Winning starts for Walcot and Bath Ladies, Combe and Avon beaten

Round-up of the grassroots rugby action – Saturday 26th September and Sunday 27th September.

Walcot

Walcot’s bid to go one better than last season’s runners-up spot in Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South got off to a winning start, as Dorchester were beaten at Albert Field on Saturday 26th September.

The Lansdown-based hosts, who finished 14 points behind champions Sherborne last term, overcame a tenacious County Town XV 24-21.

A spokesman for the victors said: “Walcot started very brightly and scored a lovely try in the fourth minute courtesy of Gabe Moore after they had retained and recycled the ball effectively, allowing Dorchester not a sniff of possession.

“All the usual suspects were doing solid work, Jack Newman carrying hard and clearing up messes, Pacey Skyrme giving it large with some beefy defence and captain Ed Harris encouraging everyone along.

“On the 20-minute mark, Dorchester claimed their first try after carving out space for their winger to canter in under the posts.

“Dorchester slowly started to turn the screw. Enjoying a decent amount of hard-won ball they quickly added another seven-pointer as lax Walcot defending let their big second row rumble over without a hand being laid upon him.

“Harris verbally energised his troops – and from the first decent scrum following the restart, Walcot showed exactly what clean, won ball can do.

“A flowing three-quarter move with simple passing let winger Moore make great inroads into enemy territory.

“A desperate away defence could only offend as it looked likely that the home team were about to score from a ruck five metres out. A quick tap-and-go saw the ball spun wide for Joe Healy to work his way over in the corner for a very satisfactory try.

“A pattern was now emerging as each side realised where their strengths lay, Dorchester enjoying scrum time more than Walcot, and Walcot enjoying open play more than Dorchester. The line-outs were even at this stage of the game.

“Scrum-half Wilson Skyrme gave the sweetest offload to a bullocking Ethan McLellan to score a five-pointer, the extras being added by Alex Barnsley to put Walcot 17-14 ahead.

“The weather began to take its toll just before half-time as ball-handling began to look very tired, with Dorchester coughing up a certain try due to lethargic passing.

“Several changes were necessitated in the closing minutes of the first half, with Dorchester losing both second rows to injury and Walcot losing front-rower Ross Garty.

“Potential man-of-the-match Adam Wilton went into the front row and veteran Barnie Jarvis replaced Wilton in the threes and made an immediate impact by thwarting an attack with some stout tackling.

“Walcot looked like they had a game plan for the second half – keep play in the opposition’s territory.

“They managed to do this but Dorchester broke out from their own 22 on a couple of occasions. And with frustrations brewing, a minor free-for-all on the Walcot try-line saw Harris and a Dorchester front-rower yellow-carded.

“The imbalance of players benefited Dorchester more than Walcot as the guests took control of the set piece but could not turn that advantage into points.

“Play returned to the Dorchester end of the pitch and only erratic line-outs and whimsical scrum time prevented Walcot from getting a crucial bonus-point try.

“Time after time superb kicks to the corner were wasted but Walcot persisted and eventually Ieuan Watkins dived over for the fourth try.

“There was still plenty of time on the clock for Dorchester to up their game and advance to the home team’s try-line.

“Only a wayward pass at the last undid their efforts which really summed up their day as they had numerous opportunities to score if only they had been a bit more clinical.

“Walcot sought to put some icing on the cake as it looked like a victory was certain, Harris diving in at the corner for a try only to be called back for a bootlace in touch.

“Dorchester dug deep in the 80th minute and justly scored a losing bonus-point try.

“Referee Frank Gannon controlled the game superbly, was fair and consistent and made sure everyone was hydrated at appropriate breaks.

“All the home team would probably admit that they were grateful for the win but acknowledge that there is plenty of work to do if they are to fare as well as they did last season or go one better.”

Muhammad Camara played his first game of rugby and acquitted himself well when he turned out for Walcot 2nd XV in their Counties 4 Tribute Ale Somerset North match at Nailsea & Backwell 3rd XV on 26th September.

Walcot could take only 14 men to North Somerset but the hosts loaned them a player to even things up.

The match was in the balance during the first half, which ended with Nailsea & Backwell 12-7 in front. But the hosts pulled away after the turnaround to emerge 36-7 winners.

Captain Thomas Read scored Walcot’s only try, going over from 10 metres.

Joining Camara in making a fine display for the travellers was another debutant, Henry Dowling.

Matt Hooper made a welcome return after a spell at university and Harry Bullard, who converted Read’s score, was reliable and trusty in all departments.

In the second half, the heat took its toll on the away side, whereas Nailsea & Backwell had eight replacements to call on.

Inevitably, Walcot succumbed to pressure and conceded 24 more points.

A spokesman for the guests said: “Many thanks must go to club stalwarts/coaches Matt Andrews and Kev Woodland who travelled down with the team and gave their best to continue the good name of Walcot and rugby.”

Combe Down

Ellie Jones scored two tries as promoted Combe Down gave Devizes a run for their money in Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South, losing 29-22 at Holly’s Corner on 26th September.

On what was the Black & Ambers’ sponsors’ and former players’ day, the visitors from Wiltshire only got the better of the hosts in the closing stages.

Jones added two conversions and a penalty to his points tally, and there was a try for Will Fairman.

The same afternoon, Combe 2nd XV overcame guests Warminster 34-22 in Counties 3 Tribute Ale Dorset & Wilts Central thanks to a try apiece from Curtis Bowen, Dan Nesbitt, Nye Rawlings, Gareth Bowen, Alfie Playfor and David Hulbert plus two conversions from Nesbitt.

The home side had been 34-10 in front with 15 minutes remaining.

Combe head coach Jimmy Rees said: “Mixed emotions but above all I’m incredibly proud of what the club achieved [on the day].

“The 1st XV battled brilliantly against a very strong Devizes side, putting in a huge effort right to the end, only to narrowly lose it in the final 10 minutes.

“There were plenty of positives to take from the performance.

“Then the 2nd XV followed it up with a huge win against a strong Warminster side and a fantastic reward for the effort and commitment they’ve shown.

“I’ve been really impressed with how the lads have conducted themselves throughout the delayed start to the season.

“They’ve continued to train hard, stick together and stay positive, and it was great to finally see that hard work rewarded on the pitch.

“We’re really excited about what the season ahead has in store but we certainly won’t be getting too carried away.

“It’s a long season ahead and there’s plenty of hard work still to come. We’ll keep taking it one week at a time.

“A massive thank you to everyone who came down and supported us.

“It was fantastic to see so many sponsors, supporters and former players there getting behind the teams. Your support really does make a difference.

“Two teams, two big performances and plenty to be proud of. A great day for the club.”

Avon

Avon were beaten by fallen giants Bridgwater & Albion on 26th September in what the sides believe was their first meeting since a Somerset Cup quarter-final 43 years ago.

Albion, a former Level 4 team, emerged 29-21 winners of the Counties 2 Tribute Ale Somerset encounter at Hicks Field.

A spokesman for the hosts said: “Things initially looked ominous as sustained Bridgwater pressure during the first quarter of an hour allowed them to take a 7-0 lead with a converted try.

“But Avon grew into the game and enjoyed several spells camped inside the visitors’ 22, although they failed to take advantage of some potential scoring chances which later came back to haunt them.

“For much of the rest of the half, the two teams cancelled each other out as the defences held firm, although Zak Hardwood continually threatened the visitors’ defence with his powerful running and Rhys van den Handel and Will Hayward proved a bundle of energy in the loose.

“Then Avon suffered two big blows, either side of half-time.

“Firstly, a promising Avon attack saw the ball bounce loosely for Bridgwater to hack through and score under the posts for a 14-0 lead.

“Immediately after the interval, Bridgwater exploited space on the blindside to add another try to stretch their lead to 19 points.

“Avon responded straight away as their pack became increasingly influential.

“After several promising surges, Xander Hall-Davis took a great angle to burst through from a short pass and crash over the try-line. Rob Fitch added the extras.

“Shortly afterwards, Avon man-of-the-match Damien Sawyer fielded a relieving kick and found new Fijian full-back Addy Arole in some space in broken field.

“A huge sidestep at pace opened up the defence and Arole set off on a scintillating run from halfway before touching down under the posts for a debut try. Again Fitch converted and suddenly Avon were back in contention at 19-14 behind.

“With Bridgwater becoming increasingly worried about Avon’s comeback, they slotted a penalty in an attempt to consolidate their lead.

“Avon responded in style again as they retained attacking possession and swiftly recycled the ball out wide for Escher le Duc to add their third try. Fitch again converted and suddenly it was a one-point game at 22-21 to Bridgwater.

“The score remained the same until five minutes before the end when Bridgwater scored their decisive fourth try.

“Despite Avon dominating the final stages, seeking their own bonus-point try and a losing bonus to reward their efforts, the visitors held on to secure the 29-21 win.”

Also on 26th September, Avon 2nd XV were defeated 41-22 by their Bradford-on-Avon counterparts in a friendly at Hicks Field.

Ian Burnell and Jake Coates scored two tries apiece for Avon.

Bath Ladies

Bath Ladies opened their Women’s Championship South 1 campaign by seeing off Essex side Thurrock Ladies 31-12 at Lambridge Training Ground on Sunday 27th September.

The hosts opened the scoring through Jessica Miller’s early try and added two more touchdowns – courtesy of Maya Uylangco and Catherine Westley – plus a Vicky Foxwell conversion to go 17-0 ahead.

Thurrock hit back with a try from Amelie Mason, majored by Emelia Twesigye, but Clea Fawcett soon went over, Foxwell adding the extras, to leave Bath 24-7 ahead at half-time.

The sides bagged one try apiece in the second period, Lois Bird crossing for the hosts and Foxwell converting before Thurrrock’s Tia Tandy touched down on the hour.

The winners’ forward of the match was Evie England – and their star back was Anya Small.

Second row Emma Devereux and wing Ellie Ratcliffe each won their 50th cap for Bath in the game.

Local teams’ results:

Saturday 26th September:

Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South: Combe Down 22 Devizes 29, Walcot 24 Dorchester 21.

Counties 2 Tribute Ale Somerset: Avon 21 Bridgwater & Albion 29, Oldfield Old Boys 20 Clevedon 59.

Counties 3 Tribute Ale Somerset North: Old Redcliffians 3rd XV 48 Old Sulians 12.

Counties 4 Tribute Ale Somerset North: Nailsea & Backwell 3rd XV 36 Walcot 2nd XV 7.

Counties 3 Tribute Ale Dorset & Wilts Central: Combe Down 34 Warminster 22, Melksham 2nd XV walkover v Bath Saracens, Trowbridge 3rd XV 14 Avonvale 55.

Friendly: Avon 2nd XV 22 Bradford-on-Avon 2nd XV 41.

Sunday 27th September:

Women’s Championship South 1: Bath 31 Thurrock 12.

Local teams’ fixtures:

Saturday 3rd October:

Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South: Dorchester v Combe Down, Trowbridge 2nd XV v Walcot.

Counties 2 Tribute Ale Somerset: Hornets 2nd XV v Oldfield Old Boys, Keynsham 2nd XV v Avon.

Counties 3 Tribute Ale Somerset North: Old Sulians v Nailsea & Backwell 2nd XV.

Counties 4 Tribute Ale Somerset North: Walcot 2nd XV v Imperial, Yatton 2nd XV v Oldfield Old Boys 2nd XV.

Counties 3 Tribute Ale Dorset & Wilts Central: Avonvale v Amesbury, Combe Down 2nd XV v Melksham 2nd XV, Bath Saracens v Salisbury 2nd XV.

Women’s Championship South 1: Beckenham v Bath.

Sunday 4th October:

Papa Johns Women’s Intermediate Cup: Ellingham & Ringwood v Bath United.