Broadmoor Staff 44, Bradford on Avon 12

BRADFORD'S second string got a thorough examination from the hospital staff before they were diagnosed with defeat in Berkshire.

With the new EDF Senior Vase way down the list of priorities, coach Dave George named an unrecognisable team from the one which beat Frome 2nds last week.

Several key players, including skipper Chris Powell and prop Paul Bevan were either injured or unavailable, leaving George no option but to rotate his squad.

Despite going down by six tries to two, George was in optimistic mood on the return journey to Wiltshire.

He said: "Apart from a 20-minute spell when we forgot to tackle, I was pretty pleased with the team's performance.

"I wasn't expecting much because it was a second team we took down there, but I was impressed with many of the players.

"Tom Davidson, Jason Kearney and Geoff Day all had outstanding games."

George believes there is now enough quality in the Bradford squad to provide competition for places.

Tries from Tim Parker, converted by Rich Furnival, and Brad Wilson gave the coach something to shout about on Saturday.

"If we'd taken a first team to Broadmoor I think we would have won quite comfortably," he said.

"But the lads who came in showed a lot of spirit and the second half was a pretty even affair.

"This cup wasn't very important to us. We will concentrate on the league again now and try to move up the table as quickly as possible."

Bradford host Wootton Bassett 2nds, who last week lost 72-0 to Westbury, at the Broom Ground tomorrow.