YATTON R F C  - SOUTH WEST 2 (W) League

Media Contact – Tony Watkins Tel/Fax 01275 – 875944 E-Mail ‘tony@awwandco.com’

 

Saturday 1st November 2008 (League Match)

 

Sidmouth    vs                Yatton

     15                                  9

 

‘Cold reception and double yellows freeze out Yatton’

 

It was a noticeably cold reception and strong wind which greeted the Yatton team, and its initial small band of supporters, after their walking trek through the quaint narrow Devon village to gain access to the ground. This was Yatton’s first league visit to newly promoted

Sidmouth, prior to the match both sides had only achieved 2 wins in the league.

 

With the advantage of wind and slope in the first half, for the home side, it was obvious that the visitors task would be to keep the oppositions score as low as possible until the turnaround, especially after Yatton penalty conversion chance was dragged wide within the first two minutes. Aside from that, it took 15 minutes before Yatton got effectively into the home sides half only to loose the ball in a breakdown and give Sidmouth’s experienced wing Andy Mitchell 50 yards to the tryline, in the corner. The conversion attempt bounced back in off the left hand post. 5 minutes later Sidmouths penalty conversion attempt, incredibility, did exactly the same thing.

 

The game swung from end to end but with 5 minutes to go Sidmouths centre was able to evade midfield tackles and outside him centre Tristan Beavis touchdown near the posts. Dan Retters conversion making the score 12-0 at half-time.

 

With the slope and a breeze now in their favour, Jon Shorney’s drop goal for Yatton followed by a penalty gave Yatton six points within the first seven minutes, and minutes later the following penalty attempt flew just wide.

 

As Yatton’s more dominant front row picked a couple against the head frustrations grew, some feeling that the Devon ref’s apparent hair trigger whistle, probably for safety reasons in the bitter cold, giving the game a stop/start nature. On the hour, after a quick tap penalty had been spoiled, an equal exchange of handbags ensued but it was the visitors who received the talking to and had two players yellow carded. Minutes later Yatton’s clearance kicker was floored with a late tackle and the resultant penalty conversion from where the ball landed bought the scoreline to 12-9.

 

Despite superior numbers the home side could only managed a penalty conversion as the remaining visitors upped their game. Going back to full strength for the last ten minutes coincided with an injury to a crucial player for the visitors and exhaustion for some. The game finished as a scrappy affair with Yatton on the attack.  

 

This Saturday is the local derby in the league when Yatton 1st XV with only two wins entertain Clevedon with no wins but making steady improvement. Kick –off 2.30, VP’s luncheon 1.00pm. The 2nds are away toWeston Hornets and the 3rd XV also have a league game at home against Old Culverhaysians.

On Sunday Yatton Under 17’s travel to Keynsham and the more Junior/Minis sides have the day off, many are on parade because its Armistice Sunday.