Somerset One

Bristol Barbarians 20, Bridgwater and Albion II 25

BRIDGWATER and Albion II continued their unbeaten league run with a hard-fought victory over Bristol Barbarians, going top of the table in the process.

Albion ran in three tries courtesy of Joe Stradling, Rob Gurnett and Ryan Barnett, while John Hill kicked ten points from the tee.

Bridgwater made a perfect start to the game, winning a penalty from a line out drive after only four minutes.

They kicked to the corner from the resulting penalty - and after missing the intended target with the lineout throw, Joe Stradling managed to squirm over for the opening score.

John Hill dutifully added the extras to give Bridgwater an early 0-7 lead.

Hill added a penalty before Rob Gurnett cut through the Bristol line to score under the posts.

Hill converted again to extend Bridgwater’s lead to 0-17.

The second half started in a worrying fashion with Barbarians kicked a penalty before their prop to ran through to score under the posts.

The conversion was successful meaning Bridgwater’s lead had been reduced to 10-17 in just seven second-half minutes.

Bridgwater hit back and quick ball saw Ryan Barnett score his fifth try of the season in the corner.

Barbarians hadn’t given up and came back with a converted try to reduce Bridgwater’s lead to 17-22.

But Hill rebuilt the cushioned lead with the kick and Bridgwater could breathe a sigh of relief at 17-25.

The final points of the game went to Bristol Barbarians who converted the penalty and earned themselves a losing bonus point 20-25.