Tribute South West One West

Bridgwater & Albion 27, Matson 29

BRIDGWATER & Albion were unable to take advantage of a slip-up by play-off rivals Ivybridge as they slumped to a narrow defeat at home to Matson, writes Tony Pomeroy.

The hosts had to settle for two bonus points from the game, crossing for four tries courtesy of Tregenna, Saliarelis, Dunn and Spellissy.

Matson were in front in this match for only two short sessions - including the final two minutes.

With almost the first move of the game, Bridgwater moved scrummage ball right and winger, Oscar Tregenna, making a return to the first XV scored in the corner.

Chris Ashwin could not convert into the wind.

When Jordan Brodley won the ball in midfield, Bridgwater moved it left and it reached winger Arg Saliarelis on halfway, who broke tackles before running in from 50m - Ashwin's conversion gave the home side a 12-0 lead after eight minutes.

Matson got their game together and a penalty to the corner resulted in a try from a driving maul.

Five minutes later a repeat performance saw a second try, this time by Conrad Jones again converted by Woodhouse. The visitors' lead lasted less than five minutes as Ashwin landed a short-range penalty.

Bridgwater then increased their lead when skipper, Ollie Dunn, who ran powerfully all afternoon, crashed over for the third try, converted by Ashwin, to give his side a 22-14 interval lead. Matson started the second half well and added an unconverted try – but from the kick off, Saliarelis was high tackled and a fracas broke out.

Jack Knight was yellow-carded for the high tackle and Bridgwater were then awarded a series of penalties close to the home line and Matson were soon down to 13 men when Barton was also yellow carded.

Some people wondered about the possibility of a penalty try but Bridgwater's only reward was an unconverted try, which brought a bonus point, for Nick Spellissy after a driving maul.

Bridgwater continued to press but could not add to their tally.

Matson hit back and an unconverted try from Aaron Morefield brought them a bonus point and the score to a nail-biting 27-24.

Bridgwater almost scored again but Spellisssy lost the ball as he was tackled as he crossed the line.

With only minutes to go, Matson spurned a kickable penalty and were rewarded when the resulting penalty to the corner produced a driving maul.

It eventually crossed the home line and Barton was credited with his second try.

The final seconds of the game brought drama when Ashwin had a chance with a 40m penalty but it was pushed wide and Matson had won the most unexpected victory.

There are no league matches over Easter On April 11, Bridgwater travel to Camborne the following week, before entertaining St. Austell in the final match of the season on April 18.