BRIDGWATER & ALBION v TAUNTON II
SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2024
KICK-OFF 1500
WARRIORS ON THE WARPATH AS LOCAL DERBY RESURRECTS AFTER A LONG ABSENCE
Today we welcome Taunton II (also known as Warriors) to College Way for the first local derby between the clubs for many seasons as league status and positions has determined that we be kept apart – well at the present time; in addition the absence of festive period games – Boxing Day – has also assisted the dearth of regular meetings.
The Warriors arrived in WCN this season after gaining promotion from Counties II Somerset last season – it was their first involvement in leagues. They won the title resoundingly with a 21-1 record scoring 957 points and accumulating 21 bonus points throughout the campaign. They have continued that enthusiasm in WCN although they have suffered two setbacks along the way. They currently sit in fourth place in the league with a 4-2 record and on 22 points having gained the 4 try bonus in 5 matches and a losing bonus point in another. Heavy scorers they are having hit the 50 mark thrice this season including a resounding 57-31 against a clearly spirited Chosen Hill side last week – we can vouch for the opposition’s spirit. However before that, the Warriors went down 36-44 at home to Nailsea & Backwell and also lost 17-21 at Cleve – the front-runners who are now the only unbeaten team in the league.
The Warriors highlighted their pedigree in previous years by winning the Somerset Cup in 2018/19 and have welcomed their league presence on the basis that they are now provided with regular games. This season, they are also enjoying the company of the 2nd XV’s from three of their 1st XV’s league sides Old Redcliffians and Clifton whom they play next week and Cinderford whom Taunton 1st XV are playing today at home. We welcome the local derby back on the circuit and wish the Warriors well both today and for the future campaign.
Bridgwater & Albion returned from Old Bristolians where we lost 19-39 somewhat chastened but not dispirited. This was not a game of two halves – more like the first 30 minutes and the last 50. Whilst Old Bristolians comfortably won the first bit, we hit back well and outscored the home side 19-10 in the latter period. Alas, it is the total points scored which count. There were some encouraging performances particularly from Karolis Urbonas who had not appeared at 1st XV level through injury since the 2022/23 season - on his 50th appearance he scored our opening try; later on the introduction of two of last season’s Colts Charlie Barnes and Trystan Hudson both showed that they and other younger players now appearing in our senior sides have considerable promise. Whilst we could not cope with the excellent use of the width
of the field and long passing of the home side early on, we certainly got to grips with them up front and curbed their activities for long periods but this emphasis must of course be imposed much earlier in the game. After the promise shown following the victory over Chosen Hill, we will be disappointed but need to rise to the challenges that better than last season sides coming into the league are presenting.
Gavin Knight, having prematurely celebrated last week, should make his actual 150th appearance today. He is another who has persevered over a long period to reach this mark – a fine example of loyalty and endeavour.
Next week is a rest week which is just as well for us as the Carnival weekend normally interrupts proceedings here and after that, it is away to newcomers Gordon League in Gloucester.
UNITED XV PUSH ON SUBSTANTIALLY
The United XV were well tested at Weston-super-Mare II two weeks ago but came through 22-14 and then blitzed Chard II 82-0 here last week. Today, they are at Castle Cary and with both sides unbeaten, then something will need to give. This last performance was after making several changes from the previous week’s side showing that our blend of experience and up and coming and youthful impetus from last season’s Colts XV is certainly paying off.
DIRTRACKERS BATTLE ON
Our Dirtrackers XV were forced to withdraw from their game at Burnham II on 12 October but we were able to field a side at home to Martock last Saturday but went down 7-32 against the high riding South Somerset club. Today, this team visits Minehead II.
COLTS START SEASON WELL
Our Colts XV transitioning following the rise to seniority of several of last season’s side – still look a useful outfit and with wins 41-10 over Minehead and 40-5 against Yeovil in the Somerset league – seem to be on route for further success but have to wait until 10 November for their next match away to Chard.
WOMEN’S XV
Our Women’s XV is due to play a Somerset Cup match against Winscombe here tomorrow kick-off 1400.
WEBB ELLIS SOMERSET CUP
We have received a home draw against Chew Valley in the second round of this competition (there is just one match in the first round). This match was scheduled for the weekend of 22/23/24 November so watch this space for the final determination. We met Chew Valley at the semi final stage last season but it is clear from their league performances that their side has certainly altered.
NEXT MATCHES ON THIS GROUND
Sunday 27 October
Women’s XV v Winscombe
Friday 1 November
Beth Branson Memorial Match
Saturday 9 November
United XV v North Petherton II
Saturday 16 November
1st XV v Clifton II
Dirtrackers v Morganians
Kick-off 1400
Kick-off 1930
Kick-off 1430
Kick-off 1500
Kick-off 1430
A
LONG TIME COMING BUT KAROLIS REACHES 50 1ST XV APPEARANCES
Karolis Urbonas who played through our mini, junior and Colts sections, has battled through his senior career to make his 50th 1st XV appearance at Old Bristolians last Saturday where he scored his only try of his 1st XV career. From an early age, it was his work rate and overall endeavour which impressed and he always gives 100%. Originally playing on the flank, he was always in the fray and having switched to the front row and hooker more recently, still plays with the same vigour and enthusiasm. That he has taken so long to reach the 50 mark is down to having suffered long time injuries, the first of which was at Wiveliscombe in October 2017 and that kept him out from any rugby through the 2017/18 season but he then reappeared in the 1st XV at Launceston in February 2019 in a resounding 35-17 victory. He appeared regularly in the 2021/22 season and carried on that into the next season but again injury struck which meant that he missed a substantial part of the 2023/24 matches. However, he has trained hard and recovered well to take his place again.
Karolis made his debut as a replacement in the Somerset Cup match against Clevedon in March 2017 and appeared again as replacement in the final match against Matson of the 2016/17 season. His last appearance before last week was at Wadebridge Camels in March 2023. He has plenty of time on his side to continue, extend and enhance his skills for our benefit for some time to come.
KAROLIS URBONAS
Debut 15.3.17 v Clevedon
SCRFU Cup A L 12-46
50 19.10.24 v Old Bristolians WCN A L 19-39 (scored try)
Gavin Knight is another of our longer term playing members who has persevered through our senior sides for many seasons. In the last few he has become a consistent member of the squad. He has appeared in all six of our matches to date this season. He made his debut as long ago as the 2010/11 season against Cheltenham when we were in the elevated heights of South West One. Since then he has been a member of our senior squad and also featured well in our United XV who have certainly had their moments over the past few seasons. He is an out and out hooker and able to give good service in other forward positions as the rolling replacements Laws allow. Last season he played in 21 of our 24 matches and notched 4 tries. He is already off the mark this season and will be hoping to extend not only his appearances but his points scored. He is the type of player every club needs – willing, available and constant.
APPEARANCES SCORES
