AS the score suggests, Old Patesians were comfortable winners on their first visit to College Way for a few years – scoring five tries and gaining a bonus point – writes Tony Pomeroy.

The Cheltenham-based visitors were faster in thought and deed and looked dangerous every time they had the ball. Bridgwater, on the other hand, had one of those days to forget. Having said that, Bridgwater contributed to an entertaining game but poor handling contributed to missed chances for the home side.

Bridgwater had already lost flanker Rob Burnell, who failed to recover from injury. But then they also lost skipper Steve Hunt just before the game – when he aggravated an old ankle injury during the warm-up. Dan Kemmish took over as skipper, Matt Northey came into the second row and Haydn Johnson was summoned from the 2nd XV match at Wiveliscombe to sit on the bench.

Referee Carl Bennett handled the game well, giving what I consider to be one of the best refereeing performances at this level this season.

Early in the game, Bridgwater’s kicking was poor, despite having a breeze at their backs. They also lost their first line-out throw – altogether they lost four throws and stole two from Old Pats. There was also far too much turn-over ball lost. The backs seemed to lack incisiveness and when breaks were made they were easily snuffed out by the Old Pats defence.

Old Pats opened the scoring after nine minutes when centre Barney Pascall sliced through the home defence to score near the posts. Fly half James Butler converted.

George Williams was wide with a 30m penalty attempt for Bridgwater before Pascall got a second try for Old Pats following an excellent handling move. The conversion failed.

Bridgwater tried hard to reduce the deficit without success. As the half drew to a close, some fabulous handling by the visiting centres saw the ball reach winger Henry Bird near the touchline on halfway. His electrifying run took him through the home defence for a superb try at the posts. Butler’s conversion, making the score 19-0, was the final event of the half.

Early in the second half, Butler increased the lead with a penalty from 12 metres before visiting flanker Matt Jones was given an enforced rest in the sin bin. Not even the extra man could get a score for the home side.

With the teams returned to parity, the bonus point arrived when former international Rob Fidler, the Old Pats player-coach, was driven over following a period of pressure. Butler converted with a very good kick that crossed the bar having first hit the far post.

The final try came after Old Pats took a quick penalty and Henry Bird got his second try, superbly converted from the touchline by Butler.

Bridgwater finished the game on the attack but could not manage the face-saving score. Will Topps and Andy Tew, both former members of Old Patesians, had to be content with second best to their former team mates.

Bridgwater will have to regroup at training this week for the visit of Exmouth – and former Bridgwater No 8, Dave Kimberley. The ‘Cockles’ are just one point behind Bridgwater and they will be anxious to avenge defeat in Exmouth when they squandered a 17-0 lead.

Albion: Will Topps, Damian Griffin, Rob Allen (rep Garron Basson 55), George Williams, Gavin Hancock, Sam Osborne, Dominik Griffin, Phil Triggol (rep Nick Brooks 46), Gavin Knight, James Bryant, Ali Blundell, Matt Northey (rep Haydn Johnson 64), Dan Kemmish (capt), Carl Brown, Andy Tew.