This was a derby match that Nailsea can count themselves very unlucky to lose. Nailsea started brightly and dominated the territory and possession pretty much through the game. Nailsea Hooker Ryan Barrow opened the scoring when the Nailsea forwards pressurised the Yatton line, with Barrow crashing over from a well driven maul. Yatton however scored a converted try through their No 8 Waldron just before half time with only their second visit to the Nailsea 22 – a visit which arguably should not have happened when the Yatton winger put a foot in touch. Nailsea supporters were disappointed to turn around at half time 7-5 points down with Nailsea failing to convert the greater share of territory and possession into points.
It was clear that the tactics for Nailsea were to contain the speedy Yatton backs whilst applying pressure through their larger pack. For the greater part of the match this was achieved with the defence outstanding and Centre Ryan Love being at the forefront of Nailsea’s tackling. The pack took the game to Yatton with a series of scrums 5m out from the Yatton line. Referee Mr Gilson, who handled the game brilliantly, advised the Yatton Captain that their illegal wheeling of the scrum would not be tolerated and further action would result if it happened again, however Nailsea’s No 8 Mike Frohlich took the decision from the referee when he crashed over from the back of the scrum for a try converted by Jamie Elswood to take the lead at 7-12.
On 74 minutes, Yatton’s pace, (pace which if not for administrative errors would have seen Yatton continue to operate in the Western Counties League), showed when winger Chris Edwards scored in the corner to equalise at 12-12. With injuries to Nailsea causing their defence to have to reorganise, with just minutes left on the clock, Yatton took advantage with two very quick tries from Bowyer and Want to steal the game at 22-12.
This was an absorbing game of rugby, helped in no small part by Mr Gilson’s excellent officiating, with both sides defences to the forefront. Nailsea will have learned a lot from this game and will go to Hornets II’s next week buoyed by a very good performance.
