A Win at the Graveyard

Gordano Shark's Somerset Premier League match against Wiveliscombe had to be moved from Caswell Lane to the Graveyard pitch in Portbury village on Saturday due to the pitches at Caswell Lane being waterlogged.

With many local matches falling foul to the weather, Gordano were grateful to game the game on, despite a dismal record on the alternative pitch. Of the 7 previous league games played at the Graveyard, Gordano were yet to record a single victory. The smaller dimensions of the Portbury Village pitch tend to obstruct Gordano's attacking style, but on Saturday they were determined to bring this trend to an end.

Wiveliscombe arrived early and were were very competitive in the early exchanges. There forwards looked threatening and they attempted to move the ball as often as possible. Joe Rowsell opened the scoring with a well struck drop goal after 20 minutes. This score was soon cancelled out when a gap was left on the narrow side at a maul. When the visitors secured the ball they exploited this space and sneaked in for the opening try in the corner. This served as a wake up call to Gordano. They now started playing with a lot more ambition and pace. They started moving the visiting pack around the park and gaps began to appear in their defence. Following several phases the ball came to Captain, Fred Young. The prop showed a surprising turn of speed to accelerate through a narrow gap and to make the try line. This had been a well constructed try and gave promise of more to come.

Leading 8 - 5 at half time, Gordano felt that the game was very much there's for the taking. Another penalty from Rowsell extended the lead before man of the match, Fred Young crossed for his second try of the game. This was more a conventional props try as he crashed over from a few inches out. Gordano were now in control of every area of the game. They were dominating the forward exchanges and looked really threatening with the ball in hand. Both wings, Tom Harris and Elliot Handscombe got plenty of opportunity to stretch their legs and both had opportunities to score. Tom Arnall was the next try scorer when he managed to round off a forwards drive. With time running out, Gordano were chasing the 4th try and a bonus point. This came from fly half Joe Rowsell. He had run the ball at the defence all afternoon. When his dummy was bought totally by the defence, he was able to charge through the gap he had created. This had been a great performance to win 28 - 5 and break the Graveyard curse once and for all.

Gordano entertain Bristol Barbarians at Caswell Lane this Wednesday for a 7.30 kick off in the semi final of the Bristol Combination Bowl. Then it's back to league action on Saturday when they welcome Taunton Reserves to Caswell Lane.

Coach Kevin Instance said "this was a really pleasing performance on Saturday against a side that we narrowly lost to earlier in the season. We have already booked a place in the final of the Somerset Vase and have this semi final under our lights on Wednesday. It's a good time to be hitting some form. Completion for places is really strong. With 35 players training this week and the side winning and playing well, everyone wants to be in the side for the big games to come"