Saturday 2nd April 2005 (League Match)

 

Old Centralians                      v                 Yatton

 

 21                                                     24

 

Yatton Scorers     -Tries 2 Garnham, M Harris Cons 3 Keating Pens Keating

 

 

‘Yatton’s mouth throws away lead’

 

 

A depleted Yatton played with the advantage of the slope in the first half but it was Old Centralians who struck with their first penalty. Dave Keating’s penalty levelling the scores minutes later.

 

Yatton’s superior rucks and mauls created the platform for scrum half Nic Garnham to dummy under the posts from a tryline ruck. Keating adding the conversion.

 

Five minutes before halftime, Man Mountain Ian Spiller (but nick named ‘The Rat’ wrestled the ball and broke through popping up the pass in a tackle to give Garnham an easy second try. Keating’s conversion gave the visitors clear water at 3-17 and seemed enough to ensure eventual victory.

 

But Old C’s knew how to play their pitch and had second thoughts. Penalty opportunities for the homeside came like clockwork every five minutes and Craig Anderson’s sure boot took full advantage, giving Old C’s confidence and bringing the scoreline to12-17 at 55 minutes.

 

Weary from winning Prague Cup and celebrations on tour five days before and then travelling to Gloucester, Yatton tried to stop the rot. A prolonged series of five-yard lineouts and scrums in the heat of the summer like weather was eventually broken when centre Mike Harris muscled his way through tackles to touchdown beneath the posts. Keating’s conversion stretching the lead.

 

But once again Old C’s constant kicking pressure and exposure of Yatton on the wings, helped by the visitors lack of discipline, gave them three successive clear cut penalty conversion opportunities as play was allowed well beyond injury time. That man Anderson wasted no opportunity as he picked up six conversions from seven attempts solely in the seconded half. The eventual final whistle came to the relief of frustrated players on both sides as off the ball incidents began to mount up.

 

 

This SATURDAY Yatton 1st XV entertain Oldfield in their last League match of the Season at home.

As tradition dictates this will be preceded by the occasion of The Presidents ‘Invitation Luncheon’ to which all members, ex-members, friends of YRFC, local councillors, MP’s and representatives of the Press are invited. Start-time 1-00pm.