Rugby Old Bristolians win again to continue fine run of form

IN form Old Bristolians won their third game in four outings after seeing off the challenge of Avonmouth 33-27 at Failand.

Barton Hill are still not certain of retaining their Western Counties North status after losing 26-17 at second placed Midsomer Norton.

Barts are one point and one place above the relegation zone with three rounds remaining. Chew Valley consolidated top spot after their 47-19 triumph at Gordano.

Bristol Saracens, in second, gave themselves a fighting chance of winning the Gloucester Premier title after their splendid 36-10 humbling of current leaders Spartans at the Bakewell Memorial Ground. Will Harding’s men dominated up front from start to finish against the Gloucester-based out-fit, outscoring their rivals by five-tries to one.

With two rounds remaining, Sarries at least look good for the runners-up slot and a place in the playoffs, thanks to a five-point advantage over third-placed Longlevens.

Jimmy Burnford bagged a brace of tries and there were five-pointers for George Harding, Ian Werrett and Billy Cook, who also chipped over three penalties and a conversion for the Henbury-based side.

In Somerset Premier, Imperial geared up for their up-and-coming Wadworth 6X Combination Vase final against Bristol Saracens with a 40-21 win over Yatton at West Town Lane, St Bernadette’s lost narrowly 23-21 to Avon, Old Reds 2nds beat Nailsea & Backwell 34-12 at Scotland Lane and relegated Bristol Harlequins were beaten 32-10 by Hornets 2nds at The Nest.

St Mary’s continue their ascent away from the relegation places with an eye-catching 43-15 win at Berry Hill. Saints were fighting relegation until the turn of the year but have now hit a rich vein of form to move clear of danger.

Adam Wilkins(2), Emilio Lewis and Callum Beresford all touched down, with Dan Brooker wading in with a try, four penalties and three conversions to amass 23 points for the visitors.

Frampton Cotterell fell to a 32-23 reverse against Hucclecote at School Road, while Whitehall went down 45-27 at Widden Old Boys.

Gloucester One bottom side Southmead lost 22-5 to Smiths at The Greenway Centre and now need to win both of their remaining games with bonus-points and hope Brockworth don’t pick up any more points in order to survive the drop into Gloucester Two South.

Old Elizabethans were in fine form during their impressive 46-14 win at Brockworth, but fellow Bristol teams Old Colstonians and North Bristol both lost against Cirencester and Dursley respectively. Old C’s were beaten 27-19 and North fell to a 22-10 defeat.

Gloucester Two South champions St Brendan’s cruised to a 43-10 win at bottom side Kingswood, Bishopston thrashed second-bottom Broad Plain 47-17 at St John’s Lane, Ashley Down were comfortable 67-17 winners over Aretians at Lockleaze, United Bristol Hospitals won 46-12 at home to Cotham Park and BAC were beaten convincingly 45-7 at Bream.