Coaches Day!

Winscombe had started the day one place ahead of Gordano. alto though it is still mathematically possible for Gordano to make a play off spot by finishing in second place, the realistic aim of the match was to leapfrog Winscombe in the Somerset Premier table.

Despite missing several regulars and having to include coaches Kevin Instance and Edd Whitaker in the squad, Gordano got off to a great start. They were dominating the set piece and were the side playing all the rugby. This was soon reflected on the scoreboard. Joe Rowsel kicked a penalty and soon after Jack Hendy showed an impressive turn of speed to squeeze in at the corner following a perfectly weighted pass from flanker, Lee Worgan. Rowsel converted from the touch line to give Gordano a 10 point lead. Winscombe responded with a couple of penalties before the relentless hard work from Ben Wilson was rewarded with a try under the posts.
Gordano then lost Owen Abbot to a head injury. The brave wing certainly put his body on the line to prevent a Winscombe score but unfortunately that was to be his last act in this match. Gordano were now leading 17 - 6 and looked to be easing to a comfortable win by half time.
Winscome increased their effort in the second half and managed to kick another penalty.

More injuries meant that the coaches need to stretch off. Edd Whitaker made an instant impact cutting great lines from full back which resulted in wing Elliot Handcomb scoring a brace of tries to wrap up the bonus point and appear to secure the victory. Winscombe never gave up and managed to get 2 tries of their own late on. As the final whistle approached Winscombe were still chasing the win but Gordano just had enough experience on the pitch to slow things up and secure the victory.

Gordano still have 3 league games left. They are away to Wiveliscombe next week, at St Bernadette's Old Boys on Easter Saturday and at Keynsham on Easter Monday.

The 2nd team also needed to dig deep for resources. Veteran Dan Martin was encouraged out of retirement to team up with Paul Winward in the second row to renew a successful partnership from the last century.

Although they came up just short by 12 points to 5 to a strong Winscombe side, the losing bonus point was good enough to guarantee a 2nd placed finish in Somerset 2 North.