Positive performance ends in defeat

In the first competitive game of the 2015-16 season BAC set out to put a good pre-season into action against Broad Plain in the Level 10 Intermediate Cup.
Following a positive opening BAC found themselves behind to a try scored resulting from a Broad Plain lineout. Conversion missed.
The 15 minutes of the game was an even affair with both teams showing good defence offering very few opportunities for any clean line breaks.
As the half wore on, BAC took control playing large parts in the Broad Plain half. With Nathan Flynn and Stuart Bowker creating problems at the breakdown on more than one occasion the referee gave a penalty which Sam Sheppard converted to make it 3-5.
Unfortunately, BAC were unable to capitalise on the territory advantage with the lineout proving to be a challenge for both hooker and jumpers - more work needed GT.
With both teams with plenty to play for the second half promised to be as close as the first. BAC looked to follow on from where they left off in the first half and get some points on the board.
BAC set about getting into some good attacking shape putting the Broad Plain defence on the back foot with Nathan Moore and Stuart Bowker making yards. Some loose work at the breakdown allowed Broad Plain either to slow play down or jackal the ball on more than one occasion which interrupted the flow as the game started to open up. BAC looked to release Jonathan Moore into space and did so on a couple of occasions making good yards before being caught by good covering defence.
Gareth Ronayne looked comfortable at 15 all afternoon and with support from Josh Wilton they looked to capitalise on a long kick. Josh cut through the first wave of advancing defenders popping the ball up to Nathan Flynn as BAC piled forward into the Broad Plain half. Some quick handling released an overlap on the left presenting BAC with a 2 on 1... one stray pass later and Broad Plain regained possession.
Broad Plain gained some momentum and scored the only try of the second half soon after with a well worked move off a lineout allowing their winger to burst through a gap created in midfield and beating the last line of defence. Conversion made 3-12.
Despite some solid defence from Josh Wilton, Rob Wilton and James Noone, BAC conceded a couple of avoidable penalties with Broad Plan converting one in front of the posts to extend their lead to 3-15.
A final flourish from BAC saw some attacking intent with several lineouts in the opposition 22 that they were unlucky not to score from.

Overall there were definitely more positives than negatives to take from defeat in only the second game of the season. The scrum looked solid, and the defence stood up to a strong running side, the backs showed some good running lines and just lacked the final ball going to hand to make the difference.
Execution will be the key, with the need to capitalise on territorial possession an important learning to take forward into next week.

Man of the Match - James Noone
Debutants - James Noone; Louis Kiersey; Jonathan Moore; Damian Clark