YATTON RFC

 

  17th December 2005

 

 

 

                                                Chepstow 2nds  17  - Yatton 3rds   12

 

After a two-week break Yatton 3rd’s made the trip over the water to meet Chepstow for the first time in the Club’s history and entertained the small but vociferous crowd in the International Stand.  The Welsh pack were experienced and strong, and put the Yatton eight under severe pressure, so it was against the run of play mid half when they stole the ball from a ruck and made headway upfield, where prop Dave Upperton put winger Greg Lewis away for a chance, which he took superbly well.

It was Aussie Greg’s rugby debut, as he is better recognised for his cricket prowess with Congresbury Cricket Club.

 

Yatton’s difficulties were increased when Captain Andy Williams had to leave the field with a recurring hamstring injury and Chepstow took immediate advantage of the hastily rearranged back division with a try out wide to bring the scores level. Shortly after, they followed this with another try from a strong forwards drive.

 

Early in the second half the Yatton went deeper into trouble when prop Martin Dixon was unable to continue, owing to a neck injury, which reduced them to fourteen men.

However, the uncontested scrums which followed, eased the set scrum situation and Yatton were definitely getting the better in the lineout and loose play.

A flowing backs’ move brought them close to scoring but disappointingly, a spilled ball enabled Chepstow to counter with another try.

 

Determined commitment throughout the side kept Yatton in the game though, and a brilliant break from the versatile, stand-in outside half, Nick Clifton, gave hooker Andy Pond the chance to pounce on the ball for a great supporting try. Clifton, immaculate with his boots throughout the game, added the conversion points.

 

This was a very creditable and gutsy performance for Yatton against a strong Welsh side, who would have finished with a much more convincing score, had they taken better advantage of their possession.

Mention needs to be made of the young Colts in the Yatton side, especially Jack Hughes, on his senior debut, Billy Osborne and Aaron Summons. Without doubt these are first team players of the future.

 

Scorers:

Tries:                Greg Lewis, Andy Pond

Conversion:      Nick Clifton