Under 18’s Match Report – Nailsea & Backwell 15 – 29 Old Patesians
Following an excellent season in which they won the Gloucester Development League (South), N&B Under 18’s had the opportunity to cap off the year with a Play Off Final against Old Patesians, who themselves had won the Gloucester (North) League.
Following wins against some strong teams during March and early April, confidence amongst the Ravens squad was high, but Old Pats had a similarly strong reputation and the stage was set for a high tempo and competitive Play Off Final.
The opening exchanges did not disappoint with both teams playing with great pace and physicality. However the half was characterised by the excellent defence of Old Patesians who starved Nailsea of possession and halted any attacking fluidity they could muster. Furthermore, the pressure applied by Old Patesians led to some uncharacteristic errors by the young Nailsea players with a couple of knock-ons and line out errors at key moments meaning they could not capitalise on some excellent territory gains they had worked hard to achieve.
Old Pats, however, were accurate when they got the ball wide and scored some excellent tries. Nailsea clawed one back of their own but the half ended 19-5 and our strong subs had a mountain to climb as they took to the pitch for the second half.
Nailsea began the half strongly and the bench had an immediate impact in both energy and pace as Nailsea began to play with a little more fluidity and freedom. This led to an excellent early try. At 19-10 the game looked back on, but Old Pats again applied pressure to the Nailsea line and took back a try of their own. Old Pats then locked down the Nailsea attack and made it very difficult once again to play our wide attacking game.
Nailsea took a late try, only for Old Pats to round things off with a further try of their own. The 2nd half was therefore effectively drawn 10-all, but it wasn’t enough to overhaul the Old Pats 1st half lead as the match ended 29-15.
The Nailsea Under 18’s were impressive throughout, showing great character and skill to stay in the game to the end. But Old Patesians were just too strong on the day and deserved the win and the title. Our congratulations go to them for an excellent final played in great spirit.
The Nailsea Under 18’s were understandably deeply disappointed, having worked so hard throughout the season and fallen short. However their achievements throughout the year have been enormous and they showed what an incredibly resilient and tight group they are as they got together, picked each other up and enjoyed the post-match celebrations until the coach arrived to bring them home.
This was the last 15 a side match of the season and the end of an era for the U18 age group who move into senior rugby next season. The Colts team (u17 & u18) has grown as players and people since the start of the season and we are incredibly proud of what they have achieved.
The season ends on the coming weekend with their Awards night on Friday and a friendly 7s tournament on Sunday 1st May at the club, kicking off at 2pm.
