By Alexander Fynn
Bridlington RUFC 20 v 12 Roundhegians
A brace from Blake Hereora and a first home try for Courtney Etienne ensured that Bridlington RUFC kept their 100% home league record intact by beating fellow promotion hopefuls Roundhegians 20-12.
The early stages of the match saw Bridlington with the better chances and it didn’t take long until they got the scoreboard moving, a powerful run from Will Davies fed Blake Hereora through, forcing his way over through many defenders to get the ball over the line, Ben Benson was able to add the extras.
After many phases played in the middle of the park, Courtney Etienne scored his first try at Dukes Park, a fast run from Will Davies fed a wide pass to Etienne, then skipping past the defence to power over the line, Benson on this occasion was unsuccessful with the conversion.
Benson then added another 3 points to the scoreboard after the visitors collapsed in the scrum as they were awarded a penalty, he was able to convert making it 15-0 to the hosts.
A dominant first half for the home side saw many phases being played out as the official blew for half time leaving the hosts 15 points to the good.
As the second half commenced, it was the visitors who posed the threat as Roundhegians began attacking at the Bridlington line, but the home defence held firm to end any threat.
For sustained periods, Roundhegians continued to pile pressure on the home line then Alfie Hewitt found their first score after a long pass and he was able to force himself over the line. Alex Jones was able to convert for the visitors.
In what could be called the game breaker, Hereora scored his second try of the game to extend Bridlington’s lead, Jamie Martin was instrumental in making good yardage skipping past several defenders. As the next phase began Hereora twisted and turned to get over the line, however Jack Lee was unable to convert.
Hewitt then scored his second try of the game for Roundhegians. A quick run from Jones and a pass to Hewitt saw the deficit reduced, however Jones was unable to convert.
Bridlington managed to hold their line until the final whistle
This result enables Brid to climb up to second and into the promotion places.
Callam Sanderson had his thoughts on today’s proceedings:
“We did well in tough conditions and I thought we played the wind brilliantly in the first half. We built a good lead being 15-0 up at half time, then from that point, we kind of knew that Roundhegians were going to give it to us in the second half. We did well to hold them out and to get a score of our own, but I’m delighted with the win.”
“Our defence at times this season has won us a lot of our games, ultimately defence is about being willing to work hard for your mates. Credit to the boys, they defended well and w have a bunch of lads that want to play an expansive game of Rugby.”
“Ryan Fowler was outstanding in the breakdown, he earned us a lot of turnovers which really helped us.
“Freddie Foster had an outstanding debut at 18 years old in the second row. He didn’t look out of place at all in his first game of men’s rugby. I also thought Courtney Etienne was brilliant on the wing on both sides of the ball as well as our captain Will Davies who led to our first two tries of the match.”
“We’re going to have a rest up – we’ve got the week off before Bramley Phoenix
“This last month has been tough having three away trips on the bounce and coming into the game full of energy, at home, was a really tough battle.
“We are expecting a really tough game at their place, but hopefully we can go there, get the win, and keep boosting our end to the season.”
