Wotton celebrated the Queen’s birthday by hosting Avonmouth for their final game of the season. With the two teams sitting in 1st and 2nd positions respectively, the game was a league decider. Wotton were buoyed by the return of several players and had a season record 8 subs on the bench. Avonmouth, with surely the largest 3rd team in the SW of England, had more than enough subs for an entire second team.

Wotton's had been dealt a red herring the week before the game with the disappearance of talismanic player, Gareth ‘Mr Rugby’ Davies. There were claims that he had been recruited as the new mascot for the Bristol Bears, but another credible source claimed to have sighted him in eastern Warwickshire tangling with, the previously thought extinct, megala-dom. Skipper Sam Chappell sent out the following appeal to the local community; ‘If anyone can kelp with the search, please do let minnow.’ With 2 years left on his Wotton contract, we all hope to see his safe return in time for next season.

Before kick-off there was an impeccably observed minute's silence to commemorate the passing of Malcolm Sargent, the President of Wotton Rugby Club, who sadly passed away a few weeks ago.

The game kicked off with Wotton on the offensive. Strong running from Matt Barton, Tom Gibbs and Captain Sam Chappell presented Wotton with a solid platform from which to launch several promising attacks. Following quick ball from scrum half Jordan Goodchild, fly half Alex Irons broke through the Avonmouth defense and was hauled down just short of the line. Solid line out work from Olli Boyle and James Needs allowed Wotton were able to launch further attacks on the Avonmouth defense. Centre Luke Small, winger Mark Easton and full back Dai Lloyd made several penetrating runs but the Avonmouth defense stood firm. From a midfield scrum, the power of James Weeks and Tristan Willis provided no 8, Gary Alexanderov with the perfect platform to pick and go. He popped the ball to Wotton try machine Dan Page who beat the first man and was brought down by another last-ditch tackle. Several phases later, returning centre Chris Stokes powered through the midfield and saw his final pass to Page just fall short.

At 20 minutes the score was 0-0 and Wotton would come to regret their spurned chances. Bolstered by a raft of rolling substitutions, Avonmouth began to gain a foothold in the game and their sizeable pack began to exert their dominance. A quick move from a scrum saw them cross for their first of several tries before the half was out. Wotton lost flanker Matt Barton to injury, but he was replaced by the returning Huw Edwards, who has spent much of the season on the sidelines through injury. Despite the huge efforts of Edwards, who threw himself into numerous tackles, Wotton found themselves two further tries down by half time and signs were ominous.

At half time Tom Horton and Jon Muckle were brought into the pack to provide additional power, and centre Dan Durber and full back Nathan Brown were brought into the back line. As the half kicked off Wotton launched several attacks on the Avonmouth defense, moving their large pack across the pitch several times. Strong running from Dan Durber and Tom Gibbs gave Wotton a solid platform but the Avonmouth defense held firm. Second row, James Needs was again outstanding in both attack and defense and gave Wotton solid possession from the line out. Again, Wotton missed that final killer pass and once they had weathered the storm Avonmouth counter attacked and scored 2 quick tries.

Wotton brought on their final substitutes and welcomed the returning French bulldozer, Christophe Le Car to the field, alongside scrum half Adam Davies who has just returned from injury and debutant Alex Boshier. At 27-0 down Wotton showed great spirit to fight back and put some points on the board. Following strong running from Tom Horton and sharp work from scrum half Davies, the ball was released to Frenchman Le Car who crashed over for Wotton’s first points of the day. A short while later, more strong running from prop Jon Muckle and Captain Sam Chappell provided fly half Irons the opportunity to release his backs and try machine Dan Page scored under the posts. Sadly, it was all just a little too late for Wotton as the referee blew the final whistle shortly afterwards. In all honesty, Avonmouth were the better team on the day and thus, worthy winners. Our congratulations go to them on an excellent season and we hope to see them again in future leagues. Further congratulations must go to the excellent referee, who was by far the best we have had all season and without whom this would not have been possible.

Despite the huge disappointment from the Wotton camp there are a great many positives to look back on during the season. firstly, promotion to the next Wadworth 6X league. Secondly, Wotton RFC has slowly but steadily grown its numbers and a club that at times last season was on life support, looks to have a positive future ahead. This is in no part thanks to the tireless efforts of certain individuals and several should be singled out for special thanks including:

1. Coaches Justin Barton & Peter White – For your efforts (and patience) throughout this season.
2. This season's Captains Olli Boyle and Sam Chappell – For the often-overlooked work put in behind the scenes to make the games happen.
3. Steve Merikan – For all your efforts ensuring we have an adequate pitch to play on.
4. The Chairman & committee – For all the work in keeping the club running.
5. Lita and all the staff at the Star Inn – For keeping us fed and watered and for providing us with such a fantastic base.
6. The wives, girlfriends and supporters who have come down to watch us over the season and helped all the players be ready to turn out each week.

A few important summer dates:

1. Saturday 16th June 2018 - Wotton RFC will be running a Pimms tent at Party in the Parc at Wotton Community Parc. Please come support the club by visiting our Pimms tent on what we hope will be a lovely sunny day out.

2. Thursday 21st June 2018 – Wotton RFC will be running summer touch rugby sessions at KLB school every Thursday evening for six weeks. Session 1 on 21st June.
• Players of all ages/sexes/abilities are welcome to attend – please spread the word
• 6:30-7:15pm every Thursday at KLB school
• Just £1 to play with a free burger thrown in from week 3 onwards

A Final Note

And finally, this author would like to extend his own special thanks to Wotton RFC. With the advent of social media, technology and everybody generally being so sensitive about everything these days, the number of people playing this wonderful game seem to be in decline. However, this wonderful club has introduced me to some truly inspiring, eccentric and wonderful people (in equal measure) who I am proud to call teammates and friends. There is nobody else I would rather be stood outside with on a rainy Thursday night. I thank you all for a wonderful 5 years and here is to the many more to come.

If you would like to be part of this very welcoming club, put down your phone, dig out your boots and tell the wife you’re ‘just popping out.’ New players of all abilities are always welcome to join Wotton RFC and can contact Chairman Dai Lloyd for more information at contact@wottonrugby.co.uk