Chew Valley 21 Winscombe 13
Cup holders Chew Valley marched into the semifinals of the Somerset Vase with a home victory over North Somerset rivals Winscombe from Somerset Premier.
The game was preceded by a minutes silence to remember Chew Valley stalwart John Coles who lost his battle with cancer this week.
John was a great supporter of Chew Valley Rugby club. He rarely missed a First XV game home or away and for the last few years he ran the line with scrupulous fairness. He also made sure that visiting Referees were happy with arrangements and were suitably refreshed pre and post match.

Despite being diagnosed with Asbestosis in late Summer last year, John did not allow that to get in the way of his enjoyment and participation in rugby. He ran the line up until mid December and he was able to get to watch the last home league game against Bristol Harlequins. John was 59.

With a strong wind at their backs Winscombe took an early lead with two penalties from fullback Pugh, the visiting front row were a handful all day in the tight but the Winscombe kicking game was not up to the conditions and when outside half Merryfield launched a kick upfield Chew Valley fullback Tom Bryan took the ball on his own 10 metre line. He beat a dog leg defence without a hand being laid on him and stood Pugh up to score a brilliant individual try which he then converted.
Winscombe were useful in open play with No 8 Thomas carrying well. A scrum five provided Thomas with a try as the Chew Valley scrum back pedalled to the line. Pugh converted to give his side a 6 point cushion at half time.
Most of the rest of the game was played in the Winscombe half as Chew Valley used their stronger bench to good effect. Bryan was on the end of a series of phases to grab his second try, his conversion put Chew Valley in front. Simple errors made life difficult for the hosts but when things clicked they had too much power for the visitors and when their forwards battered the Winscombe line their scrum half Podpadec collected a yellow card for one of a series of offences in defence. Bryan's hat trick came after his side went through the a series of pick and drive and with the defence stretched he was put through a gap by replacement outside half Guy Winter to go in close to the posts for a simple conversion.
Next week chew Valley return to league action with a visit to Barton Hill, the only side to win at Lobbingtons this season.