All Blacks urged to make their mark
Bridgnorth boss Bryan Smallman has called on his players to stamp their authority on tomorrow’s clash with Midlands Premier leaders Scunthorpe.
The All Blacks host the team who replaced them at the summit, following last weekend’s draw at Sandbach.
Smallman’s men have already recorded landmark wins over Luctonians and Newport in what has been an excellent campaign to date.
And the boss is hopeful of another big performance in the penultimate game of 2018.
“It’s another massive game for us,” said Smallman. “Hopefully we can really stamp our authority on the game.
“It’s about winning those individual battles and getting into the right positions. We will need our set piece to function well too.
“We’ve done very well in several big games already this season and we want to do the same again.”
Scunthorpe won both meetings last season but now face a Bridgnorth team enjoying the best season in their history.
“They’re a very aggressive side, incredibly tough,” said Smallman. “They know how to close games out and get results.
“We have to try and make our home advantage count. You tend to find people are a little more relaxed and comfortable when they are playing at home.”
The draw at Sandbach, which saw Bridgnorth fight back from 19-7 down to salvage two points, saw them fall to third in the table.
Yet Smallman is determined to maintain a sense of perspective after a campaign which has already contained several memorable moments.
He said “It’s been an unbelievable start for us. To be where we are at this stage is a great achievement.
“If we are in and around the top of the table at Christmas, then we will be well placed to push on over the second half of the season.”
