Aldridge win a 'thriller' ! !

Aldridge put in probably their best performance of the season to date to bounce back in perfect style after last weekends disappointing show against Aston. Previously unbeaten Barton, who have recruited well over the summer and who had beat Mids 2 teams Rolls-Royce RFC and Belpher RFC during pre-season had in the words of their head coach 'expected an easy win'.

The coaching team asked for a positive response and to play "Aldridge rugby" and play it we did... 10 minutes gone, 2 converted tries created by PACE and POWER and CREATIVITY to the good and pushing for the 3rd try. Then one wayward pass, Barton score and then score again from the restart and the scores are level. And that is how the game went, it what was simply an enthralling game of end-to-end rugby played in great spirit from both sides.

Debutant Fly Half Josh Atkin had a simply outstanding game, scoring not only his first try for the club, but orchestrating in both attack and defence. Number 8 Chris Balmforth scored a brace of tries, the second an absolute peach following 10 phases of controlled rugby which stretched the defence. Second row and Director of Rugby James Arnold did a 'Jamie George' as Aldridge scored from a line out catch and drive, and returning centre Dan McKenna scored after being unselfishly being put in by Ben Drinkwater - 5 tries - 4 conversions by Alex Yates but most importantly a team performance which every player in the match day squad making a massive positive contribution.

Final Score 33 -28 (HT 14-14)
Tries: Chris Balmforth x 2, Josh Atkin, James Arnold and Dan McKenna
Cons: Alex Yates x 4

Head Coach Jon Arch
"It was the perfect response to last week - proper rugby played with smiles on their faces - you know when its been a great game when every single spectator applauds both teams at the end of the game with equal gusto.

Harry at 9 and Josh at 10 was a gamble, but they looked like they had played together for years. Neil Smith and Ed O'Neil gave the scrum the PLATFORM it needed, and the back row of Adam, Barnie and Forest were simply outstanding. One play summed up how we have progressed, Nick Yates has come right across the pitch to make a covering tackle with only 5 metres short of the try line, the player offloaded but Nick was up fast enough and with Josh Atkin and Adam Morris in attendance made the second tackle and turned over the ball. 4 phases and 20 seconds later we are bundled into touch in their 22 - last year we would of conceded that try ! ! I can't say how proud I am of these guys.

To get messages and feedback from "Club Legends" praising the team, the spirit and the rugby we play is amazing. We have a core 30 players training and fighting for places - and i honestly wish we could select them all - selection is now a challenge. To put in a result like this without the likes of Mark Smith, Lea Ross, Lee Stokes, Adam Reed, Brad Russell, Jordan Russell, Josh Hetherington, Lewis Underwood, Tony Harbutt, Alex Reed, Ben Pittam and Josh Reynolds is simply amazing. There is a real battle for places across every position and some very established players are likely to be playing 2's over the coming weeks.

We have a tough trip this week in the National Vase 3rd Round at Bromyard - these guys deserve to keep their places but no doubt we will make a couple of changes if not just to keep the squad fresh."