All Blacks storm to victory
Bridgnorth picked up their first victory since winning promotion to Midlands 2 West as they beat rivals Stafford 19-0 at the Edgar Davies Ground. The All Blacks lost both of their first two games at this level, but they came good on Saturday with a three-try display that got them off the mark.
Wingers Craig Thomas and Alex Cooper both touched down along with replacement Liam Holland, who had come off the bench to slot into the second row. Charlie Ralph kicked two conversions to complete the scoring.
"It was a very good win and I was very pleased," said Bridgnorth coach Bryan Smallman.
"They were quite an abrasive and strong old side. They were in the same situation as us because they hadn't won either.
"At times, the game was scrappy but we dug in well and did our set-piece work well again.
"We defended well too, and it was a pleasing day. The players will take a great deal of confidence out of that. We've not been too far away in the first couple of games and it was just about getting a few little things right.
"Hopefully the guys can move on now. We're not going to say we'll remain unbeaten for the rest of the season but it's nice to see smiles back on faces again."
While Bridgnorth were picking up their first win, Newport were falling to their first defeat.
The Fishes were beaten 20-13 at home to Lichfield, despite holding a 13-0 lead a minute before the break.
Disappointed coach Ginge Wells declared: "After controlling the game in the first half, we allowed Lichfield back into the game.
"We could and should have scored more points before the break which would have put them out of the match.
"With less than 20 per cent possession after the break, we were living on scraps and you cannot play without the ball.
"Our lineout was hugely disappointing. A couple of decisions did not go our way, and that often makes all the difference in a tight game."
Two Jamie Simpson penalties and a converted try for prop Alex Bristow had put the hosts in charge, but Lichfield closed the gap with a penalty of their own just before half-time.
The away side then raised their game after the interval, dominating possession and launching waves of attacks.
They drew level and then continued to press, finally scoring what would prove to be the winning try with just five minutes remaining.
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