Western Counties (North): Barton Hill 7-28 Bridgwater & Albion RFC

BRIDGWATER and Albion made the trip to Bristol on Saturday to play their first ever game against Barton Hill where they scored four tries to notch up their third successive bonus point victory, and make it a double over their hosts, writes Richard Walsh.

Albion had the advantage from the start and pinned Barton Hill in their own half. After 11 minutes the visitors took the lead when a long pass from Jay Owens found Kyran Devitt who scored a try which he then converted.

From the kick off Hamish Cornish set up a move which ended with Taylor Buller being brought down two metres short of the try line. 

Albion maintained the pressure and soon after won a line out from which Alex Knight scored between the posts which Devitt added the extras to.

Barton Hill made their first foray into Albion territory when full back Armstrong made a strong run and went through to score a try that Hugh Coe converted.

Just before the interval Danny Mahoney and Devitt combined well to create a chance but on this occasion the Barton Hill defence held firm, as the half ended with the score 14-7 to the visitors.

After the break the hosts looked much more of a cohesive unit and their forwards gained some momentum.

However it was Bridgwater & Albion who were next to score when on 47 minutes Jake Knight quickly took a tap penalty which resulted in Josh Frost going over for a try which Devitt converted well from a wide angle.

The visitors were reduced to 14 players when Alex Knight was shown a yellow card, but the Albion defence dug deep and repelled any pressure that ‘Barts’ created.

With less that 15 minutes to go replacement Adrian Robinson made a good break down the right flank before spreading the ball across the backs and found Devitt who scored his second try which he also converted, bringing his match tally to 18 points.

In the closing minutes Barton Hill tried hard to add to their score but the Albion defence soaked up anything that was thrown at them and held firm before the game ended Barton Hill 7- Bridgwater and Albion 28.

Bridgwater and Albion- Kyran Devitt, Danny Mahoney, James Collings,  Josh Frost, Dan Lang, Jay Owens, Jake Knight, Taylor Buller (capt), George Sluman, Alex Knight, Tom Hopkins, Harrison Cornish, Mike Saunders, Jordan Buller and Harry Pentelow.

Replacements all used- Tom West, Gavin Knight and Aidan Robinson.

In the next round of the Somerset Cup Albion have been drawn to play against Taunton Second XV with the fixture scheduled to take place on February 10th 2024.

 

Bridgwater & Albion’s next league fixture is on Saturday 6th January when they host Old Redcliffians Seconds.