Entertainment

Bristol All Golds 16 Hammersmith Hills Hoists  44

Weather: sunny dry windy

Venue: Lockleaze Sports Centre Bonnington Walk Bristol BS7 9XF

Match report by Baskerville

The current champions are always a big draw as was evident from the largest crowd of the season so far attending at rugby league’s splendid headquarters in Bristol. Indeed those in attendance were not to be disappointed as both teams displayed this wonderful sport at its finest with skill, speed and athleticism plus the expected thunderous defence all on the menu. The visitors from the Capital are amongst the top ten sides in the United Kingdom and the All Golds put them under intense pressure for the opening 50 minutes of a compelling encounter that yet again showed that the Southern Conference League is the jewel in rugby league’s national crown.

The opening quarter was full of high octane action on both sides of the ball. However it was the visitors who opened the scoring when from close rang the Hoists dummy half Tyler Rush sent Declan Orr over. Shortly thereafter an unforced error by the All Golds presented Hammersmith with a midfield scrum and this opportunity resulted in a classy dash to the corner by Joel Strasser. Luke Morrissey tacked on the extras and the home side, despite some excellent play, found themselves 10 points in arrears. Roared on by a packed terrace of fans Bristol began to assert themselves in the final 15 minutes of the opening period. The All Golds began to secure both field position and possession. As a consequence Sam Gilder on debut sent Wales international Brandon Lamb thundering over the line. The conversion was missed but the All Golds brought the half to a tremendous conclusion with a delightful touchdown under the sticks. Josh Fitzgerald fired a fine pass to his half back partner Callum Merrett and the local boy tricked the defence and cut through to score. He converted the try and locked the scores up at 10 apiece at the break.

The crowd continued to build as the action resumed as more supporters arrived in anticipation of further high quality entertainment and to secure their places for the top of the table showdown in the women’s Southern Championship between Bristol Golden Ferns and the British Army.

It was the Hoists who struck first when their quicksilver centre Charles Beatty spotted a gap in the Bristol defence and glided in from 25 metres. Morrissey goaled. The next key play of the match was to bring the crowd to its feet. Callum Merrett intercepted a pass and cheered on by the spectators he outpaced the Hammersmith cover on a 70 metres odyssey to the whitewash. Fitzgerald obliged and after 50 minutes each sided had amassed 16 points.

Rugby League is a brilliant sport but also cruel. So much so that highly skilled and disciplined sides will punish severely any unforced errors. As the All Golds tired they made far too many errors which gifted possession and field position to the Londoners. Matters were compounded with the sinbinning of Morgan Lewis.

Hammersmith’s execution of plays and superior fitness brought admiration from many on the viewing gallery and terrace. The culmination was further 4 pointers from Lachlan Sharples (2), Thomas West, Beatty and Strasser. Morrissey completed a good day with the boot converting 4 of the tries.

☆ Bristol All Golds:

Kurtis Haile, Joe Capener, Henry Symons, Will Armour, Leon Atherton, Josh Fitzgerald, Callum Merrett, Eric Davidson, George Lawless, Tega Rume-Tabiowo, Dan Short, Brandon Lamb, Morgan Lewis. Mason Ball, Angus Parkin, Rob Davies, Sam Gilder.

☆ Hammersmith Hills Hoists:

Joel Strasser, Thomas West, Charles Beatty, Christopher Ball, Kane Strachan, Jack Ryan, Luke Morrissey, Eamon Iheme, Tyler Rush, Matthew Jessop, Declan Orr, Russell Kelleway, Conor McDonald Ryan O’Connor, Leon Bird, Samuel Beere, Lachlan Sharples.

☆ Penalties:

All Golds – 6

Hoists – 9

☆ Match Official:

Malcom Holmes (RFL)

☆ Man of the Match:

All Golds – Callum Merrett

Hammersmith – Samuel Beere

☆ Scoring sequence:

Try Orr 0-4

Try Strasser 0-8

Goal Morrissey 0-10

Try Lamb 4-10

Try Merrett 8-10

Goal Merrett 10-10

Try Beatty 10-14

Goal Morrissey 10-16

Try Merrett 14-16

Goal Fitzgerald 16-16

Try Sharples 16-20

Goal Morrissey 16-22

Try West 16-26

Try Beatty 16-30

Goal Morrissey 16-32

Try Sharples 16-36

Goal Morrissey 16-38

Try Strasser 16-42

Goal Morrissey 16-44