Great support for Nailsea and Backwell Colts’ 5th win of the season
Nailsea took on their u18 counterparts from Weston Super Mare (WSM) in front a large and supportive crowd and delivered an exciting second half display of running rugby to finish 34-12 winners.
Enormous credit has to go to WSM who, despite some last minute player unavailability and logistical challenges still made the effort to trek down the M5 on a Friday night and front up. Many teams would (and have) capitulated before the first whistle so we are grateful to them for their part in an excellent game.
The first half was a very tight affair with two unconverted tries from Nailsea Fly Half and captain Emile Swanson to one unconverted try from WSM, 10-5.
With the hill in their favour in the 2nd half and the larger WSM forwards tiring, Nailsea expected to have things their own way. WSM had other ideas, however, and raised their intensity and, after some excellent handling and speedy recycling, went over for a converted try to take the score to 12-10 to WSM.
Yet again, a score against them nudged the Nailsea U18’s into better focus. Inside Centre Sam Chidzey showed excellent game management with a clever kicking game which pinned WSM in their own half and tired their forwards. Great handling and support play across the team gave a clear overlap for Ben Atherton to exploit and dot down, with James Warren converting, 17-12 to Nailsea.
Hard running lines from the centre by Tom Fortune began to yield territory and he went over twice in quick succession, the first of which was converted by Warren.
The last Nailsea try was very different but equally effective, as Dan Hill got onto the back of some fast support play and rucking to go over from close range.
This was a very competent and skilful second half display from a young Nailsea team that is growing in confidence and competence with each game. It is especially pleasing to see that even with the squad of 21 players, each substitute added to and increased the intensity of play and contributed significantly to the outcome of the game.
Next Sunday 24th October Nailsea travel to Chew Valley RFC for their first round match in the U18 Somerset Junior Cup Competition.
