Barking 41 - 3 B&A RFC
Match report by Tony Pomeroy
Bridgwater endured a long trip to East London where they encountered some drab, grey weather and their mood after the game reflected the conditions. After a bright opening quarter during which Bridgwater just had the edge in possession and territory, the visitors succumbed to an experienced Barking side who proved much more streetwise, particularly at the breakdown.
The commitment of the Bridgwater players could not be faulted but once again they kicked away far too much hard-won possession and conceded too many penalties. Although the responsibility for the defeat could not possibly be laid at their door, some of the players after the game felt that the officials only refereed one side.
They did have a point, as there was not always equity. James Stark was, on one occasion, heavily wrestled to the floor and almost strangled by the tackler’s arm around his throat, but no penalty was given. Later in the game, Tito Elisara felled an opponent with a superb chest-high tackle. The Barking player was stunned as, in falling, he appeared to hit his head on another player. The touch judge – at least 40 yards away and with players between him and the incident – assumed the initial tackle had been high, flagged for foul play and Elisara was sin-binned.
Bridgwater had three league debutants in their ranks. Dominik Griffin, a former colt with the club, appeared out of position at full back, whilst new signing, Jake Childs, and long-serving member, Steve Ward, were on the bench.
For the first quarter, despite Barking taking the lead with a penalty from Craig Ratford, Bridgwater played as if an upset could be on the cards. They threw the ball about with abandon and caused the home side a few defensive problems. However, Bridgwater had to rely on Stuart Evans’ boot for points. He missed one eminently kickable chance before slotting another from almost the same spot.
Approaching the half hour, the officials failed to spot the home flanker, James Kellard, illegally driving into the Bridgwater front row at a scrum and instead awarded Barking a series of penalties deep in the visiting 22. After four penalties, the referee ran out of patience and awarded Barking a penalty try, converted by Ratford.
Moments later, as Bridgwater tried to respond, came the tackle on Stark deep in the Barking half. The ball was lost and Ratford made a great break out of defence. He handed on to second row, Stuart Riding who made ground before passing to James Kellard who cruised to the line for an excellent try. Ratford converted for a 17-3 lead.
Bridgwater did not give up and attacked the home line without success although some of the defensive tactics were questionable, the home side got away with them.
The second half was dominated by the home side as Bridgwater were put under pressure. When Evans missed a kick to touch, home winger Nick Fraser put in a superb diagonal run, splitting the Bridgwater defence who then let in hooker, Adam Kwasnicki in at the corner for an unconverted try.
Barking’s next try was not long in coming as Fraser crossed for another unconverted try. The third try in a torrid five minute spell followed when another wayward kick was fielded by home scrum half Jack Gash who started a 70m move that ended with Jackson Wray scoring a try converted by Ratford.
To their credit, Bridgwater regrouped. They only conceded one more try in the final quarter and that was another penalty try with the visitors down to 13 men when Elisara and Hastie – for a professional foul – were both in the bin.
For Bridgwater, the forwards had a difficult day but almost kept parity in the set pieces. Greg Charlton again stood out particularly in winning back three of Bridgwater’s many kick offs whilst Matt Hastie showed his experience throughout the game. The backs tried hard, especially Will Webster playing out of position on the wing and James Stark, back in his preferred role in the centre.
Once again, it seems a matter of confidence for the Bridgwater players. Heads seem to go down if they cannot score early on and they appear to let refereeing inconsistencies upset their rhythm. They must learn to interpret what each referee requires and adapt their game accordingly although it is a fact of life that officials will be much more lenient on sides they perceive to be playing the attacking rugby.
For the visit of Canterbury next week, the players will need to keep their heads up as it is a game that can be won. They would benefit from your support.
Scorers
Barking Tries: Penalty Tries (2), Kellard, Kwasnicki,
Fraser, Wray
Cons: Ratford (4)
Pen: Ratford
Bridgwater & Albion Pen: Evans
Bridgwater Team
Dominik Griffin, Will Webster (rep Steve Ward 75), Tito Elsiara, James Stark, Sam Showering, Stuart Evans, Kevin Williams, Wayne Stiling, Matt Hastie, James Bryant (rep Alan Trunks 73), Ali Blundell (rep Ben Purcell 40), Steve Hunt (rep Matt Northey 61 (rep Alan Trunks 63-73)), Dan Kemmish, Carl Brown (rep Jake Childs 32), Greg Charlton
Yellow cards : Tito Elisara (59-69) Matt Hastie (62-72)
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