Edenbridge vs Aylesford, Kent Merit League 'B'
Edenbridge produced their usual performance in running their opposition into the ground before putting a nice gloss on the score line. This game had it all; an intense and high tempoed opening 10 minutes followed by an easing off the gas to let Aylesford back into the game followed by a dominating second half where the 'Bridge finished off the visitors.
A fast paced opening saw Mitchell drive over the line following an excellent break by Edmonds. The conversion was missed and the home side braced themselves for a backlash. The backlash was not forthcoming and Allwood went in for his second of the season from the 10 metre line. Again 'Bridge missed the conversion. 10-0 and not even 10 minutes on the clock.
Shortly after Norris went in for his 11th of the season and the first of what was to become 4 tries this match. Once again a missed conversion; 15-0.
Back came Aylesford at last though. The remainder of the opening half was all Aylesford seeing them score 3 unanswered tries; 17-15 to the visitors. After the third try Edenbridge pulled themselves together and finished the first half pressuring the Aylesford line.
The second half was all Edenbridge though who re-discovered the level of intensity demonstrated in the opening 10. A more frequent and secure source of ball saw Norris in for another 3 tries; with the kicking duties handed to Edmonds he put the score at 34-17.
Aylesford were not to be beaten easily and the bonus point was crucial for how the remainder of the league would pan out. Back came the visitors with 10 minutes to go and they got their score. The conversion would have secured them the valuable extra point from this game but the kick flew across the face of the goal.
Edenbridge closed the game out with an excellent solo try which he converted himself leaving Edenbridge well out in front with a matter of seconds left to play. A solid performance by the 'Bridge sees them consolidate their position in second place in the league.
Edenbridge
Scorers:
Tries: Mitchell, Allwood, Norris (4), Edmonds
Cons: Edmonds (3)
Pens:
Team:
15. Perry, S; 14. Norris, C; 13. Clarke, R; 12. Edmonds, J; 11. Allwood, D (rep. Sedgwick, S); 10. Wallis, D; 9. Purvis, A; 1. Berry, M; 2. MacInnes, A; 3. Stevens, B; 4. Barnes, T; 5. Kennedy, W; 6. Batchelor, S (rep. Cole, S); 7. Weaver, B; 8. Mitchell, D (capt.)(rep. Smith, T)