Nailsea & Backwell 15pts - Yatton 14pts
Nailsea & Backwell welcomed local rivals Yatton to a cold, wet and extremely windy West End Park on Saturday - not a day to be a winger! With Yatton winning their home fixture earlier in the season, Nailsea were out to put the record books straight.
Playing up the hill and against the wind, ironically it was Nailsea’s Winger, Harrison Gould, who opened the scoring after 15 minutes. Following a series of pick and goes by the forwards, the ball was spun wide and Gould touched down in the corner.
Ten minutes later Yatton responded. Following a scrum 15m out from the Nailsea line, Number 8, Ed Ryder, picked up and after a strong run, crashed over for a try converted by Jack Edwards.
Both teams welcomed the half time whistle and sprinted for the changing rooms for a well earned hot tea and thaw out, 5-7.
The second half continued much like the first. Again ironically, it appeared easier to play up the hill against the strong & cold North wind. Yatton’s Mitch Wantee was able to find space to sprint up the hill and score under the posts. The try was converted again by Jack Edwards, 5-14.
The half hour found Nailsea pressurising the Yatton line, and after a strong run by home Prop, Ciaran Askew, followed by a sublime offload, Number 8, Luke Caswell, crashed over for a try converted by Jamie Elswood, 12-14.
Five minutes before time, Nailsea were awarded a penalty by Mr Leyshon, who for the most part handled the game admirably. Elswood converting to make the score 15-14 to Nailsea. Despite the all out Yatton attack that followed, Nailsea’s defence held out to the final whistle for Nailsea to take the bragging rights.
With several unavailabilities and injuries the Nailsea’s squad system appears to be working, this win placing them joint second in the League. The players now take a well earned mid-term break until Saturday January 5th when they welcome Hornets II. Kick-off will be at 14.30hrs.
