1st XV win by one point!

GORDANO Sharks got their Somerset Premier League season off to a hard fought win at Caswell Lane against a strong Winscombe team.

Fielding a new young side under new captain Fred Young, the team were keen to impress the new coaching staff. Head coach Kevin Instance has recruited two new coaches from within the ever expanding junior section at the club.

Edd Whitaker and John Critchley have come on board this season having played many seasons at the club and also coached within the mini and junior section. Director of Rugby Keith Leaker said: “We have made great strides in developing young players at the club. Alongside this we are also committed to developing our coaches, so it is great that we have two new coaches in the senior section that have come through this process.”

Playing against a strong wind in the first half, Gordano conceded a soft try and two penalties after some early season indiscipline. Captain Young showed great leadership in making sure the penalty count stabilised and crashed over himself for a try just before half-time.

Trailing 13-5, Gordano knew that the amount of possession they had would count in the second period. Despite having lost last years captain, Aaron French to injury, Gordano always felt they were going to come out on top.

Ex-Colt Tom Arnall had been sidelined for 18 months with a back injury started to make inroads into the opposition defence. Arnall’s work rate throughout was tremendous and Gordano are grateful to have him back.

It was full-back Chris Worgan who was first to score in the second half, before he was forced to leave with a hamstring injury. Flanker Tim Statton was forced into emergency cover on the wing due to injuries.

He used his strength and speed to cross the line for the home side’s third try. Winscombe soon bounced back with a try of their own. Gordano trailed by two points as the game reached its final quarter.

Both teams traded kickable penalties in a tense finale. Ash Cottrell was the coolest person in the ground when he stood up twice to knock over penalties to take Gordano into the lead. His final effort was enough to seal the win at 25-24.

Pat Mayer and Tom Harris gave strong performances on their first team debuts.

The second team were also in action against Winscombe in their first Somerset League 2 fixture of the season. The strength in depth that the Sharks currently possess was perfectly illustrated in their 80-0 victory. Chris McCallum scored five tries in this one-sided encounter.

On Saturday, the first team travel to Weston, while the second team entertain Hornets at Caswell Lane.