Gordano U15 v Old Bristolians U15

The U15s played their first 2016 home match in good conditions on the top pitch against an Old Bristolians having played on Durdham Downs in November 2015 in a hurricane. Initially the visitors pushed repeatedly into the Sharks 22 with a series of phases of effective passing play, repelled with the usual high quality of Gordano U15s committed defence.

The opening score was against the run of play from wing Sam Chigbo following an interception on his own 22 which he converted well. Old Bs responded with another series of pressure attacks. However it led to another breakout culminating in a well timed Macie King pass to full back Leon Paul, who accelerated to score under the post and then converted the try.

Gordano then had their first spell of possession and consistent territory which was rewarded by a second try for Leon Paul (conv Chigbo) from a backs move where inside centre Ethan Ando timed his short pass perfectly to Leon's run from deep. An Ed Magromallis break on the blindside created space for Sam Chigbo to run 50m tiptoeing down the line and score the Sharks fourth try. The fifth came from a well worked passing move with multiple players in support finished by an aggressive run by Leon Paul (conv. Sam Chigbo). A sixth Sharks try came from an Aaron Southey interception in his half and a beautifully timed offload to Sam Chigbo which allowed him to match Leon's trio of tries.

The score at halftime didn't fully reflect the game but Gordano took advantage of every bit of ball and finished clinically.

From 38-0 at half time Sharks kicked off into the wind. Old Bs fought back into the hosts half but a well placed defensive kick led to Isaac Barr taking the bounce and he stormed forward to unselfishly put Matt Eichenburger (conv Sid Viner) under the posts. A strong run from Ethan Ando and good inter passing led to the second Sharks try of the half finished by Ethan himself (conv Leon Paul).

The Sharks began to camp in the visitors half but Old Bs defended resolutely against waves of runs and stemmed the onslaught. Their best period of attacking play since the opening 10 minutes followed with a series of pushes towards the try line. However another Sharks run by Isaac Barr took them back into the Old Bs 22. Old Bs responded and took advantage of some uncharacteristic ill discipline in the home team to score their first points of the game with a converted try.

A trademark fly half Macie King chip and catch led to his first try of the game and was a fitting flourish to his significant performance throughout the game. The 57-7 score was tribute to consistently fine play from all those who wore the red and black.

This was the finest all round Gordano U15s performance of the season and a fitting introduction onto the first team pitch for the squad.