Bridgford bossed the match after an even start

The 1sts endured a tough night under the new floodlights at West Bridgford, losing by eight tries to nil.

Bridgford bossed the match after an even start had seen Newark miss an early penalty for the opening score.

After Bridgford had also pushed a penalty wide, they built momentum through their excellent line-out drill and a domineering pack.

Bridgford led 21-0 at half-time, their pack having collected two tries from drives from line-outs after the first had come from a phase of pressure on the Newark line.

Newark’s best chance had come midway through the half when gaining possession from a penalty for a high tackle on halfway. However, the attack’s momentum was lost when conceding a penalty at the a scrum.

Any hopes of a comeback disappeared straight after half-time when a defensive dither handed a fourth try to Bridgford.
To the credit of Newark they kept trying to find a way through some stubborn defence of a Bridgford team who took every chance generated to post a half century.

The 1sts now have a week off, following an opening spell of five league matches, to regroup.

Captain Will Britten, who missed the Bridgford match due to a dead leg, should be fit for the next league game, against Matlock at Kelham Road on Saturday 14 October, kick off 3pm.

No 8 James Brogden stood in for Britten at Bridgford while there was a first league start for prop Harry Wright.
Team v Bridgford: Drabble; Ashe, Williams, Walton, Gilder; Charles, Tarbatt; Godfrey, Chapple, Wright, Seage, Duncan, Dodders, Denning, Brogden (capt). Subs: Vinters, Jackson, Waqalevu.

Next Match – Saturday 14 October v Matlock at Kelham Road, kick off 3pm. All welcome. Match-day programme £3.