26 Jan 2008 - Avon 2nds 5 - Nailsea & Backwell 2nds 11

The Gladiators started off another away day to Bath with some excellent preperation and despite Avon scoring a great indivudual try after just 5 minutes Nailsea kept their composure with the ever-improving Nathan Dowling kicking two penalties in quick sucesstion to put Nailsea into the lead.

 

Despite Avon winning most of the set plays, Nailsea's excellent return kicking and superb line outs constantly put Avon back into their own half. Though slow to the breakdown, Nailsea's very impressive set of backs kept Avon constantly on the back foot with some superb hard hitting tackling. With the scores tight at half time and some harsh words from Ali Davie - a very welcome and vocal supporter- Nailsea soon discovered the biting edge .

 

Nick Badcock showed once again how much he has improved with his very impressive defensive work rate. The Gladiators started to dominate the scrum and with Matt Thorn making a number of very impressive breaks from the wing he soon created an opening with which Paul Collins appeared with the ball to run in alone from 20 metres, with Nailsea's man of the match Matt Hole in close support.

 

Nailsea were unable to convert the try but  when presented with the ball Nailsea's backs kicked supperbly at every opportunity to keep Avon away from their 22. This was a very pleasing and a great all round team effort from all 17 players.