6 Sep 2008 - Stothert & Pitt II XV 10 Nailsea & Backwell II XV 24

An excellent start to the season for the seconds.  A group of 20 players went across to Stothert.  A large number of colts who have been training well in pre season and some younger members of the club, some new faces and some familiar trekking through the rain ready for a challenge following last seasons defeat. 

The challenge though from early on was clearly going to be could S&P cope with some really good Nailsea rugby.  Great passing out of contact and good continuity contributed to one of the best first twenty minutes of rugby the seconds have played for a very long time according to the travelling supporters. 

The combination of Quinn & Tobin at half back and Harris and Appleby in the centre were telling as the forwards produced some really good ball at set piece and by staying on their feet for as long as possible went forward quickly catching the opposition on the back foot.  Three tries in the first 20 minutes all real quality. The highlights being Harris and Appleby’s superb linking and strong running.  The new kicking style of Harris was also good to see.

Generally the backs looked sharp, “Ronny” jet shoes brother of “Jonny” showed just how sharp he can be given space and if his feet were a little smaller he would have had two super tries. Ronny also left quite an impression on his opposite number at one stage as some silly person told him to run over Ronny ! Big mistake.

The forwards overall worked hard.  Their fitness let them down in the second half and prevented the backs continuing in the fashion they had been accustomed to, tiring after about five minutes of the second half and missing to many tacles. 

Training will help some of the older gentlemen playing. In the shape of Leoudec, Shinnet, Fletcher and Mark the tight head  there was a combination of quality and graft.

Overall the 20 strong team performance was excellent for the first game of the season.  Plus the fact that some introduced themselves before the game and the conditions.  Captain Gillatrd now has to build on a positive strong start.

Well done guys really good.

Man of the match - Liam Harris