YATTON RFC
Yatton 3rd’s
22 - Midsomer Norton 3rd’s 0
Yatton were put under severe pressure from the start by a strong well drilled Norton eight assisted by their powerful scrumhalf, and only determined defence offence, often on their own line, kept the score level. Norton was awarded a kickable penalty, which was missed, and allowed Yatton further respite.
Twenty minutes into the first half Yatton made a quick break at half back and the ball was moved along the line, full back Nick Clifton carrying up to the 22 to release an inside ball to Doug Crossan who put Yatton ahead, much against the run of play.
The second half started with Stef Vaughn kicking an early penalty from half way and Yatton were close on several occasions, but it was Norton’s turn to show good defence.
A recurrence of an old injury to veteran prop Pat Grimes forced uncontested scrums, which to an extent assisted Yatton, who were then able to get cleaner scrum ball, which in turn allowed their backs more rein. A spirited run down the wing from Darren Pugh saw the ubiquitous and prodigious Nick Clifton pop up again to take the scoring pass. Vaughn, in excellent kicking form, converted from the touch.
Norton became frustrated in the closing minutes and a quickly taken penalty by Yatton was moved out wide for Doug Crossan to power over for his second try. Stef Vaughn again converted from the touchline.
The Yatton pack had stuck to their task all game, with young prop Ben O’Brien, showing strong determination against a much heavier and experienced opponent, but the fluidity of Yatton’s threes was the difference between the sides.
Scorers:
Tries: Crossan (2), Clifton
Conversions : Vaughn (2)
Penalty: Vaughn