Clevedon v Yatton

21 3

Yatton Scorers - Pen S Osborne

‘Scoreline flatters Finalists’

Bitterly cold conditions and a strong crosswind spoilt the kicking game for both sides. Yatton without their influential Fly half Dave Keating faced Clevedon from two divisions above in this semi-final of the Somerset Cup.

Clevedon naturally were favourites but ended being flattered by the scoreline and being dealt with by lectures rather than yellow cards.

Within the first 5 minutes Yatton were ahead through 18 year old Sam Osbornes penalty.

But 5 minutes later Owen Biggins darted over from a 5-yard scrum move for Clevedon. Again within 5 minutes Yatton were in the oppositions 22 and after an adrift drop goal attempt a penalty conversion opportunity was pushed wide by the wind.

The battle continued flowing from end to end during which time Clevedon’s Hooker was the first to be yellow carded and then 10 minutes later Yatton’s Winger, both for technical infringements.

Minutes before the break Clevedon exploited Yatton’s exposure on the wing gaining a try from Ashley Vailes touchdown after a three-man overlap.

At the start of the second half Yatton were made to dig deep into their defensive skills and they missed Flanker Chris Harris because of injury before the turnaround. Eventually within minutes of the end of the third quarter two penalties were gained by Clevedon, converted by Paul Glenn giving some measure of clear water at 16-3.

Yatton’s ability to turn a defensive driving maul into an attacking platform would have had more effect if they had not rushed to clear their 22 area by kicking.

As the pressure built well within Clevedon’s 22 old tactics were used to slow the game and delay resetting set pieces. Discussions took place yards from the tryline.

Clevedon’s blindside break through try finished off by Biggins, minutes before the final whistle, meant that the final scoreline really did not reflect the competitiveness of the contest.

This Saturday Yatton 1^st XV has a tough home League encounter against comfortable league leaders Taunton. The visitors only need 6 points from their last 5 games to secure promotion. Yatton will want revenge for their loss in the away fixture.

Kick-off 2-30pm Preceded as usual by a no doubt crowded Vice Presidents’ luncheon