Sat 25 Jan 2025
Longlevens welcomed Trowbridge to Longford Lane for an entertaining top four clash this Saturday. Both sides had so far done very well in the league and were on the same points in third and fourth respectively, so it was always going to be a tight battle. unfortunately, the Griffins were on the wrong side of the result.
Trowbridge had the best of the opening exchanges and went 12 nil up in the first half an hour. They were playing well and were also very strong defensively. Despite being two scores down the Griffins kept plugging away and the last 10 minutes played some great rugby.
Two good scores from Mike Yorke, who showed excellent finishing, brought the score back to 10-12 and a last-minute score from Jack Cuthbert, who had another hard carrying game, took Longlevens into the lead at half time, 17-12.
Confidence was high and another win looked very much on the cards. However, it was to be poor discipline that ultimately cost the Griffins. Trowbridge again started the half the brightest and scored a try after only five minutes, and this coupled with two three pointers from ill discipline stretched their lead to 17-25.
The game was still in the balance and every effort was being made to get the win. James Butler made an excellent break and managed to put Yorke in space. He sprinted clear only to be caught by the cover tackle, and it eventually came to nothing.
The killer blow came on the hour as Trowbridge bagged another converted try and put the game to bed at 17-32. Longlevens knew they could still get something out of the game if they continued to plug away, and they did just that through Steve Phillips, who powered over with 10 to go, 24-32.
It was perhaps too late to get the win, but a second bonus point was definitely achievable and it was inches away as Jack Cuthbert drove over, only to be penalised for a double movement.
The defeat was obviously disappointing but Trowbridge are a good side and ultimately played the better rugby over 80 minutes. It was four tries apiece and the boot of the Trowbridge 10, who was man of the match, played a big part. The boys will work hard in training to put things right and will go into next week all guns blazing to get a win away at Drybrook, #UTFG.
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