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6 Jan 2008 - Nailsea U14's/U17's updates

U14's BEAT LOCAL RIVALS CLEVEDON 40 - 5

Conditions were poor at Clevedon, the heavy pitch helping neither side, however normal service was resumed with Troy Atkinson, twice outpacing the cover to touch down under the sticks, both converted by skipper Mitch Spencer. Clevedon responded with an unconverted try, giving N&B a 5 – 14 lead at half time.

The muddy conditions made it a forward battle, with N & B playing the basics well, props Jack McCormick and Will Tobin anchoring the scrum and lock Elliott Cheeseright putting in some big hits in defence. After working several phases, try machine Atkinson was again unleashed to touch down another 7 pointer under the sticks. Quick hands then put Mackenzie McCormick away, he still had plenty to do, beating 4 defenders before touching down for another converted try.

Clevedon conceded a penalty, quickly taken by the N & B pack, which battered downfield into the Clevedon 22, before lock Nick Weaver peeled off the maul and crashed over the whitewash, flanker Grady Wright landing a superb touchline conversion. Finally, Spencer darted over from close range to end with a personal haul of 13 points. All in all, a very solid team performance, with forwards and backs combining well to comprehensively defeat our local rivals.

Tries: Atkinson 3, McCormick, Weaver , Spencer.

Conversions: Spencer 4, Grady.

U17's BEAT SENIOR LEAGUE RIVALS BURNHAM ON SEA 25 -20

Injuries and unavailability resulted in a depleted squad of only 15 players arriving at Burnham, a side this age group had never lost to. On a cold, crisp morning, both sides tested each other before livewire centre Ali O Connor intercepted and raced in from 50 metres for a 7 pointer under the sticks. The Ravens continued to pressurise and were rewarded when fly half and man of the match Ross Pearce booted a penalty to open a 10 point lead. Burnham forced their way back, kicking a penalty,before quick hands resulted in a score in the corner before half time, 8 – 10 to the visitors.

Soon after the restart Burnham took a 15 – 10 lead after a kick and chase brought a converted try. Pearce replied with another penalty to claw back 3 points. It was now Burnham’s turn to pressurise, using their big forwards to drive over from a 5 metre scrum, 20 – 13 to Burnham. With minutes to go, the Ravens, fearful of loosing their unbeaten record, upped the tempo and intensity, and spurned a kickable penalty to go for the catch and drive. Lock Lewis Appleby secured the throw before the tiring Burnham pack were driven backwards and number 8 Pete Hamlin grounded the ball. Pearce narrowly missed a conversion that would have levelled the scores.

The excitement was not over – with seconds remaining, the Ravens were awarded an attacking scrum on the Burnham 22, Hamlin broke blind and surged clear of the wilting Burnham cover, breaking several tackles to crash over the whitewash in the corner for the winning score, the superb touchline conversion giving Pearce a 10 point haul.

What a thriller to start the New Year – a gutsy, never say die performance, with every player fully contributing, well done lads, superb entertainment.

Tries: Hamlin 2

O Connor

Conversions: Pearce 2

Penalties: Pearce 2