Edenbridge travelled to Vigo knowing that a win was necessary to keep them in contention for top of the league. Following the recent downpours the Vigo pitch was in a bad state; boggy does not begin to describe it. Unfortunately for Edenbridge it was to be their undoing.

The game began with Vigo playing inside the Edenbridge 22. There were a few rare ventures by ‘Bridge into the home team’s half but there was no killer instinct to finish off the moves and Vigo were allowed to kick clear. Edenbridge continued to run back everything, very successfully considering the heavy conditions under foot.

Vigo were the first onto the score sheet, opening up the Edenbridge defence and scoring a try. Their reliable fly half added the conversion.

Half time came and now Edenbridge had slightly firmer ground in their half. At last they were able to launch some good running attacks. The first of these saw Chris Norris add to his growing scorebook with a brilliantly created try set up by Steffan Bruti making his return to Edenbridge rugby.

Soon afterwards ‘Bridge were presented with a chance to take the lead and Jez Edmonds added to the score with a penalty. 7-8 in favour of the visitors.

Vigo were next to score with their forwards destroying the Black and Gold scrum and marching them over the try line for the 8 to easily dot down; 14-8.

Norris struck back with his second try; almost a carbon copy of his first. Unfortunately his was only able to touch down out wide and the conversion went wide. 14-13 with 5 minutes left to play.

Edenbridge threw everything into the last plays of the game and dominated every aspect. The win was not there to be stolen and the referee blew up for full time leaving 17 gutted Edenbridge players.

Edenbridge can take a lot of heart from this performance; the better team playing the better rugby. A dry, firm track would have produced a very different outcome.

Edenbridge

Scorers:

Tries: Norris (2)

Cons:

Pens: Edmonds

Team:

15. Perry, S; 14. Norris, C; 13. Dobson, C; 12. Edmonds, J; 11. Clarke, R (rep. Bruti, S); 10. Wallis, D; 9. Purvis, A; 1. Smith, B; 2. MacInnes, A; 3. Berry, M; 4. Allwood, D; 5. Stevens, B; 6. Batchelor, S; 7. Weaver, B; 8. Mitchell, D (capt.) (rep. Briggs, M)