29 Mar 2008 - Nailsea & Backwell 35 - Imperial nil
An important game for Nailsea as they needed to maintain momentum if they are to be promoted.
The starting line up changing yet again it was hoped would have no detrimental effects. It was clear from the start that the Imperial team would try and keep things tight playing with the wind and the slope they trundled at the home forwards. Unsurprisingly the home forwards returned the compliment taking the ball back to them when they did not need to. Defensively N&B worked hard and their set pieces were okay. Mark Hooper having a good game in the scrummage.
The game understanding is still lacking on occasions and on a windy day the lineouts could of been a little more thought out. However as I say, Game understanding is critical with a group of backs that will score you points given the opportunity. As half time approached Nailsea scored a try through a break from Mat Watkins which was converted by man of the match James Stark. The forwards battled hard in the front five however there is more to the game than battling. The decision making was poor against a shall we say less fit opposition.
The second half following the no doubt brief and to the point team talk saw Nailsea move the forwards around a little and more importantly saw the ball get to the very impressive backs who were led at ten by Stark. The combination with Laurence Trinick at inside centre worked very well and as Stark probed for holes or created them Trinick took the space created comfortably releasing Blackwell, Watkins and Farrer at every opportunity.
Andy Martin worked hard in the back row, who also realised it was better for them to feed off the ten and twelve than it was the base of a ruck. Blackwell, Palmer, Watkins, Seidle all capitalised on a more expansive game. Trinick sublime in one offload out of contact. The final score reflected a dogged first half and a more organised second half in which two of the best tries scored at Nailsea for a long time were seen. Stark converted all his kicks one from the touch line.
Nailsea now play two tough games before the season ends and if they can win those put lots of pressure on teams around them in the league who all have to play each other to progress into the Somerset Premier League.