Match Report - Imperial RFC 28 - 27 Nailsea & Backwell
The Ravens had spent the week talking about how to combat the revenge that Imperial were going to be looking for from the recent Combination Final loss. Well it’s fair to say the Imp’s certainly didn’t disappoint as they gave Nailsea all they could handle and a little bit more!
The Ravens started slowly but Jamie Elswood put a penalty over to settle the early nerves. Connor Sheehan cancelled it our for the home team.
With good field position, man of the match Jack Smart picked up for Imps and handed to Glynn Hickery who opened the try scoring, converted by Sheehan.
Elswood knocked over another penalty but after a poor kick chase from the Ravens, Jack Smart ran in a try that could have been avoided.
At 15-6, the Ravens were in danger of losing touch so when Mike Frohlich and Tom Crossman showed good handling skills to release Dom Gordon for a superb finish it looked like we had a comeback in the Ravens hands. Elswood landed the conversion to make the half time score 15-13.
After the break, impressive kicking from Sheehan extended Imperials lead with two penalties. The Ravens started putting together their best play of the game which saw Frohlich go under the posts for a converted try and give Nailsea the lead.
Captain Luke Sharp was then sin binned for an illegal tackle so the Ravens again invited pressure. However, when Sharp returned the Ravens turned to their mauling game and Ciaran Askew crossed for a much need try which Elswood converted to make the score 21-27.
With minutes to go Ross Hickery sent a kick down field which set up good territory for the Imps. Their impressive scrum was subsequently rewarded with a penalty try to win the game with the clock in the red.
The Ravens have no time to dwell as they face in form Weston at home next Saturday. The Ravens boys will to produce a big performance and keep the pressure on in the race for the league title!
