Bridge finish 2018 with a win at home to West London

Far from their best, Bridge grind out win against West London to finish 2018 on high

Uxbridge’s final game of 2018 was at home to West London and after a positive showing last time out against Old Millhillians and a week’s training behind them, were looking to put in a good performance.

The game began with Bridge seeing much of the ball but not managing to do too much with it- wires were getting crossed and errors being made despite good carrying and hard running from the forwards.

Brian Cassidy got the Uxbridge account up and running with a penalty in front of the sticks before West London replied with a try of their own to take a narrow lead. Repeated infringements led to a series of penalties that Dean Poland nudged into the corners to pressure the West London line.

One such misdemeanour led to a five-metre scrum in which the front five of Niall McLaughlin, Alex Clamp, Tom Redrup, Mark Coles and Adam Jenkins (his last any only meaningful contribution before injury ;)) drove the visitors scrum back for Jake Lamport to score. Cassidy added the extras.

Taking a narrow lead into half time, Bridge came out with a mentality to try and make easier for themselves and did exactly the opposite gifting two soft tries to West London following poor work in and around the rucks.

As the game entered the final quarter, Bridge managed to up their game and play more rugby in the West London danger zone and after more repeated penalties, kicks for the corner from Poland and an onslaught on the West London line, Coles latched on to Simon Coldwell who powered his way over the line to score Bridge’s second of the afternoon. Cassidy again was on hand to add the extra two points.

Bridge could have scored an extra try right at the death but for an unfortunate bounce for the ball to go out of play, but the referees whistle sounded with the final score at 17-15 in Uxbridge’s favour.

There are no further games in 2018. The next First XV game is Saturday 12 January 2019 at home to Mill Hill. The Second XV face Chiswick Fourth XV at home.

The club would like to thank all the players, coaches, physio’s and supporters for their contributions this year and hope you have a very merry Christmas and happy, prosperous 2019.