1s come up short against Wivvy again.

Gordano`s first game in the new year saw them take the long trip down to Wiveliscombe to play in a top of the table clash. Gordano knew they had a massive challenge ahead with the home team having an unbeaten home record that goes back a couple of years. Gordano lost the all-important toss and played down the famous slope in the first half it was important to start quickly. Both teams where trying to force their physical games upon each other, but Gordano were the first to break the arm wrestle and moved the ball wide and full back ran Noah Homes-McAdam scored, Conversion added by Hodge. Wiveliscombe came back strong and where trying to use their strike runners to get them on the front foot but Gordano’s defence stood up strong and where knocking them back. When Gordano got the ball they tried to get their off load game but the wivy defence was just as organised. Gordano were wearing down wivy and with 5 minutes left in the half Centre Sam Hodge broke free and scored close to the post but he hit the post with the conversion. Half time 0-12.

The second half was as you would expect with wivy using there slope to get territory and build pressure, Gordano’s defence was working hard and were defending for long periods of time but wivy were not making any in roads. After 20 minutes wivy scored their first try with their scrumhalf going though the middle of the ruck to score. Conversion added 7-12. 5 minutes later wivy were back in the Gordano 22 and scored out wide to level the score, Gordano took this as the signal to up the effort and they were on the attack for themselves. Gordano showed how they could play but with the pitch cutting up it was hard to get a firm# grip and the ball was beginning to be more like a bar of soap. Wivy took the lead for the first time in the game with 10 minutes left but Gordano`s response was first class and caught the ball from the kick off and never gave it up until they were scoring for themselves up the slope. The conversion was excellently kicked over with Gordano retaking the lead by 2 points with 5 minutes left. Wivy knowing the hill pinned Gordano in their 22 and when Gordano were harshly penalised at a ruck when Gordano were expecting the penalty for themselves, Wiverliscombe set up there last play and a across field kick bounced kindly for there winger to score in the corner to take the lead. Gordano tried as hard as they could to get back into the game, but the time was against them and fell just short in the key game.

This was a very tough game with the conditions and slope on the pitch forcing the game into a forward battle. The work rate and attitude of the Gordano players was of the highest standards but they were unlucky not to get more out of the game. Gordano take a bonus point from the game but the win gives wivy 2 point lead in the league but with 11 games left Gordano still have plenty of chances to get back on top. Next Week Gordano play local rivals Nailsea and backwell at caswell lane next Saturday 2.30 kick off.