Avonvale 1sts Vs Combe Down

The top of the league clash saw Avonvale travel to Combe Down and they produced a pulsating game where no quarter was asked or given.. Both teams were unbeaten going into the match so it was no surprise that the defences of both teams were on top. Going uphill but with a strong wind behind them Down started the better of the two teams with Vale struggling to contain their mobile forwards and fast backs. Moving the ball around nicely in the Vale 22 Down were awarded a penalty in the 15th minute which was converted for a 3 point lead. Vale were struggling against the wind and were having to run out of defence but finally they got their tails up and the forwards started to produce good ball for their speedy backs to use. Moving the ball well Vale attacked the Combe Down line but the defence held strong. In a hard but fair game both teams had injury problems as both teams hammered away at one another Vale lost captain and prop Hayden Rogers to a clash of heads and winger Jack Burcombe suffered a jaw injury while Down lost influential flanker Thomas Wheatley to a shoulder injury.The half ended with Vale on the Down line but could not cross it.
The second half followed the same vein as the first with both teams trying to break down the other. Ten minutes into the half Vale centre Drew Retford sustained a neck injury and the game was held up for an hour while the ambulance was callled. Resuming the game with floodlights on it was the Down who gained the advantage when a kick from the Vale 22 was charged down and the race to the line was won by the Down centre. This was converted for a 10 point lead. The Vale responded quickly when a strong carry from No. 8 George Hobbs was recycled and the ball moved wide for stand in winger James Russell to show his pace. Ten yards from the Down line he grubbered the ball along the floor and was hit late, as the ball crossed the Down try line the ball was battered away illegally and the referee awarded a penalty try. The last 10 minutes produced a stale mate as Vale as Vale went in search of a winning score but just could not break down the defensive line. The final whistle went to the delight of the Down players as they held on for a 10.7 win.