Saturday 30th
October 2004 (League Match)
23 12
Tensions were high in this local derby it being the first time that Yatton had met Nailsea Backwell since their promotion this season
Yatton also used this day to present a rugby ball/cheque of £3,500 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association in memory of ex-player Phil Such and the pitch side collection, which normally goes to club funds, was this time donated to the local Children’s Hospice via The Babe Appeal. The amount was £308.
The occasion was an opportunity for both team captains, Matt ‘Bunter’ Johnson for Yatton and Tony ‘Dog’ Perfect for Nailsea to lead by example, which they did.
Both sides were depleted of usual players due to injuries and absences but Nailsea started the stronger only to see their breakthroughs falter. From end to end forages it was Mike Harris who finished off a backline move and touchdown for Yatton after 20 minutes.
Two kickable penalties for Nailsea unfortunately flew wide or fail short but eventually with 10 minutes before the break Matt Thorn grounded the ball to bring Nailsea level.
Minutes later during a melee clever thinking Ben Hawkins took advantage of a quick penalty 5 yards from Yattons tryline and flew in under the posts. John Shorney taking the easy extra points for Nailsea.
In the dying minute of fist half injury time Dave Keating’s penalty retrieved some of the difference.
Within minutes of the second half Yatton were twice adjudged held up over the tryline. Finally Keating broke through and converted his own try
At 50 minutes wing Phil Morgan finished off in the corner for Yatton giving the home side some measure of clear water in the score at 20-12
Authoritative unquestioned refereeing held sway during the remaining 20 minutes as the rivalry became intense with no quarter given.
With 10 minutes to go Keatings penalty edged Yatton further ahead and proved to be the final points scored.