The game started in the usual fashion with Edenbridge determined to put their mark on it; the ball was moved with fantastic accuracy and progress made towards the home 22. In a desperate attempt to halt ‘Bridge’s advance, Aylesford had to rely upon getting their hands in the ruck leaving the visitors with a chance for the 3 points. Unfortunately it was not to be as ball sailed just wide of the left upright.
The next scoring opportunity came for ‘Bridge as they worked a 6 man overlap out to the left hand side. Screaming for the ball it took an age to be cleared out of the ruck, Aylesford defenders were able to move across to cover and when the ball did eventually come, it was easily picked off by the home fullback who was able to race in to score unopposed for the length of the pitch. Aylesford 7-0 up within the first 10 minutes.
Not to be outdone, ‘Bridge attacked from the off working their way up to the Aylesford 22. Unfortunately some of the handling let them down as a knock on halted many of the attacks enticingly close to the Aylesford line. Strong runs from Andy Hough and man of the match Jon Harris demonstrating how very the Edenbridge back row are becoming as a unit with Mark Moore demonstrating excellent ball stealing skills on the ground. It was from a scrum won against the head that a well worked backline move was unleashed to put Gary Stevens in for the opening Edenbridge try, crashing into the line from fullback. He converted his own try to even things up.
Again Edenbridge continued to attack from the restart and some lovely interplay saw them reach the Aylesford 22 again with Edmonds, Mitchell, Relf and then Adams playing the off-loading game with perfect accuracy. The continued pressure led to the second try for Edenbridge as Nick Horner was able to sneak over the line amidst the confusion around a ruck on the try line. The game then evened up with Aylesford finding their feet a little more and playing a kicking game to keep Edenbridge out of their half.
The second half saw a much improved Aylesford tighten up their defence and begin to work a rolling pod system utilising their huge second row and number 8. To their credit, ‘Bridge coped well against the big ball carriers and the defence held firm for the most part. They were to score two more tries in the second half but both came as a result of Edenbridge trying to over play the 50/50 ball. Hopefully game reading skills with continue to improve this season and some of the silly options will fall away.
The try of the game came from Steve Eynon. Playing deep into the Aylesford half, Oliver Wade put a chip in over the top of the rushing defence. The moment it left his boot every player on the pitch sighed as it appeared to have been struck too hard and was destined to run dead. Not so for Eynon who chased it to the death and managed to get it dotted down just inside the deadball and touch line. A superb try that took everyone by surprise. Eynon would go to score a second as a result of lovely switch executed in midfield by Edmonds and Wade.
Taking a hold on the game now, ‘Bridge became determined to keep Aylesford out from scoring again, a dedication made clear by Lee Roberts who put in a fantastic try saving tackle and forced the knock on. Straight away from that, he picked off a loose Aylesford pass and returned the run away intercept try from the first half with one of his own. A fitting end to a match which ‘Bridge should have dominated to a far greater extent.
Edenbridge:
Scorers:
Tries: Stevens G, Horner, Eynon S(2), Roberts
Cons: Stevens G
Pens:
Team:
15. Stevens, G (rep. Longhurst); 14. Roberts; 13. Brady (rep. Wade); 12. Edmonds; 11. Relf (rep. Eynon, S); 10. Adams; 9. Horner; 1. Stevens, B; 2. Mitchell; 3. Kennedy (capt.)(rep. Eynon, M); 4. Bright; 5. Jageurs; 6. Hough (rep. Ward); 7. Moore; 8. Harris