground the ball under a melee of players. The official had a moment to think about it, but he awarded the try. This time the kicker made no mistake to add two more to the score.
Brid were back on the scoresheet within moments of the restart as Sanderson broke free with quick and well drilled passing play movement and another try for the home side.
Bridlington started the second half as they did with the first when Liam Braithwaite charged purposefully forward. Kees Miller sprinted through the defence and easily plonked the ball in between the sticks, with Armstrong adding on an easy conversion.
Nick Brown then received a sin bin for using bad language to the official. From the restart Northallerton tried to force themselves over the line with the extra man, although the Bridlington back line stayed strong and solid.
For much of the second period the Bridlington side remained on the back foot unable to gain advantage against a somewhat revitalised Northallerton. Lee then drove himself forward, sadly knocking the ball on it was advantage for the visitors as crossed the Brid line.
Bridlington remained dominant in attack and when Robinson passed the ball to Reece Webb he strolled over the line. Armstrong added the extras once again.
Northallerton missed a huge chance to reduce the deficit with a wide pass to Easdon. However as he was just about to put the ball to ground he knocked the ball on.
Bridlington added another try to the tally as the game began to enter its closing moments. Robinson ran forward with little resistance and easily placed the ball over the line. Armstrong though was unable to convert.
Bridlington made it past the magical 50 points when Benninger crossed over the line and the strong and supportive home crowd celebrated with what looks like a renaissance in rugby union at Dukes Park
Just before the official blew the whistle, Bridlington added yet another try when Will Watts went under the sticks. This time Armstrong made no mistake.
Just as the ball flew between the posts the referee blew the final whistle.
The end of the match saw a rejuvenated Brid side rack up their first points of the season on what was a highly significant and emotionally charged day for the club.
Head Coach Callam Sanderson had this to say after the match: “Mixed emotions obviously – I’m happy with the win and the scoreline though I’m slightly disappointed in how we conceded those three tries. But overall I’m happy that we’ve start the season off with a win.”
