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Bewdley suffered an unlucky defeat in their first game of the season in the North Midlands 3 Division by the hands of Greyhounds. The first half was a close competition with Bewdley gaining a majority of the territorial advantage with the backs showing fine running form. However chances were not converted to points. Greyhounds took an early lead, however, with a penalty kick. Bewdley continued to fight hard but suffered a set back with South African Phil Arderne being substituted after sustaining a leg injury. Bewdleys scrum started to dominate thus giving a good platform for the speed of Freeman brothers. This saw opportunities go begging and solid scrummaging and lineout work from the forwards gave the backs good possession and Bewdley were unlucky to finish the half three points down. Greyhounds started the second half the stronger side and quickly added a try when the Greyhound prop went over from a short distance. The battle for territory was intense. Bewdley took a quick penalty five metres out which was disallowed. From the ensuing lineout Greyhounds gave away another penalty which Steve Freeman, continuing the rich points scoring vein from last season, scored under the posts with Nick Brown converting. Bewdley, with a ten minutes remaining, took the lead when a quickly taken penalty from scrum-half Stuart Bell saw the ball played down the back line and veteran John Tidmarsh used the overlap to score his first try for the club. With seconds remaining a mistake from the full back gifted Greyhounds with winning try which was converted to give the victory by 17 points to 12. Man of the match was awarded to number 8 Mark Woodward, who returned after a long injury period last season, for his solid workman like performance. Bewdley can take heart from the first game that saw a solid and more rounded performance from the team. |
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