South West One West

Bridgwater & Albion 47, Thornbury 26

A DOMINANT performance from Bridgwater & Albion's forwards laid the foundations for a comfortable 47-26 bonus-point victory over Thornbury on Saturday, writes Tony Pomeroy.

Rob Allen and James Martin each crossed twice as the hosts ran in seven tries at College Way, while Stuart Heal added 12 points from the boot.

Bridgwater started well spending the early minutes in the visitor's half - Thornbury, however, after only seven minutes were twelve points up through tries from Dai Matthews and Dan Hussey, with the first converted by Tim Stephens, as they took their chances well.

The rest of the half belonged to the home side and after 15 minutes, Bridgwater's full back, James Martin, scythed through for a try under the posts converted by Stu Heal.

On 21 minutes, Bridgwater took a lead that they were never to relinquish courtesy of captain Ollie Dunn.

Bridgwater continued to press and very soon fly half Jervis Manupenu ghosted through for a third try, which was again converted by Heal.

The home side secured the four-try bonus point on 31 minutes when following a turn-over in the visitors 22, Rob Allen scored the try and Heal again converted for a 28-12 half time score.

Thornbury started the second half in very lively fashion and after only three minutes, full back Ed Sheldon set off on a coruscating 35 metre run that brought him an excellent individual try, again converted by Stephens.

Bridgwater again took the game to the visitors and after several chances went begging, a driving maul saw ace poacher Matt Hastie driven over for a fifth try again converted by Heal.

Play became disjointed with injuries and replacements abounding and it was not until the final quarter when Bridgwater intercepted a loose Thornbury pass to allow Allen to bulldoze over for his second try.

Thornbury ensured they wouldn't leave empty handed with a bonus pioint try of their own, but Martin rounded off proceedings with his second of the afternoon in an impressive Albion display.

Next week the team visit Avonmouth Old Boys before hosting Bideford on September 27.

The Bideford game will be preceded by a buffet lunch at the club and tickets can be obtained from the club office.

Scorers:

Bridgwater & Albion Tries: Allen (2), Martin (2), Dunn, Manupenu, Hastie Cons: Heal (6)

Thornbury Tries: Matthews, D Hussey, Sheldon, Baker Cons: Stephens (3)

Bridgwater Team: James Martin, James Brakes (rep Sam Chillingworth 57), Rob Allen, Stu Heal, Nick Francis, Jervis Manupenu, Roger Drabble, James Bryant (rep Scott Woolford 63), Matt Hastie, Joe Bussell, Tayler Buller, Dan Kemmish, Bryan Webb ( rep Josh Sturdy 51), Ollie Dunn (Capt), Nick Spellissy

Referee: Brian Perry (Somerset Society)