North Bristol 14 Frampton Cotterell 21

A cold start to the day for this morning’s short trip to North Bristol. A good turn out by the Fram boys and two halves of 20 minutes each way were the name of the game.

An even start saw both teams sounding each other out. A good early run by Jack put Fram deep inside the North Bristol half but they couldn’t capitalise on the good field position. The impressive Marcus was also making inroads and the new look Leo was on hand to push forward in this end to end start but it was the defences who were dominating. Some great tackling by Ben and Mike were keeping North Bristol at bay and at the other end the strength of Roy and Olley were being stifled by the numbers at the back for North Bristol. Finally the breakthrough came and it was the home side that got it with virtually the last play of the half. A lineout to North Bristol 5 metres out was worked well along the line and the free space across the pitch was exploited for a try in the corner. With the conversion the home side were 7-0 ahead. Straight from the kick off an eager Fram progressed well thanks to a powerful run by Nik into the hosts half and a quick tap and run by Jack saw him nearly level the scores but the referee called play back and the half ended with North Bristol holding a slender lead.

The second half was action packed and Fram were pressurising from the off. They were soon on level terms when a sustained period of pressure saw Jamie emerge with the ball and his strength saw him cross the line for the try, Jack levelled the scores with the conversion. Minutes later the visitors were ahead, a good run by Charlie, followed on by Gabe and again it was Jamie who was there to finish off a powerful move, again Jack converted for a 14-7 lead. North Bristol came fighting back though and following a penalty to the hosts the kick to the corner resulted in a lineout two metres from the Frampton try line. The strength of the home pack told as they were able to push over for the try and the scores were level with the conversion. It was anyone’s game as time ticked away and Fram were awarded a scrum five metres out. The ever reliable Matt hooked the ball back and Lewis picked up, his short pass saw Nick spot the gap and he squeezed through to put the ball over despite a North Bristol player wrapped around his legs. Jack converted and the game was won.

As the players and parents walked back to the clubhouse the talk turned to the more pressing matters of hot dogs and chips. These were certainly well earned by the boys in green today, well done lads !