Aldridge topple table toppers

Aldridge were looking forward to this fixture expecting a difficult game against the team who have led the division for most of the year. The game started evenly with Aldridge under some pressure, but the main feature of the game, their superb defence, kept the visitors at bay. Inevitably, Aldridge then began to make inroads themselves and looked very sharp in the backs with Gareth Bott running strongly. It was Gareth who came up with the opening try from an excellent run. This was converted by Alex Yates to give Aldridge a lead 7- 0. This was extended vey shortly afterwards when Alex Yates kicked a superb penalty to extend the score to 10 - 0.
Confidence began to build in the home side and Dan McKenna finished off a magnificent break with a try that went unconverted. 15 - 0
For the rest of the half Aldridge's pack was totally dominant. From a 5 metre scrum Eddie O'Neill drove over in typical bullocking style for a try that was easily converted by Alex Yates. At half time Aldridge led by 22- 0.
As expected the visitors came back very strongly in the second half, with their forwards looking threatening , especially from driving mauls. But it was at this stage of the game that Aldridge's character told. They defended manfully repelling the visitors' every attack. It seemed inevitable that the home team would break away to score, and this they did through Adam Reed, whose quick thinking led to an unconverted try to take the score to 27 - 0 and guarantee Aldridge a try bonus point. Aldridge's backs were rampant, looking dangerous every time they had the ball. Kaleil Maynard gained ground every time he received the ball and was ably supported by Gareth Bott and both wingers. The half backs, Adam Reed and Harry Baldock looked threatening as the visitors began to tire and, from a typically silky run Adam Reed scored the last try converted by Harry Baldock.
Well done, Aldridge! The best performance of the season.
Gareth Bott was Man of the Match for an outstanding game in the centre.