4 Oct 2008 - Wiveliscombe 1st XV 0 Nailsea & Backwell 1st XV 49
Wiveliscombe 1st XV 0 Nailsea & Backwell 1st XV 49
A young N&B side travelled to Wivey and it was refreshing to see the positive, enthusiastic way in which the team performed. A try in the first two minutes for Mike Lowis having caught the kick off, a chip ahead, he re gathered the ball to score the opener before the opposition coaches had even got out of the changing room. Within two minutes he was at it again and came into the line off some quick ball on the half way to score in the same corner. 12 – 0 to Nailsea as Baker converted. The lines of running were good and line breaks were coming for the backs as they thrived on some good ball produced by a superior set of forwards.
A typically strong scrummage about thirty metres out then enabled Filby to break blind sell a dummy and sprint in under the posts unopposed. His ability to work the pack has been missed for the last two weeks and the pack and Rob Baker who again converted benefited from his presence.
Next on the score sheet was first team debutant Ashley Cotterell who showed a clean pair of heels to his opposite winger and full back again to score under the posts having been given some good early ball from 40 metres.
Next onto the score sheet was man of the match Harry Balsam. His work rate and enthusiasm to play was great to see. His tackle count was tremendous and line out work excellent turning over opposition ball. He linked up with his back row and centres to score after a period of loose play which saw Nailsea coming onto the ball from depth and carrying really well. Not to be left out Mat Watkins on the other wing also got into the corner for a well earned try after fixing his man and breaking a tackle to score. The score was 34 – 0 at half time and in the second half although the points didn’t come as freely playing up the hill the score board continued to tick over. The match continuity broke down a little with some changes late on. Baker had made a good clean break to get within metres of the try line getting himself injured in the process. The introduction of the replacements into the game didn’t effect the balance and all performed well. The last try of the game was without doubt the best after a set piece and some well executed phases of play the ball went wide to find Lowis who scored in the corner for his hat trick.
Real determined attitudes, a good performance that bodes well for the future of Nailsea & Backwell rugby.