Revenge is sweet

After the disappointment of earlier this season when we failed to execute to our game plan and simply didnt man up as we struggled with the physicality of the Bloxwich forwards - saturday was a very different outcome ! Following a weeks training where we focused very much on a structured and discipline defence around the ruck area, there was simply no way through for Bloxwich - much to the joy of the coaching team.

Following a disallowed Lewis Underwood try within the first 5 minutes (no-one knows exactly why), Aldridge took the lead in the 17th minute following a run from number 8 Josh Reynolds who powered through a number of tackles to score - the try was converted by Adam Reed.

Then the moment many had waited for, following some good drives from the forwards, the ball was offloaded from Ben Drinkwater in the tackle to skipper Mark Smith, who despite having half of the pitch to go (and little legs), was able to fend off the covering tackle and score in the corner. Adam Reed missed the conversion. A 12 - 0 lead with a few minutes to go before half time.

Again following some great play from the centre partnership of Ben (The Legend) Pittam and Ryan Bowen (returning to the first XV for the first time since September following work commitments), Josh Reynolds was able to score his second fine try (unconverted) for a half time lead of 17 - 0.

Bloxwich started the second half strongly and Aldridge were camped on their line for the first 10 minutes of the second half. Despite some unusual referring calls the defence held firm, until the BLoxwich skipper drove over the line (It did look like that Mark Smith had got his body under the ball) but the try was given and Bloxwich were back in the game at 19 - 7.

Aldridge bounced backed when following some strong running winger Nick Yates offloaded and then the backs recycled quick ball from the tackle and Ryan Bowen scored in the corner for a 22 - 7 lead (unconverted).

The try of the game then followed as Second Row Danny McKenna hit a great line in midfield and cut through from halfway - with just 10 yards to go his legs gave up but he was able to offload out of the back of his hand to Adam Reed in support who scored and converted to take the score to 29 - 7. Bloxwich scored a converted try from a break away to narrow the scores to 29 - 14, but Aldridge remained in control until the final whistle and secured a 5 point bonus try win.

Scorers: Tries - Reynolds x 2, Smith (M), Bowen and Reed (Adam) - Conversions Reed (Adam) x 2

Head Coach Jon Arch said...

"Most pleasing for me was the defensive effort we put in just after half time, at the start of the season we would of conceded quickly, but we repelled everything they threw at us, and in my opinion the try was only given at the end out of pity!" .... To see Mark Smith score in the corner was redemption for the game earlier this year as he gave everything that day - playing whilst injured! Ross's distribution from 9 was superb and the work rate of the forwards was much improved - with debutant Liam Burlace adding some real threat when ball carrying. Josh Reynolds is proving himself a real leader at 8, especially organising the defensive line".