Avon II 5 Gordano Sharks II 19

Chris Nutand’s second team travelled to Bath hoping to get their season back on track with a much needed victory. On viewing the pitch the squad soon realised that their brand of running /passing rugby wouldn’t be enough, today would need grit and determination, this proved to be the case.
Gordano’s experienced tight forwards of Sean and Andy Coles, Darren Frost and Matt Rollings dominated the tight play providing a platform for half backs James Thomas and Nick Moore to dictate play and as ever impress.
Backs Rob Penhale, Dan Macallum , Joe hayman and Rob Dyer carried well allowing speedsters Nick Stratton and Phil Hodder to attack the space.
The game was always tight with quality ball hard to produce and maintain due to the deteriorating pitch. However The Sharks never looked under pressure and high work rate, discipline and spirit allied to exceptional defence saw them through. The versatility of the team allowing changes to freshen legs in the last quarter meant that a tiring Avon side struggled to compete. Mike Dyer and Alex Underhill added a freshness to proceedings, allowing Rob Penhale and Rob Dyer to rejuvenate the tiring pack.
The battle at the breakdown was the key and Gordano’s back row of Sam Wall, Karl Petchy and Ben Wilson were immense. Tackles drove the larger Bath forwards back allowing turnover and counter attack. Wilson’s first outing on the flank was a revelation and indeed saw him take the man of the match award, closely followed by the always impressive Petchy.
Tries came from Rob Penhale, Phil Hodder and Nick Stratton. Dan McCallum adding two conversions.