Ravens 30 - 27 Sharks
Nailsea & Backwell win the Bristol & District Combination Cup after beating local rivals Gordano in the final held at North Bristol RFC.
Nailsea and Backwell RFC became the lowest ranked team ever to win the combination cup. This was a 30-27 victory against Gordano. It was truly a spectacular match with the Ravens winning it with the last kick of the game. A spectator said: "Our small town have a rugby club to be proud of…congratulations to Ravens. It was an honour to be part of it." Coach Tony Hill said: "What an occasion. "We discussed trying to lean into all the emotions of the day whether that’s nerves or excitement and use it to power you on. "The boys have worked hard this season at training on all aspects of their game but it was their composure in the moment that was the difference. "Easy to panic when you lose your captain to injury early but we stayed calm in the chaos. "Special mention to Harry O’Regan who had ice in this veins to kick 6 out of 6 kicks including the winner. "I’m so happy for the players, my coaching/management team and committee past and present. "We’ve had a tough year off pitch but this moment shows the resilience of our club and the people that run it. "We are now Combination Cup winners forever. "That’s a fantastic achievement.“ Club chair Mark Raby said: "We are so proud of all the lads last night, it just goes to show you can go through the hard times, with the backbone of a club we have from the juniors, seniors to supporters you can achieve. "A massive thanks to everyone, the lads so appreciate the support they have had to get them to last night & lift the cup. "You should all be proud to be part of our rugby community. "The lads are lowest ranking team to have ever won the Combination cup, the biggest trophy win in the club's history.
(Nailsea People)
