Centurions beaten by top of the table Sonics
TOP of the table Bristol Sonics heaped more misery on the Centurions’ season with a shutout on Saturday.
Tony Bottomley’s side conceded 18 points in the first half on their way to their eighth loss of the season, although the manager said the game was much closer than the 30-0 final scoreline suggests.
“The score does not indicate how close this game was. The difference between the two teams is that Bristol took their chances and crossed our try line, whilst we, who in my opinion were dominant for more of the game, just couldn’t get over their line,” he said.
“We now have two games at home, against Northampton and Nottingham, and I am hoping to get back to winning ways in these games.”
In scorching conditions that prompted the referee to split the game into four quarters with a drinks break between each one, Sonics got off to a quick start. The Bristol forwards took advantage of a scrum close to the try line, following a Cents knock on, to drive the ball over the line.
The league leaders didn’t have it all their own way though as Cents matched them stride for stride with a flowing attack and stout defence. But as it looked like Sonics would go in just six points up, they scored two quick tries in the final five minutes of the half.
The first came from a penalty against the Cents for holding down only yards in front of their own posts, and the second was scored straight from the restart when the Bristol team drove the ball down field and some tired St Albans defenders fell off tackles, allowing the try to be scored.
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In the second half it seemed that the Cents were the dominant team – they had the most chances to score but on each occasion a last ditch scrambling Sonics defence always managed to stop them on or near the try line.
No matter how hard they tried, the Cents could not make the last effort to cross the line. Unfortunately for the visitors, in the last 10 minutes of the game the home team proved why they are top of the league when they ran in two more tries against a very hot and tired St Albans outfit.
The Centurions next home game is on Saturday July 6 at Toulmin Drive, 2.30pm kick-off.
