West Bridgford 24 Nottingham Casuals 13 (NLD shield)

NLD Shield
11th November 2016

Casuals played only their 2nd game under lights in recent years, reminding some players of the shambles of the semi-final that was eventually played at Derby, that time winning and eventually winning the final 4 days later.

In this instance, Casuals progress in the NLD shield was rudely halted as West Bridgford exacted revenge for the recent league defeat.
With a number of significant changes, brothers Jack Weedon, (starting at hooker) and Aaron (on the bench) James Harvey in on the wing, and Jamie Baxter at stand off, it was a bit of an unfamiliar line up.
Coach Mark Hobson made particular mention of Jack Weedon, who showed his potential, both brothers making a case for 1st team rugby.
A much closer game than the result would suggest, but Casuals must rue their inability to keep possession, which Bridgford exploited.

The first 15 minutes saw Bridgford pin Casuals back in their own half, unable to make any headway. But after a period in defence Casuals won a strike against the head, and they made substantial ground finally being awarded a penalty, which James Harvey slotted to give Casuals a brief lead. (Very brief)

Casuals made a complete mess of receiving the restart, and Bridgford had the easiest of run ins down the wing to score an unconverted try.

Bridgford held this lead until ½ time

Casuals should have been aware that the referee was very keen on ceratin aspects, one of which was not releasing the ball in the tackle, and Bridgford were gifted a penalty smack in front which they kicked to further increase their lead.

Casuals came back strongly, and Dan O’Connor put in a great run jinking his way through and powering over the line to level the scores at 8 apiece.

Sadly, Casuals defence was then opened up by a strong run through in the centre by Bridgford, resulting in a converted try.
Bridgford were then awarded a penalty for a late challenge, and they took the points.
18 – 8

Casuals then had a player yellow carded, but it seemed to improve their game, and with 10 minutes to go they went over following a lineout, Antonios Alexiou (Spaniard) claiming the touch down.
A brief revival, Casuals only one score behind, but Bridgford closed the game out with 2 late penalties.

Who was the man of the match? On the comments above, Jack Weedon