YATTON R F C - WESTERN COUNTIES (NORTH) League

Media Contact – Tony Watkins Tel/Fax 01275 – 875944 E-Mail ‘tony@awwandco.com’

Saturday 4^th November 2006 (League Match)

Yatton 1^st XV v Gordon League

33 11

Yatton Scorers Tries S Osborne, R Hull, G Jones, N Spellissy, M Harris Cons 4 Osborne

Top of the League with New Shirts.

Having waited patiently for their new ‘state of the art’ shirts to arrive from New Zealand, Yatton 1^st XV’s first outing in them proved to be a source for double celebration. Their visitors last Saturday were Gordon League who had performed the double over Yatton last season and who were currently sitting 3^rd in the league against Yatton in 2^nd place.

Both sides started nervously and Yatton conceded a penalty conversion within the first 5 minutes. Yatton’s mobility soon became evident with Rod Hull’s try and Sam Osborne conversion giving the homeside added confidence after 15 minutes.

With Leagues try attempt being adjudged held up in a one on one in the corner, Yatton’s defence was then tested by the visitors physically bigger pack. But it was Yatton’s forwards who presented the opportunity as the game swung in to the oppositions 22. Wing Glenn Jones following up finished off and Osborne collected the extras.

Hard tackling and close quarter engagements caused injury delays for both sides. Knowledgeable home supporters were surprised when Mike Harris slipped the ball from his break to the supporting Nic Spellissy who touched down. As no quarter was given Yatton’s Captain was yellow carded at 40 minutes and 8 minutes of first half injury played out with the homeside turning around on 21-3.

League regrouped and collected their second set of penalty points. But again it was Yatton’s backline who broke through with Mike Harris touching down his own try and Osborne slotting the conversion at 50 minutes.

Within minutes Leagues tough attitude paid off as young wing James Burley’s try was awarded when he bundled over on the corner flag. League then attempted to turn the screw, pinning Yatton down in their 5 metre line for no less than 15 minutes in the last quarter. League threw everything in the attacks but the stoic Yatton guard held firm. As minutes of more injury time elapsed Osborne chased up his teams defensive clearance, with the luck of the bounce and momentary indecision among surprised defenders, fortune favoured the brave. He plucked the ball out of the air, evaded a tackle and from halfway ran the touchline to cross over.

The supporters Man of the Match was Gareth G T Walters.

Later Yatton heard that that days league leaders had lost their match and Yatton’s emphatic win over the Gordon League team put them ‘on Top of the League’ – in more ways than one.

This Saturday Yatton 1^st XV travels away to North Bristol for another league clash.