Down end Sarries’ streak with local derby victory
Bath Saracens’ winning streak came to an end after a well-contested 23-12 defeat to local rivals Combe Down in a match between two of the league’s inform teams. With Sarries full of confidence after their recent run of results, they took the game to the visitors from the kick-off and were first to put points on the board with a try from winger Alex Caffrey-gage. Combe Down then got into their stride and after an extended period of pressure in the hosts’ half, they levelled the score with a try of their own. However, the comeback was short-lived and shortly before halftime scrum-half Mike Fordham touched down for Sarries’ second try. Alex Reilly added the conversion and they went into the break with a 12-5 lead. The visitors came out strongly in the second half and Sarries lost some of their shape and discipline. Three yellow cards saw them playing part of the half a player down, and their opponents took full advantage. Three tries and a penalty without reply saw the visitors take control of the match and they came away with a well deserved bonus point win. Sarries now have a week off before their next league encounter. With the runner-up spot now realistically out of reach, they will be looking to return to winning ways for the end of season run-in and secure a third place finish.
■ AVON
After holding a minute’s silence for former club captain Chris Nicholson, Avon produced an inspired display in a 31-7 win against second placed Nailsea & Backwell. Despite still having nine firstteam squad members missing, Avon rose to the challenge as returning skipper Scott Book and fly-half Rob Fitch provided both leadership and direction to the home side, who gave a starting debut to flanker Connor Charmney and welcomed back Ben Crane for the first time in two years to help solve their mounting injury list. Avon were outweighed up front and chose to move the ball around, which soon paid dividends as Alex Gapper opened the scoring after a blindside break from Ben Hurd. Shortly afterwards, Avon again exploited the blindside as prop Chris Mutlow stormed through from halfway before releasing the supporting Hurd, who powered over for his 14th try of the season. Jonny Batchelor added the extras from the touchline. After Hurd was denied another try close to the line, Avon unleashed a stunning counter with soft offloads and constant support featuring Zak Harwood, Book, Mutlow and Hurd again before Gapper arrived to put the finishing touches for his 13th try this campaign for a 17-point lead at the interval. Nailsea enjoyed their best spell for the next ten minutes with some strong, direct running but eventually, after a 19-phase attack was repelled by some committed defence, Book stole their lineout for Avon to move the ball upfield. Avon then struck ruthlessly as former second-team skipper Dan Mutlow finished off a flowing attack for the bonus point try, again converted by Batchelor. Intense Avon pressure then saw Book steer the pack over for a converted pushover try for a 31-0 lead before Nailsea scored a consolation try with the last move of the match. Coach Kai Harwood praised the efforts of the regulars and replacement players, making it a difficult choice for the man-of-the-match award which went to Will Hayward for his relentless tackling and ballcarrying efforts throughout.
■ AVONVALE
A tough gamewas expected when Vale visited Warminster - and that is exactly what they got. Warminster had the better of the early exchanges but the Vale defence was up to anything thrown at them. After 15 minutes, Vale centre Ciaran O’connor found himself on the end of a great backline move to score in the left corner. Winger Steve Grant converted from wide. The game continued in the same form with the Vale defence coming out on top as Warminster tried desperately to get to the line. Just as the half-time whistle was due, Vale were awarded a penalty in their own half. After kicking into the Warminster 22 for a lineout, they again stretched the Warminster defence and centre Drew Retford ran a great line to score under the posts, Grant again converting. In the second half Vale had more possesion but again defences were on top. Warminster scored a breakaway try as Vale tried to move the ball wide to bring the game back to one score, but within two minutes Grant tackled the Warminster winger five-yards from his own line and pinched the ball to score in the corner. Avonvale were unlucky not to have secured the bonus point when prop Archie Downman was adjudged to be held up over the line. Spokesperson Rich Rogers said: “We knew it would be tough to come here and get a result but the boys dug deep to come out on top again.” Vale’s 2nd XV joined with Keynsham to play Old Culverhaysians and lost an entertaining game 38-21 but more importantly lots of players had a game. To cap off a fine weekend for Vale, their colts team beat Royal Wootton Bassett 58-5 in the cup semi-final, running in tries at regular intervals.