All hard work is paying off....

Could they tap into their well drilled training moves? Could the defence plug the gaps? Or would they just throw in the towel. Sorry no more puns I’ll just talc about the game…..

Almost the full squad arrived for the much anticipated match against Bath and the starting 15 although looking unusually weary started the game strong. They took the game to Bath from the start and that pressure paid off when a well worked penalty move saw Louis Bocock Grace crash through the Bath defences for the first try of the day, unfortunately this came at a cost as he was carried off in a lot of pain holding his shoulder. The game resumed and Bath came back at Chew strong, running the ball well through the hands and it required the lads to call on their defensive skills and determination to keep Bath at bay. Soon the defence turned into attack and the forwards drove hard, and with the backs setting up there lines well it was the turn of Danny Ridding to finish off the move for Chews second try.
Bath yet again came back at Chew and this time got there reward as they ran in their first try. More ebbing and flowing took place between the teams with Joe O’ Sullivan seeming to be everywhere making hit after hit, like a dodgem at the fairground.
With Chew picking up momentum Joe Moss was rewarded with a try as he capitalized on a loose ball from a ruck and powered his way through for try No. 3. This was quickly followed by No. 4 thanks to Anthony Haywood’s fancy footwork and pace as he eluded several tackles to dance across the line. Bath continued to pressure the Chew line and the home defence was being tested once again. With the play camped in the Chew half, Chew managed to steal the ball. George Bazely received it and BANG ! He was off, faster than my wife round Cabot Circus in the January sales and no one could catch him either as he touched down to make the half time score Chew Valley 33-7 Bath

The Second half was more of the same and Bath continued to press, this time being rewarded for their efforts with their second try. At 33-14 the game still didn't look safe and with Kieron Owen limping off injured, Chew had now lost both their regular second rows. Jake Knifton and Joe Moss took over and it was team work and determination required again to withstand the Bath pressure. As the forwards pushed into the Bath half once more Jackson Bryant powered through from 10 yards out making it 38-14. The game opened up a bit and like a centre court match at Wimbledon the ball was going from end to end.

Ben Mead almost ran in a 70 yard try as he broke from his own 22 shaking off several tackles, with no one in front of him the Bath players gave chase. It was like a scene from a David Attenborough documentary with the Lions of Bath chasing down the Buffalo of Chew. Despite his determination and swerving run, they caught him ten yards short of the try line but with great support arriving Chew forced a scrum. From this they maintained the ball and from another good ruck Jackson Bryant picked the ball up and ghosted in so unnoticed even he was unsure if he had scored his second and the teams 7th and final try.
Danny ridding had another good kicking game converting 4 from 7 which left the final score: Chew Valley 43–14 Bath.

Another great team performance which left all the coaches and parents proud of the lad’s efforts. No Man of the Match this week as it would be harsh to single any one individual out.
Bath were a good team and they deserve a lot of credit for the way they played and conducted themselves. The score did not reflect the tightness of the game. Several players in both sides went of injured which showed the intensity and commitment given by both sides in a clean well contested competition.

No game next week well played again boys

Late News……………..
After an X ray today it is revealed that Louis Bocock Grace had in fact fractured his shoulder, which puts him out of action for the foreseeable future. We all wish Louie a speedy recovery.