Walsall won both games but they were pushed hard, very hard, by a well organized and committed Bridgnorth team. It should be noted that Walsall were able to call on 17 players for this fixture, which is great news for them. On the other hand Bridgnorth had a much smaller squad which meant they all had to work a little bit harder, and they did.

Match 1 - Walsall 5 - Bridgnorth 3

On yet another fantastic, if not blustery, autumn morning Walsall made their first appearance on the 1st Team pitch. The magnitude of such an event clearly had an impact as Walsall were rudderless across the team for most of the game. However Bridgnorth had a hand in this and the pressure from their defence was simply outstanding and an object lesson to all.

Walsall are blessed with some very strong runners and as the game marched on gaps began to appear as the boys tired and good direct running from Hansen and Joe D brought two tries apiece. Joe's 2nd was particularly impressive for its simplicity. Anyone that runs straight and hard is difficult to stop!

Bridgnorth scored 3 excellent scores themselves and this was by no means a run away game. Dominic sealed it in the dying minutes with a forceful drive for the line.

Match 2 - Walsall 5 - Bridgnorth 2

The mid way team talk clearly had an impact. More was demanded of every player in defence, attack, at the ruck and in support and it started to come through. Bobby, Jake and Jack showed glimpses of promise which was encouraging but we do need to cut out silly errors across the side and some focused training time is needed. Lewis Pothecary had a great game and was desperately unlucky not to score on the second of his great breakaways, well done.

Brandon and Ky both ran well and what is noticeable is that both are now thinking about retaining the ball and presenting it securely for other so that we can use quick ball, all good stuff, and Brandon was rewarded with a well deserved try.

Lewis W picked up the pace and was also rewarded with a typical, gutsy Lewis type try!

The two real eye catchers for me were Will and Gurdit. Both were committed and in defence and Will pulled off two crucial but importantly difficult and brave hits, very well done. His hard work saw him claim a try for the Roberts clan and in front of Uncle Mark!! It's in the genes ;-).

For Gurdit there were two tries and perhaps 10 times the number of Bridgnorth players left lying in his destructive wake!! True commitment but, like Brandon & Ky an eye on what can happen next, where support is and a realization that you will get hauled down in the end. a pleasure to watch.

Amrit also pulled off two important defensive plays before injuring his knee.

Summary

We won. However writing this was a re run of Sunday morning. Initially a bit angry at the display but in the end a lot more flow and content!!

Man of the Match: I cannot separate them so its to Will and Gurdit. Committed, brave and better awareness of trying to recycle the ball.

Walsall RFC

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