Yatton vs Chosen Hill

28 27

Yatton Scorers - Jones, M Harris, Garnham, Morgan. Cons Keating 4

Yatton ‘miracle’ comeback

To say that the home side Yatton were blown away in the first half could imply undue emphasis on the effect of the wind, which favoured the visitors from the basement of Western Counties North. Although the wind did help, it was undoubtedly Chosen Hill’s dominance on their ever visit to Yatton’s ground, in the scrums, commitment and general skills which stunned home-side supporters.

From a nervous start by both sides, it was Chosen Hill who were two tries and one conversion up with no reply after seven minutes. Second row and Captain Mike Motkle-Robinson led from the front with the first try, converted by Andy King, and minutes later came Martin Burrows’ try.

In a fast and open game, Hill pinned Yatton well down in their 22 and added an easy penalty at the end of the quarter. Five minutes later, Burrows finished off in style again.

Hill had a player yellow- carded after 30 minutes, but King still managed a clean interception, cutting through and converting. Hill had a second player sin-binned just before half-time.

During the turnaround reaction of supporters was in total contrast- some were jubilant and others disappointed and very doubtful with a score line of 27-0 against determined opposition.

Now with the wind in their favour, Yatton’s ‘mountain to climb’ struggle started well enough, with converted tries by wing Glen Jones, and centre Mike Harris beneath the posts after 13 minutes.

Hill valiantly resisted Yatton’s resurgence and delayed further damage until scrum-half Nick Garnham fly-hacked a loose ball and followed up a touch down on 70 minutes.

Seconds later, wing Phil Morgan charged down a clearance kick and dribbled to beat the defence to the try line. Fly half Dave Keating converted all four tries to put Yatton one single tenuous point in front.

The result of the last tense minutes could have been anybody’s, with Yatton failing to convert two penalty opportunities and drop gaols. The match finished with Hill well on the attack in Yatton’s 22. Man of the Match was replacement prop Stu Hill.

This game was a dress rehearsal for next Saturday’s fifth round of the EDF Cup, same teams same venue – what a game that should prove to be! Kick-off 2.00pm.