1 Mar 2008 - Nailsea 15 V's North Petherton 15

A much, much better overall performance from Nailsea this week and they really were unlucky to get just the point. The forwards played as a group and competed really well in the tight areas once they had the belief to see what they were capable of and that hard work gets results. Some good line out work enabled them to turn over the visitor’s ball on a regular basis with Dickie Palmer and Ian Ogborne combining well.

The introduction of some new faces and some not so new really freshened things up. Dan Filby made a difference at nine. His management of the forwards was excellent and his break led to a good try for Jason Patch on the wing.

Competition takes people out of their comfort zones and the more the merrier if this is an example. Nailsea are still struggling with injuries however this was real gutsy committed team performance. Yes maybe there should have been more points on the board at half time a couple of opportunities not taken out wide with wrong decisions. The absence also of a regular kicker has really hurt Nailsea in their last two games. We would like everything but its not always like that is it ?

A soft try scored by North Petherton and allowed by Nailsea just after half time gave the visitors the spark they needed having been out played in the first half, this together with a silly sending off, which was unfortunate and caused some panic in the Nailsea team, however, with thoughts channelled quickly back in the right direction Nailsea responded well and got back into the game with a good try from Alex Blackwell.

In fairness, when Nailsea played wide with some depth having been supplied with good ball they caused problems even with 14 men. The backs when led and playing with confidence can play and do so very, very well.

There were new partnerships being formed this week and its not ideal having to do it in such important games. Those who see the glass as half empty in the club had not expected the performance. Decisions were made about selection and they were good ones. The team were admirable in the response of the challenge they were given before the game. The front row was solid and focused on what was expected of them. The front five did their primary jobs well. The back row worked hard although they need to sharpen up defensively.

I was pleased for Scott Goodall, who has had some problems with his game recently, however, on Saturday stepped in to the 10 position late in the game. He doesn’t enjoy playing 10 and was asked to perform a role. He did so and kicked out of hand particularly well into the right positions to get the team going forward and keep the visitors on the back foot.

With 14 men for 35 minutes this was a tremendous performance. With 15 this would have been a victory. This standard set now needs to be taken forward. Let’s see what the unwinding path to the top of the league holds for us. The fat lady still hasn’t sung and looking at Saturdays results she is no where near her final chorus yet.

Tries - Patch, Blackwell

Con – Dowling

Pen - Dowling