Gordano Maintain 100% Record at Caswell Lane

Gordano 24- 18 Old Bristolian’s

Gordano ran out worthy winners against a strong Old Bristolian’s side at Caswell Lane. In a tightly contested game which was played at both ends of the park they had just enough in the tank to get over the line.

The game started brightly for Gordano with Tom Arnall managing to catch a clean kickoff, this set the platform and Gordano’s style for the day to use their big ball carriers through the middle. Carl Petch, coming in for an injured Tim Statton, was dominant in defence and attack.

Gordano’s first try came through some great work from the forwards, a lineout won was driven deep by a well set maul and the subsequent drives setup good field position for the backs to work with. Scrumhalf Ben Clarke managed to rescue the ball which went across the backline for Phil Hodder to score in the corner. A tricky conversion which hit the post missed by stand-in kicker Clarke.

Old B’s hit back quickly with some good hands in the back opening some space for their speedy back 3, a good bit of illegal work by Macie King slowed the ball down enough on their line for the referee to give the penalty and concede only the 3 points.

It was then Hodder again grabbing the limelight as a poor clearance kick by the Old B’s number 9 was caught just on the oppositions 10 metre line and was returned by a determined Hodder who brushed off several weak tackles to scored under the posts, conversion successful; 12-3.

The end to end game continued as another nice set move play by Old B’s saw them go 70 yards up field, they then used their powerful number 8 who ran a useful line which saw the defence open up and a try was scored. Conversion successful 12-10.

Gordano knew that a score before half time was imperative, they drove forth with purpose with big runs from former Aretians second row Matthew Steadman, and second row partner Royce Chiddle through the middle. Neat hands saw the ball move through Gordano’s key men Arnall and Rowsell to see Kaine Southey score a brilliantly worked try.

Halftime score was 17-10, Gordano had worked tirelessly in the first half and needed some running repairs, luckily ex Clevedon physio Matthew Honour was on hand to work his magic to get the boys backup and running.

The second half certainly wasn’t a spectators affair, with lots of dropped balls and penalty offences being given away by both teams. Old B’s kicked a penalty to get within 4 points, but excellent work from the forward pack earned Gordano a penalty try from a succession of scrummages much to the disgust of the seemingly biased Old B’s travelling support.

Old B’s to their credit then worked their way up field to score a try which would make the last few minutes a tense affair, Gordano held their nerve however to secure a second bonus point win at home and keep their 100% record at Caswell Lane.

Coach Dave Burge highlighted the importance of bonus point home wins and targeted the next game away at Spartans (Gloucester) in which he believes could be an important 5 points on the road.

Man of the match was a hotly contested award, with strong games from Rowsell, Southey and Arnall, but this weeks man of the match went to Royce Chiddle for his tireless carrying and work around the park.

Dick of the day goes to newcomer Dan Shortland after being seen by Head Coach Dave Burge outside of Mbargos in the early hours of Saturday morning, when Dan reiterated he would be home by 1am, he was shocked to be told by Dave that it was already 1.30!

Next weekend Gordano are heading North on the M5 up to Spartans (Gloucester) for a 3pm kickoff.