Tribute South West One West

Thornbury 14, Bridgwater & Albion 25

ROB Allen crossed twice for Bridgwater & Albion as they extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a bonus-point victory at Thornbury on Saturday, writes Tony Pomeroy.

James Martin and Chris Ashwin scored one apiece for the visitors to ensure they head into 2015 in third spot.

Thornbury had first use of the noticeable slope while Bridgwater had the advantage of a slight breeze.

Bridgwater’s first real attack after nine minutes brought the first score – Chris Ashwin broke through the middle and handed on to Spellissy before the ball was worked to James Martin for him to get the first, unconverted, try.

This was quickly followed by home full-back Ed Sheldon showing his class. He made a break from just inside his own half and evaded at least three would-be tacklers.

He was eventually stopped deep in the Bridgwater 22 but the ball was recycled left for hooker Luke Workman to score near the posts giving Tim Stephens an easy conversion to take Thornbury into the lead.

Chris Ashwin kicked a simple penalty to restore the Bridgwater lead – and at the next Bridgwater attack, the home side twice infringed at five metre scrummages before being threatened with a penalty try.

Moments later, Rob Allen cruised past his man for an excellent unconverted try on the right-hand side – and, shortly after half-time, Ashwin dived over the line for a third try that he could not convert.

Midway through the half, Bridgwater again moved the ball right where it finally rested in the arms of Allen, who burst through the home defence to score the bonus point try in the corner.

Ashwin’s conversion hit the far post but just dropped over the crossbar.

With five minutes to play, Thornbury got a consolation try when winger Mike Gaston crossed. Stephens converted with a good kick.

Just before the end, Bridgwater lost Ashwin with a dislocated shoulder and was replaced by Thompson.

Albion: James Martin, Rob Allen, Chris Ashwin, Stu Heal, Oscar Tregenna, Jervis Manupenu, Roger Drabble, Adrian Tew, Matt Hastie, Joe Bussell, Ali Blundell, Dan Kemmish, Rob Thompson, Ollie Dunn (capt), Nick Spellissy. Reps (all used): James Bryant, Josh Sturdy, Jonathon Hill.

l The players will relish the rest next week but will need to be very sharp on January 3 when they entertain Avonmouth, another of the form teams of the moment.