Sharks pick up losing bonus point

GORDANO Sharks managed to catch up on another re-arranged fixture, but had to settle for a losing bonus point in a close encounter with Stothert and Pitt from Bath.

Played on a heavy Caswell Lane pitch, the conditions hampered attempts to move the ball. It was the Bath side that scored first when the capitalised on a handling error to cross the line and create a seven point lead.

Gordano were back on level terms when centre Owen Abbott latched onto a cleverly weighted kick through from fly-half Joe Rowsell to go under the posts, who also added the conversion.

Rowsell added a penalty just before half-time to take the home side into the lead with a slender three point lead.

With a breeze in their backs for the second half, Gordano had every confidence of taking a victory. A number of handling errors and the increasingly slippery ball meant that scoring opportunities were going to be scarce.

The only score of the second half went to the visitors when their wing picked up another spilled ball to score in the corner.

Gordano had one last chance to secure the win when Rowsell hit the post from a long-range penalty attempt in the closing minutes.

Gordano coach said Kevin Instance: “This feels like another game that we should have won and let slip away. Unlike many Gordano sides of the past that I have been involved with, this young group of players are really looking forward to playing on a firm, dry surface so that they can show their real pace and flair.”

Gordano continue their defence of the Somerset Vase when the take on Winscombe away tonight (Wed) at 7.30pm.

On Saturday, Nailsea and Backwell will be welcomed to Caswell Lane for a local derby.