Bradford on Avon 5 - 0 Minety
Bradford edged this top of the table thriller with a try in the first half by centre Joe 'Mini Ginge' Thompson. Conditions dictated that this would be not a game for the faint hearted and so it proved. The Minety pack dominated set piece posession in the first half, but BoA's more mobile pack got on top in the loose and therefore enjoyed the territorial advantage. From this sustained pressure George fed Mike Birtin who supplied Damo Hardaker hitting the line at pace who eventually passed to Thompson who slid over the line for a well deserved try. Spirited defence held the line and the only chance Minety had was a penalty attempt from 25m which sailed wide of the uprights.
Bradford came out in the second half knowing that another score would probably seal it. They were also given instructions that if they did not gain parity at set pieces that it would be a long half and changes would be made. This seemed to galvanise the home pack who slowly began to dominate all aspects of play. Praise here must be given to our fitness coach Scott who has given the lads an extra gear when the going gets tough.
'The whole team showed tremendous character to hold on for an excellent victory in difficult conditions. We must now consolidate this victory and work to stay in touch with Minety at the top, hoping they might slip up along the way. Our next game away at Marlboruogh is a tough game, plus we have to go away to Calne and Chippenham. It is important we don't rest on our laurels, keep putting the work in training and the results will come.' said coach Dave George.
