19 Apr 2008 - Nailsea 60 V's Broad Plain 3

Nailsea & Backwell finished their season with an outstanding display of rugby that Broad plain, a hard uncompromising Bristol side found it very hard to cope with. Turning up with a view to taking on the home forwards has worked for some teams this season. Had the home side of adapted to play this way against Coombe Down and Bristol Barbarians earlier this season then the disappointment of third place would not have been the result of a tremendous seasons rugby.

To those regulars who know their rugby and watched this game they would have seen a huge difference in the way this team played their last game of the season to the one against Coombe Down at the end of last season which ensured relegation to this division one. At the time I had my first game in charge. What I saw dire. Enough said many things have changed. The plan was to bounce right back and seeing the way the team played Saturday it is a huge shame they did not. The best defensive record in the league and only Burnham (the champions) with a better points for balance but it wasn’t to be. You still have to do the hard yards and more importantly understand the game you are playing in.

The saying “ You have to earn the right to go wide” is so right at this level.

Generally we did learn though and that bodes well for the future with this very good set of players and some very young. With I think more to come in next season.

Yes you will always have those who look back at what was or those that put themselves first. They will get left behind at some point.

The game started off with Broad Plain trying to keep things tight with their larger heavier forwards however the N&B pack decided to work hard build phases from the very first whistle and look to generate that quick ball that the backs would thrive on. This led to some physical exchanges and a battle that surely the fitter N&B forwards would win if they could maintain there concentration and discipline. The first try came of a breakdown on the right up the hill. The ball through quick hands got to Johny Watkins and as he fixed his opponent and put on the burners, in the next breath he left him to score a superb try in the corner with a full back covering across no where near. There was the conversion from James Stark and Nailsea settled down to a feast of running rugby. Of course there are those who bay from the balcony for the old bash and bosh game but thankfully today the team were having none of it. Dan Filby who has been superb since joining the club led and demanded his forwards gave him the ball. He appears to have enjoyed his sojourn at West End Park.

A quality backs move born by James Stark led to another overlap which saw Jason Patch race over from the wing. One of the highlights of the season has been that the back three and outside channels of this team have scored lots of tries. A testament to the way they have tried to play. Stark again converted and minutes later was converting his own try from outside half having created space and powered over the line. Stark has been a much needed refreshment to this team since his arrival. His incisive running ability and decision making skills are there for all to see. His humble, no baggage positive attitude are refreshing to see and he is only 19. His goal kicking has also been a huge asset and re enforces the need for a quality goal kicker. This affected our progress in Paul Stephens absence.

There were 24 points on the board at half time.

The second half and down the hill N&B opened up from the kick off Seidle, Blackwell and Palmer scoring early from strong support play, good passing and the ability to identify where the space was. The forwards continued to turn the screw and the set pieces worked very well. The line out which listening to others has been the best in the league this season worked very well Ian Ogbourne was dominant turning over opposition ball and winning his own with the help of Hooper, Smith, Lee and some quality throwing in from Bradley Kemp. The turnover of opposition ball led to Laurence Trinick scoring a lovely break away try which he strutted in from the half way line to score. The 17 year old who has this season been introduced to senior rugby starting on the wing early on moving to outside centre and then to inside centre for the last four games has shown he has many qualities. His maturity is beyond his years.

There was one other special moment just in front the balcony when the Broad Plain hooker had the misfortune of being tackled by Mat Watkins. Jonny has produced some memorable moments this season in attack and defence this was another. Poor fella. It looked like it hurt a lot !

So the final whistle came. No one wanted it to end, least of all Alex Blackwell who was still looking to boost his top try scorers tally with jinking little runs right up to the last minute and Paul Stephens who was still looking fit at fullback. The side had performed today, the captain had done what he needed to.

What had happened at Wiveliscombe was the question ?

The rest as they say is history. Congratulations to North Petherton a side who have beaten Burnham on Sea the champions twice this season. 

Thank you to the skipper and all 32 players who have represented the Ravens this season admirably

Well done guys.

Tries - Watkins, Blackwell, Stark (2) Trinnick (2), Shinnit, Patch (2)

Kicks 1 pen, 6 conversions (from 11) All Stark.