The Knights welcomed an old foe in Bridgewater Albion to Shaftesbury Park for their first game since 2010, last competing in National 2 South at Lockleaze. This time, it was at Level 7 in Western Counties North where the 2nd team are competing for the first time following their successful promotion.

Following a strong pre-season, there were a few earning their 1st caps for Dings, young prop Caleb Bonello from Keynsham and South African Kaid O’Neil previously of Newport Salop joined the experienced Josh Lloyd in Front Row and Alex Johnson returning back to the South West following University Upt’north, playing for Otley in National 2 North. A couple of new backline additions in Lewis O’Grady from Exeter University at 10, Omar Ly from Cheltenham Tigers and Louis Venn, joining another proud list of father and son combinations to have played for the blue and black, following his ol’ man Karl, after good season at the only likeable team in Cribbs Causeway.

Amongst the backs, club captain George Boulton, is staying local and on high alert with his wife looking increasingly weary of the ‘when are you due’, ‘what are you having’ questions whilst they await their new addition. The weather today was a stark contrast from the monsoon weather from last week, which promised open attacking rugby, with an exciting a back three consisting of Harry Rowson, Ezra Caven and Ollie Smith who contributed significantly to the 1st Team over the last couple of years, and didn’t disappoint the home crowd.
It was the latter who began Dings’ fast start, fielding a long box kick straight from the kick off and attacking with intent, stepping through the Bridgwater chase, to score to the right of the sticks. O’Grady adding the extras.

Harry Rowson added his name to the scoresheet for the 1st time, following a dominant scrum leading to O’Grady going down the blind side and feeding the ex Bristol winger to add 5 more to the score line and an additional 2 from O’Grady.
The bonus point was achieved shortly after. O’Grady, slightly fortuitous when his grubber through, bounced back to him and was able to jink through the line to commit the last defender and put Callum Donello through for a try on debut.

Bridgewater then had a number of injuries in the backline, which highlighted the shortcomings in the 3 sub system at this level, and with 3 forwards on the bench, a re-shuffle was required in the pack. Their misery was further compounded when Rowson attempted a box kick, although ugly, proved effective as his subsequent chase and turn over, allowed Josh Lloyd to break into space. Whilst the home crowd wanted him to barrel it in from 30m, a dreamy pass into Ezra Cavens allowed him to force his way over for his customary try per game.

Despite the dominance from the home side, Bridgwater kept battling and were rewarded for their efforts, breaking down the short side to feed Will Clapham for their 1st try, which was shortly followed by another. A neat inside ball from the 9 created a break through the Dings defence and despite being stopped short, Bridgwaters Aiden Cable was able to sneak over.

Any sign of a comeback was snuffed out when Bridgwater looked to attack from deep, and a brilliant tackle from Caven, jamming in on the centre as he caught the ball, enabled the loose ball to spill to Tunnicliffe who scored right of the bull horns. The easiest kick of the day missed by O’Grady.

To end the half, a driving maul following another O’Conor 50-22 saw Lloyd score to make the score 40-10.

Half time saw a number of changes, Donello unfortunately came off injured following an impressive half, replaced by Scott Hilton, Matt Williams came off for Omar Ly with Boulton shifting into the backrow, as he looks to transition to the forwards with his legs going.

The 2nd half started competitively however it was Dings who extended their lead. Pressure on the Bridgwater defensive lineout saw the ball fall towards the home side, where a wide pass into Ollie Smiths hands saw him cross over for a 2nd time.
Dings added further points on the board with a turnover in midfield that lead to quick hands releasing Rowson using his pace leave behind the covering defence.

Bridgwater rallied again to score another couple of tries, to earn a try bonus point however Dings turned the screw again. Ollie Smith repeatedly running the ball back from deep and showing how dangerous he is in open space, creating a great attacking opportunity for Rowson to complete his hatrick.

Will O’brien was able to get on the score sheet now exploiting a tired Bridgwater defence, with a brilliant supporting line with Mac Hill commiting the last defender. Hill was able to complete the rout, mirroring the previous try.

A convincing victory for Dings Knights in the end, with a great all round performance against a side that finished 6th in this league last year. The back 3 in particular proved how dangerous they can be in open field. Next week, the knights travel to Old Bristolians who won their opening fixture against Nailsea and Backwell.

UTD.

Trys
Rowson - 3
Smith - 2
Caven - 1
Donello - 1
Tunnicliffe - 1
Lloyd - 1
O'Conor - 1
Hill - 1

Conversions
O'Grady - 8