4 Oct 2008 - Nailsea and Backwell 3rds 52 - Kingswood 3rds 0
Some came out of retirement, some came to carry on where they left off last season. The Mighty Thirds this week was like a who’s-who. Mark Bohin, Darren Stone, Steve Rollins and Nigel Crawley to name but a few. Hats off to Matt Lacey for getting these esteemed individuals to play! Gavin Turnbull being the token youngster at 25, the majority of players, the wrong side of 35!
Nailsea lent
Nailsea set their stall out early doors, with number eight, Justin Seidle making some bullocking runs, backed up by Simon Ford, leaving the opposition in disarray.
The opening score came from the inimitable Martin Pratt, a sprightly 43, who scorched in under the posts following some slick handling, and an even slicker off-load from Darren Stone. Another flowing move soon after saw Andre Harvey stopped inches short, but superb backing up from Darren Chidzey, saw another score. The pack worked like a well-oiled machine, with strong running from veterans Nick Williams, Clive Bowman, Lee Humphreyes, Simon Ford and co.
The second half, with Nailsea playing down the slope, saw the tries come thick and fast. Martin Pratt completing his hat-trick, Darren Chidzey adding to his tally after showing astonishing vision taking a quick tap penalty, charging like a runaway sideboard, leaving a trail of bewildered defenders in his wake, before touching down under the posts, Andre Harvey racing in following a length of the field move, Justin Seidle "mugging" Ross Parsons, (who was over the line at the time!!) for the ball and scoring, and finally Paul Turner shrugging off the years and out-pacing the defenders to touch down under the posts.
Special mention must go to Nigel Crawley (who was impenetrable at full back), for "Try Avoidance"! Those playing and watching know what I mean!!!!!
All in all, a good game, played in good spirit, great performances by the veterans and more importantly, ENJOYABLE! Hats off to everyone, opposition included, who took part.