Match Report: PARFC 17 - 46 Bristol (PSF)

This was a feast of running rugby with both sides reluctant to resort to kick and chase tactics. Both clubs have been busy in the summer with several new players joining and many leaving. Ian Grieve, recently appointed Albion's team captain, is one of those who left Bristol at the end of last term. Bristol have a large purse and are determined to achieve the ‘promised land’ of the Premiership at the end of this season. Consequently they have recruited players of proven ability. Although their team On Saturday may not have been the strongest judging on standard of play and team work, there cannot be much difference to those on display and those who will be starters come their first game next week. Conversely Albion, with a much smaller budget have recruited players that they believe have potential to perform well in the Championship.

Albion revealed their potential by scoring an excellent try within five minutes of kick off. Following a penalty, they kicked for touch down the right wing under the announcer’s hut. Then with a catch and drive which drew the Bristol defence out of position, the ball was released to the backs; coming back inside for Eoghan Grace to score close to the posts, and duly converted by Lawrence Rayner.

Bristol dominated the game for the next 20 minutes with Albion barely able to get any possession. They revealed slick passing, quick thinking, and even more impressive, outright speed particularly on the wings. They scored three tries in quick succession. The first was out wide on their right wing which went unconverted. The second came following a penalty against Albion right in front of the posts. They opted for a scrum and as with most in such a position, Bristol were able to score under the posts. The third try was again scored out wide on the right by the impressive Ryan Edwards. This followed a lost lineout near Bristol’s 22 - not the only time we lost possession in a good position.

The score was now 7-17 to Bristol and increased to 7-22 when Max Crumpton (he had a loan spell with us last season) scored after an impressive attack which culminated with him merely having to stroll over the line and touch the ball down. Albion went further behind after a penalty. Bristol had a line out on the left, not far from the goal line. A simple catch and drive saw them over the line to make the score 7-27. Particularly during this period of play and really throughout the game, Albion lost the ball in contact when being tackled. Bristol defenders forced the ball out of Albion’s grasp on a number of occasions. Then came some indication of frailty on the part of Bristol; having created good scoring opportunities, they squandered them by simple errors.

Albion did get some field position and had a series of 5 metre lineouts on the left wing, but Bristol defended well. Eventually the pressure was eased and play moved back up the field. A mistake by Bristol saved Albion from conceding a sixth try before the break. Clearly, they were the dominant team in the first half and tested Albion’s defence unlike the previous pre-season warm-up games. With both sides wishing to run the ball and play an expansive game, the crowd were well entertained by the quality of rugby being played.

The start of the second half saw Albion go further behind when, following another 5 metre scrum, the referee awarded a penalty try even though Bristol had control of the ball and seemed certain to score anyway. Then, as expected, both teams made several substitutions which disrupted team cohesion on both sides. However, Albion did get back on the score board with an interception by Peter Homan well inside their own half. The ball was eventually passed to Lawrence Rayner, who scored in the corner. Albion had a succession of scrums on Bristol’s 5 metre line, but were unable to convert field position into points being held up over the line. They did score again following a tapped penalty which ended with Tom Jubb scoring. Rob Langley also joined the fray after his long absence due to injury and almost scored a try just prior to this penalty.

Being a former winger, what followed was what I considered the best try of the match. Ryan Edwards, again, had the ball and several players in front of him. Pure pace and nimbleness saw him run around the defenders, the last man beaten by a majestic swerve and speed. That was his third of the afternoon and Bristol’s seventh, bringing the score to 17-41.

Their eighth was surrounded in controversy. The visitors had moved down the right wing and then moved the ball quickly across to the left in an impressive move that deserved to end in a try. However Albion’s cover defence appeared to have prevented a score in the corner by tackling the ball carrier into touch. The lady assistant referee indicated a line out by raising her flag. The referee called time out and following a discussion, over-ruled her and awarded a try. It was later claimed that he had indicated that the Bristol player had been prevented from touching the ball down because he had been lifted. If the ball had not been touched down but the attacking player had been prevented from doing so by foul play it should have been a penalty try. In reality his decision had no bearing on the result, just that 3 tries to 7 seems slightly better the 3 to 8!

So what did we learn? Bristol have spent money wisely and recruited well. They have been well coached and are a slick and speedy outfit wanting to play expansive rugby. No doubt they will be a major force, if not favourites for promotion this year.

And of Albion? The scrum has improved on last year and they also are endeavouring to play a wide expansive game. The difference between the two sides being that our players have potential which we trust will be developed as the season progresses. It was good to see players like Rob Langley and Tom Cowan-Dickie enjoy some playing time after long term absences. There may have been some bumps and bruises, but we seemed to have avoided any further serious injuries.

An entertaining afternoon that was rounded off by the whole squad eventually making their way to the ‘gym’ (a.k.a. The Supporters Marquee) to mingle with those who choose to remain for a chat and a beer. This is now a regular feature of home matches, with players enjoying some time with the fans after they have had their meal.