BRIDGWATER & ALBION V CHARD
SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER 2025
KICK-OFF 1400 PM Match
With special thanks to Match Sponsor Mike Berry
BRIDGWATER
CHARD VISIT AFTER TWO ENCOUNTERS WITH THE LEAGUE FRONT RUNNERS WHILST BRIDGWATER & ALBION PONDER RECENT NARROW DEFEATS
We welcome Chard to College Way today for what has become a regular pattern of fixtures - the clubs have met at all of Levels 5, 6 and 7 over the years. A few years ago by dint of league restructuring Chard moved back to Level 6 for two seasons and in the first of those, the clubs met with Chard completing the double. Chard were then relegated to join us at Level 7 for 2024/25 and in the league encounters Chard won 25-26 on their own ground in the second week of the season and we won here some 51 weeks ago 25-17. If that was not enough, then the clubs were drawn together in the Papa John’s Cup on 26 April this year we were successful 29-20. Chard finished up in 8th place with a 7-1-14 record and 43 points behind Bridgwater & Albion who finished in 6th on 51 points. In this season’s RFU Community Cup Chard have advanced to the third round to be played at the end of January after defeating our own conquerors Wiveliscombe.
This season, Chard have an even record with 4 wins and 4 defeats and on 20 points. In their last two outings in recent weeks they have succumbed 12-31 at Nailsea and at home last week 13-31 to Dings Crusaders II –both of these clubs being the unbeaten league leaders. They have earlier defeated other high riders –Midsomer Norton 34-32 as well as wins over Taunton II, Gordon League and Chosen Hill FP. Like ourselves, they also succumbed narrowly at Gordano (21-24) so both sides will be keen to complete the remainder of the first half of the season with further victories.
Bridgwater & Albion returned from Gordano after a narrow 23-24 defeat to go with the loss at Gordon League by 2 points a few weeks ago. In both games, Albion entered the second half in the lead – at Gordon League we fought back well after conceding early points but up the M5 last Saturday, we took the first half initiative and swept to a 17-5 interval lead after two well constructed tries the first of which involved some brotherly telepathy between the Mahoney Brothers with Shaun securing the try. With that in hand, it may be important to score next but sadly the home side clearly after a rousing half-time talk, put matters straight by securing two tries in the opening minutes of the second half to level the scores. We sensibly kicked a penalty to retake the lead and added another one later as the home side claimed their fourth try. All of the home sides scores came from lines-out and drives from near the Albion line. There were opportunities to win the game but the home side just held out. Alas we were able to obtain a bonus point to provide some momentum.
Ironically when we met Chard on 13 December last year, we were in a similar position in league terms. This match against Chard was the start of our considerable turn around. So we will be hoping that lightening strikes twice.
In this somewhat fragmented season we are now in the midst of a five consecutive week playing schedule and next week visit Midsomer Norton who are enjoying something of a considerable revival as the last time
we met them in this league two years ago, we won both matches comfortably but they must have improved considerably. The first half is then rounded off with another home match against Nailsea & Backwell.
In the last few weeks James Brakes has made his 50th appearance in the 1st XV and Harry Pentelow stands by to reach the same mark in his next appearance; today assuming that he plays, the honours go to Karolis Urbonas who is due to make his 75th 1st XV appearance and therefore claim his badge. Alex Knight has now made 48 appearances, closely followed by Graham Slorance on 46 and Josh Frost on 44; meanwhile Lewis Plece needs 4 more for his badge award and Jon Hill 6 of the same. Further up, George Sluman is 6 appearances short of the commendable 200 mark. All to play for? Of course – let’s keep going for it.
TODAY’S MATCH SPONSOR
Our kind sponsor today is none other than our erstwhile President Mike Berry who will need no introduction. Mike is now in his 27th and final season as President and has sponsored matches for some considerable time – both through his former firm Maxwells and more recently in his personal capacity. Mike prides himself on his 1595 appearances through all club sides over a 50 year playing span and is still regularly seen behind the posts either at home or on opposition grounds supporting our club sides – something which he says will continue for as long as possible. We welcome Mike’s guests to College Way today and hope that they all have an enjoyable time and of course bring some influence on the outcome of today’s match.
2ND XV PEPPING UP
Our 2nd XV have taken the limelight in recent weeks and are undefeated in their last three matches, thoroughly beating Crewkerne 46-0 and last week, Martock 49-5 – stuck in between a 19-19 draw at North Petherton II. This has lifted the team to 4th place in the league and today, they will be seeking to maintain their run at Chard II before completing their first half of the season at home to Wiveliscombe II next week –the originally scheduled match against Wells due on 20 December having of course already been brought forward and played at the end of October.
3RD XV/DIRTRACKERS LINGERING
All clubs whom we meet at various levels are struggling to produce full XV’s as evidenced in various league patterns. Only last week, our 3rd XV was equipped to play at North Petherton III but alas the home side could not make it; last Saturday the boot was on the other foot and we could not proceed to Somerton. Hopefully today the local derby v Morganians will take place on the back pitch. Next week a visit to Minehead Barbarians II is anticipated and likewise with the 2nd XV the match against Wells II on 20 December has already been played (and won).
B&A COLTS PROMINENT IN COUNTY SELECTION
Four of our Colts XV were included in the Somerset U18 squad against Berkshire at Hartpury two weeks ago. All of Austin Ranson, Conner Evans, Will Bown and Albert White played and acquitted themselves well despite Somerset losing. They all hope to be in action in the next match against Buckinghamshire at the same venue. The benefit of a prospering Colts XV is well evident in our senior sides of today with several from our successful Colts teams from the last few seasons making good progress in the senior ranks –something which must continue. Last Sunday our lads went down 19-26 at Taunton but showed considerable promise and they will be looking for victory in their next outing at Yeovil on 14 December.
NEXT FIXTURES ON THIS GROUND
Saturday 13 December
2nd XV v Wiveliscombe II
Sunday 14 December
Women’s XV v Devizes
Saturday 20 December
1st XV v Nailsea & Backwell
Kick-off 1400
Kick-off 1400
Kick-off 1400
BRIDGWATER
&
MOURNS SAD LOSS OF LONG-TIME SUPPORTERS
In the last few weeks, the deaths of three of our long-time supporters has brought sad news to the club.
Janice Mansfield
Janice is the wife of long-time Albion supporter Peter Mansfield and she sadly passed away in mid-October. Janice had strong connections to the club in that her father Jack Taylor was a stalwart in our club sides following the Second World War, playing in both our 1st and 2nd XV’s and also becoming President of the club for one season in the mid-1990’s. In addition, Janice’s brother Mike Taylor also played for all of our club sides from Colts upwards and was captain of the 1st XV in the 1976/77 and 1977/78 seasons. Janice’s nephew Michael Taylor (son of Mike) also played in our Colts and senior XV’s before moving on to North Petherton.
Janice’s own son Paul Anthony also appeared in our Colts and senior XV’s and later played for Morganians. The funeral takes place at St Mary’s Church on Monday 15 December at 11 am.
Emrys William (Bill) David Staples
Our regular supporter Bill Staples passed away aged 91 on 19 November. Bill first took up rugby football whilst serving in the Somerset Light Infantry. On leaving the service, he briefly played at Bridgwater & Albion before moving to play for North Petherton RFC along with friends and family. In later years, Bill has supported the playing careers of his two sons David and Paul both of whom have played in our senior XV’s, David also acting as manager of the 2nd XV whilst Paul captained the Veterans XV for some seasons, as well as being Chairman of the club for one season a few years ago. In addition, Bill’s granddaughter Danielle (daughter of Paul) has also played in our Women’s XV and she also assisted the club committee by acting as secretary for three seasons recently. Bill always enjoyed his visits to the club for our home matches and the club has relished his keen support.
Bill’s funeral is being held at Sedgemoor Crematorium on Friday 19 December at 10 am.
Brian Foxwell
Brian Foxwell who farmed for many years on the extremities of Bridgwater towards the North Petherton boundary recently passed away. Brian was an ace supporter of many local organisations – particularly local sporting clubs in the Bridgwater and North Petherton areas. He was also a stalwart supporter of Somerset County Cricket Club. Brian always enjoyed bringing his band of fellow farmers and other acquaintances in to Bridgwater & Albion’s matches when the Friends of the club hosted lunches prior to 1st XV games. His support was renowned and the enjoyment clearly mutual.
Brian’s funeral is being held at North Petherton Church on Tuesday 9 December at 11.30 am.
Bridgwater & Albion RFC sends its sincere condolences to all bereaved family and friends of our treasured supporters with the club’s grateful thanks for their significant support during their lifetimes.
1.David Biss
2.Joe Mainwaring
3.Luke Aplin
4.David Morton
5.Steve Pape
6.Jason Wright
7.Roy Wickham
8.Dean Richards (C)
9.George Russo
10. Niall Crouch
11. Fin Shoemark
12. Ben Fenton
13. Ross Colenso
14. George Chapple
15. James Whitlock Replacements
16. Harvi Gardiner
17. Max Gosden
18. Charlie Clifford
