IMPROVED ALL GOLDS DEFEATED BY LEADERS
BRISTOL ALL GOLDS 06 – 48 WESTS WARRIORS
Christopher Wilson at Lockleaze Sports Centre, Filton
SUMMARY
The Bristol All Golds suffered a heavy 48-6 defeat to table-topping Wests Warriors at Lockleaze. Despite the size of the loss, the All Golds’ performance was an improvement on last week’s loss to Bedford Tigers and a little more composure when close to their opponents’ line might have brought more reward on the scoreboard. The Warriors, who have only lost once this season, were too good for the home side scoring ten tries to the All Golds’ one. Their finishing and defensive solidity earned them a 22-6 interval lead which they built on during the second half to claim the points. Tyler Johnson Thomas and Ben Yerby both scored twice while Blake Nahu, George Jackson, Louis Robinson, Jacob Morison, Ryan Couch, and James Morrison also crossed. Nahu added three goals and Neil Thorman one. The All Golds’ only response was a well-taken try from Henry Symons, converted by Kurtis Haile midway through the first half.
FULL REPORT
The Bristol All Golds suffered a heavy 48-6 defeat to table-topping Wests Warriors at Lockleaze but their performance was much improved on last week’s dismal defeat to Bedford. The Warriors, who have only lost once this season, were too good for the home side scoring ten tries to the All Golds’ one.
Though the scoreline was similar, the game was of a completely different complexion, with the All Golds’ pack being much more effective driving forward and the defence putting up stiff resistance throughout the 80 minutes.
However, the attack was unable to breach the Wests’ rearguard, despite spells of pressure on the visitors’ line. There was a lack of creativity and Wests were easily able to ward off some predictable play to keep their line intact.
The All Golds had started the match well, getting some good fortune by recovering Josh Fitzgerald’s blocked kick to earn a repeat set. However, nothing came of it and the Warriors soon got the scoreboard moving.
Tyler Johnson Thomas crashed over after three minutes’ play, Neil Thorman adding the extras before the sides settled down to exchange sets, without threatening a score.
The Warriors were making uncharacteristic mistakes, perhaps as a result of the reshuffle they had to make on the morning of the match, but they settled down as the game wore on and extended their lead on 16 minutes as full-back Blake Nahu burst through the home defence to score an unconverted try.
This was followed by Ben Yerby grounding a Thorman kick that had taken a wicked bounce in the corner, but the All Golds’ response was swift.
Following a penalty, Henry Symons took a pass and cut back inside, powering through defenders to the posts. Kurtis Haile’s conversion was a formality, and the All Golds were back in the game, trailing 14-6.
The scoreline stayed that way until the final minutes of the half when the Warriors grabbed two tries in as many minutes to wrest back control of the game.
After Nahu went close, George Jackson powered over for a try and on the next set, Nahu was the provider for Johnson Thomas to cross for his second try. Thorman’s off-day with the boot continued as both scores went unconverted, but the Warriors had a 22-6 lead at the change of ends.
Wests dominated possession early in the second period, though the All Golds put together a good set that ended with the ball going loose following a blockbusting run from Tom Baxter.
Wests were not so profligate, and Louis Robinson crashed over under the posts for a simple try. Nahu took over the kicking duties and added the extras to extend the lead to 28-6.
Ten minutes later, Dylan Leney almost reached the line following a mazy run and got a little luck as his offload bounced off an All Golds defender into Jacob Morison’s hands for an easy score. Nahu again added the goal.
This might have been the cue for the All Golds to tamely subside, but to their credit, they worked hard to get into good field position and, benefitting from some indiscipline by the Warriors that earned the home side three repeat sets, battered the visitors’ line.
However, a lack of creativity and guile saw their attacks repulsed by the visitors’ scrambling defence.
On the hour mark, Dan Short was sin-binned after the All Golds had made high tackles in consecutive plays and the Warriors took full advantage.
Thorman produced a delicious inside pass to send Ryan Couch under the sticks before Yerby went over in the corner with the All Golds’ defence caught short out wide. Nahu added a goal to extend his side’s lead to 44-6.
The game began to get a little heated as no sooner had Short returned from the sin-bin Wests’ big forward Dan Neuman went for a dangerous tackle.
Four minutes later, the All Golds’ Eric Davidson mistimed a tackle that turned into a shoulder charge and after calming a brief melee, the referee brought out the yellow card again.
Wests scored immediately, Leney providing a good pass for James Morrison to score an unconverted try in the corner.
Wests were unable to break the half century as the referee blew the final whistle when they were in good field position close to the All Golds line.
The All Golds’ performance was certainly an improvement on last week’s showing against Bedford Tigers who strengthened their position in third place with an away win over London Chargers this week, but they face a tough assignment when they travel to Bedford next week for the return fixture.
One really positive aspect was the appearance off the bench of 17-year old Ollie Edge who has come through the junior ranks at the All Golds. He carried the ball well and defended strongly in the time he was on the field. It is hoped he will be the first of many.
MatchStats
Teams:
ALL GOLDS: Kurtis Haile; Joe Capener, Henry Symons, Mason Ball, Leon Atherton; Josh Fitzgerald, Jack Uren; Tom Baxter, Adam Turner, Eric Davidson; Luke Davies, Rob Davies; Tega Rume-Tabiowo; INTERCHANGE: Greg Hamilton, Ollie Edge, Wes Long, Dan Short. 18th player: Nat Strange
Scorers
Tries: Symons (27).
Goals: Haile 1 from 1.
WARRIORS: Blake Nahu; Ben Yerby, Tamati Gribble, George Jackson, James Morrison; Ryan Couch, Neil Thorman; Louis Robinson, Dylan Leney, Jacob Morison; Sam Griffiths, Tyler Johnson Thomas; Liam O’Callaghan; INTERCHANGE: Justin Dunnet, Dan Neuman, Aaron Lewis.
Scorers:
Tries: Johnson Thomas (3, 39), Nahu (16), Yerby (23, 68), Jackson (36), Robinson (44), Morison (53), Couch (63), Morrison (76)
Goals: Thorman 1 from 5, Nahu 3 from 5.
Scoring sequence: 0-6, 0-10, 0-14, 6-14, 6-18, 6-22, (HT), 6-28, 6-34, 6-40, 6-44, 6-48, (FT)
Penalties: All Golds 4-10 Warriors
Sin-Bin:
All Golds: Short (61, persistent team offences), Davidson (74, shoulder charge)
Warriors: Neuman (71, dangerous tackle)
Referee: Malcolm Holmes (RFL)
All Golds Player of the Match: Josh Fitzgerald worked hard in midfield always looking to unlock the well-organised Wests defence.