Nottingham Casuals 13 West Bridgford 18

Midlands 2 East North

23rd January 2016

Nottingham Casuals 13 West Bridgford 18

Debut try for flanker Brian Stuart, but Casuals only earn a losing bonus point.

West Bridgford completed the double over Casuals, but the home side had the opportunity to win the game right up to the last 1/4.

Casuals opened their scoring on 16 minutes, with a debut try for flanker Brian Stuart, who finished off a forwards drive to the line. West Bridgford came back with a penalty kick five minutes later, but the score stayed at 5 - 3 till 1/2 time, although Casuals did have opportunity to increase the lead through a penalty kick.

After the restart it was Casuals who were the dominant side, and they took play to W.B’s 22. Unfortunately Casuals were not quick enough to stop a break out by the visitors, and they ran the ball upfield for an unconverted try, to sneak into a 3 point lead.
Casuals drew level, when stand off James Constable converted a penalty, but W.B. responded with a penalty themselves to restore their lead.

Midway through the half Constable kicked out from Casuals 22, and the following players won a turnover, and Jamie Baxter was able to flip a slick pass to James Wood to go over in the corner, to regain the lead.

Casuals then nearly contrived to give the lead back to W.B. but they managed to soak up the pressure, and came back on the attack once more.
When Casuals attacked from another Constable kick ahead, W.B. made a mess defending, and seemed as if Casuals had crossed to score, but the referee was unsighted, and he denied Casuals the
try.
Bridgford had now established superiority in the forwards, and their driving mauls had Casuals on the retreat. When they put the ball out to the 3s, Casuals’ defence did not cover the break, and
Bridgford crossed for a converted try, breaking Casuals’ hearts, as they were edged out again.

Casuals have suffered a number of narrow defeats, some of which they have not deserved.
They must remember that they have the firepower to defeat any team in the league, as they proved against Dronfield, and the cup triumph against Melton Mowbray.
With a little bit of encouragement, and a bit more confidence they can easily get themselves back to winning ways.
A return to basics and the playing style that has served them well, will see them through against Southwell.