CO-OPERATIVE RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE PREMIERSHIP
Regional Semi Final, Sunday 24 August 2008
BRISTOL SONICS 38 – 14 COVENTRY BEARS
With the wind at their backs and the slope in their favour, the Bristol Sonics dominated the second half of this entertaining encounter at Chosen Hill to secure a 38-14 win over Hainault Bulldogs.
An even first period was just edged by the Bulldogs after the Sonics had shown good touches in attack followed by periods where their defence looked fragile.
They opened the scoring after just 90 seconds, Dave Murray finishing a break created by the Sonics’ halfbacks Dom Swann and James Gross.
Hainault replied soon after with Danny Lewis crossing in a corner after strong defence had forced an error from the Sonics, Tom Claridge converting well.
Murray was on hand to restore the Sonics lead finishing a long distance break begun by an interception from Graham Hargreaves, Swann adding the first of his five goals.
Hainault finished the half on top and two tries in three minutes before the break gave them the advantage. Richard Griffiths’ well-weighted grubber kick sat up for him to touch down before hard running from the forwards saw Richard Bailey charge through some weak tackling to score.
The second half was all Bristol. Playing down the slope, Hargreaves fed Swann for the try that tied the scores. Swann’s conversion edged the Sonics into a lead they were never to lose.
Seven minutes later, James Gross turned the screw with a try from close range converted by Swann before the Sonics defence stood up to be counted.
After Swann’s 40-20 attempt went out on the full, the Bulldogs had three successive sets on the Sonics line but could not break through and when the siege was lifted, the Bristol side extended their lead.
Just before the hour mark, Swann’s neat chip was grabbed by Gross for an unconverted try and that was soon followed by a score from Dan Evans. Swann’s goal gave the Sonics breathing space and put the nail in the Bulldogs’ coffin.
Before the end, having wasted two good scoring chances, Harry Marson put Lloyd in under the posts to send the Sonics to Derby.
Teams:
BRISTOL SONICS:Dan Evans, Dave Murphy, James Pritchard, Johan Schoeman, Graham Hargreaves, Dom Swann (Capt.), James Gross, Wes Rogers, Harry Marson, Dave Weaver, Sam Barker, Rich Hadley, Neil Holder, Replacements: Rod Buchanan, Ed Tofts, Stafford Lloyd, Carl Watkins.
Scorers: Tries; Dave Murray (2, 18), Dom Swann (45), James Gross (52), Graham Hargreaves (59), Dan Evans (62), Stafford Lloyd (78). Conversions; Dom Swann 5 from 7.
HAINAULT BULLDOGS:Paul Jabbour, Danny Lewis, Adam Duffy, Keith Green, Alex Deacon, Tom Claridge, Richard Griffiths, Ian Lovett, Rob Anderson, Reece Barney, Luke Bredin, Peter Jabbour, Graham Bailey (Capt.). Replacements: Ray Luggeri, Francis Ambrose, Nick Williams, Jack Gammans.
Scorers: Tries; Danny Lewis (11), Richard Griffiths (28), Graham Bailey (31). Conversions; Tom Claridge 1 from 3.
Referee: Darren Hayes (Widnes), Touch Judges: Ian Allison & John Cadogan
Man of the Match: Sonics; Harry Marson, Bulldogs: Peter Jabbour
Penalties: Sonics 9, Bulldogs 7.
Scoring sequence: 4-0, 4-6, 10-6, 10-10, 10-14, (HT), 16-14, 22-14, 26-14, 32-14, 38-14, (FT).
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Chris Wilson
Media Manager, Gloucestershire Warriors RLFC
Tel: +44 (0)1684 850903
Mobile: + 44 (0)7905 931033
Email: gloswarriors2004@aol.com
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