Match report: Bream

The Daggers welcomed Bream to the Brewery Ground for their second round Papa John Community Cup match. Playing in Gloucestershire South 2 they were an unknown quantity but soon showed the quality of their young side. In front of a large crowd in a one sided game they ran out easy winners 68-5 with their superior pace, and handling and offloading skills with which the Daggers could not compete.

Daggers kicked off and were soon taking the ball to their opponents with good ball retention in their 22. However, they met a solid defence with good counter rucking at the breakdown. When the ball came loose Daggers attempted a crossfield kick which was gathered by the Bream wing who sped clear and fed inside for the first score. This was quickly followed by two further tries as the pace of their backs outstripped the Daggers defence. When concussed Jude Appleton was replaced by Mitch Waters he soon made an impression when after Bream conceded a penalty in their 22 he was on hand to take an inside pass from Charlie Samways to score.

Sadly, Daggers could not gain any momentum from this score as they could not make any headway against a solid defence despite some strong drives from their forwards. When they conceded a line out in their 22 Bream took a clean catch at the back of the line out and their strong running backs did the rest to score their fourth try. Daggers were doing their best to contain Bream and when Samways and the Bream stand off vigorously competed for a loose ball they were both yellow carded.

From the penalty Daggers took the ball into Bream’s 22 and were recycling the ball well only to have a pass intercepted for Bream to race away and score taking a half time lead of 29-5.

The second half was very much one way traffic as the Bream backs and forwards showed excellent pace and offloading skills to run in a further 6 tries. Daggers did not give up but at the end of the day they were up against and younger and faster side who ran out deserved winners much to the delight of the large group of supporters who made the trip up from the Forest of Dean.

Both teams and their supporters retired to the clubhouse where the conviviality of the occasion was continued in true rugby fashion.

During the match there was a raffle organised by Charlie Samways in aid of Dorset Mind to support Daggers forwards coach Ross Duncan who is walking 100km of the Coastal Walk, raising an excellent £500 for the charity.

Next Sunday, 23rd April the Daggers girls team are playing their first match, against a Chard side, kick off 10.30. This is the first such match in recent times for the club in what is hoped to be a strong development of the girl’s side in ensuing seasons. All spectators are welcome to come and watch this unique occasion.