Longlevens RFC

Longlevens produced a superb performance to end Trowbridge’s perfect league record, edging out the previously unbeaten table-toppers 31–28 in a thrilling encounter played at Oxtalls Sports Arena. Ongoing wet weather had rendered Longford Lane unplayable, but the switch of venue did nothing to dampen the intensity of a contest packed with drama and quality.

With availability much improved this week, the Griffins fielded a strong side and the difference showed from the outset. Matt Smith made his first start of the season and marked his return in trademark fashion, while the squad was clearly fired up by stirring pre-match words from Director of Rugby Andy Deacon and veteran James Butler, ensuring Longlevens took the field in the right frame of mind.

The hosts started strongly, dominating possession deep inside the Trowbridge 22. Sustained pressure eventually told when Brad Wilkins reacted quickest from a tap penalty to cross the whitewash, before converting his own try to give Longlevens a deserved 7–0 lead.

Trowbridge, however, reminded everyone why they sit top of the league. Their powerful number eight proved a constant threat in the first half and soon powered over to level the scores at 7–7. The Griffins then briefly went off the boil, and the visitors ruthlessly capitalised, scoring two tries in quick succession to stretch the lead to 7–21.

Crucially, Longlevens refused to panic. A late Wilkins penalty reduced the deficit to 10–21 at the break, and the half-time team talk was full of belief that the 11-point gap could be overturned.

That belief was fully justified. The Griffins came out with renewed energy and purpose, and on the hour mark Matt Fatica, outstanding throughout, finished off a well-worked move to bring the score back to 17–21. Momentum firmly swung Longlevens’ way soon after, as Matt Smith announced his return in style, beating defenders and sidestepping his way through for a classic try to put the Griffins ahead at 24–21.

The home side were not done there. James Butler, now pulling the strings at fly-half, showed his class by spotting a mismatch in the defensive line and dancing around a stranded forward to extend the lead to 31–21.

Trowbridge, to their credit, fought all the way back and crossed late on to make it a nervy 31–28 with minutes remaining. Longlevens were then held up over the line, meaning all that was required was to retain possession from the goal-line drop-out. A kick away almost proved costly as the dangerous Trowbridge full-back returned the ball some 50 yards before finally being stopped.

Despite the late scare, the Griffins held their nerve, managing the final seconds expertly to seal a hugely satisfying victory that will do wonders for confidence.

Next week, Longlevens travel to Chippenham, hoping for another strong week of availability as they look to showcase their pace once again on a 3G surface.