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

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

Saturday 18^th April 2009 (League Match)

Taunton vs Yatton

60 8

Yatton Scorers; Try C Edwards Pen A Walters

‘One of Taunton’s ‘runs’ stopped’

The business which is Taunton RFC was in full flow last Saturday afternoon. The car park was reserved for two tourists’ coaches from Holland and those from Hampshire plus the guests of an unrelated wedding reception that was taking place at the same time. The day also happened to be the last league match of the season; rugby spectators were charged £5 entrance fee plus £1-50 for a program and directed to park on the grass at the far end of the field.

There was no doubt even before the match that the rugby side of Taunton would have something to celebrate with their 100% league winning season, certain promotion and no tries conceded in 5 matches since mid February. Taunton’s highly professional, fit and well drilled side resisted Yatton’s pressure in the early opening stages but at 10 minutes it was a Yatton clearance kick which failed to find touch and was punished by the home sides back division. Minutes later Taunton’s second try came from an attacking 5 yard scrum giving an easy conversion.

The injury hit Yatton side then gave as good as they got for the next 15 minutes with the Taunton inside centre being binned for a high tackle at speed toward the end of that period. Minutes later wing Chris Smeagol-Edwards sped through defensive cover on the wing to touchdown in the corner for Yatton and rob Taunton of their clean sheet run since February.

During the remainder of the half a Yatton player was selected for a yellow card, after a series of off sides, and Taunton then gathered two mores tries and a conversion. Alan Walters’s penalty conversion from the halfway line retrieving some points difference, and making the half time score 24-8.

Three more home side tries in the third quarter emphasised Taunton’s abilities and capitalised on some of Yatton’s basic errors when under pressure. But Yatton had their chances when quick ball was thrown wide and on at least three occasions a side step or two would have brought reward, meanwhile the forwards resisted tremendous pressure in their 22 and at no time did heads drop, much to the appreciation of travelling supporters. Hooker Matt Johnson was awarded Yatton’s player of the match.

Although the final score looked pretty emphatic it was not a visitor’s heaviest defeat at Taunton’s ground and on aggregate Yatton had faired better against Taunton than even Brixham who finished their season mid table. Yatton finished in the league table one win behind experienced Clevedon.

This weekend Yatton’s male seniors are on tour to Majorca and in November a first visit Vets game has been arranged against the town of Ronda in Spain. Ronda Rugby Club was instigated by a Yatton player a few seasons ago and is considered to be Yatton RFC’s Spanish Twin.

Meanwhile tickets are now available for Yatton RFC’s Annual Dinner and Awards on Friday 8^th May at £12 each which includes a speaker and comedian, please contact 01934-838780