This Saturday saw Yate RFC welcome Chepstow 2’s to YOSC. Yate RFC on the back of their first ever win in only their 4th outing were hoping to build momentum. With Chepstow having travelled over the bridge with a bare 15, struggling for backs Yate knew they would be in for a tough encounter, running rugby not likely to be on the cards.

The game kicked off with a young referee, being assessed on the day, keen to prove his refereeing potential. A few early scrums saw the Yate pack hold their own (with the help of some Wootton lads). Chepstow showed their experience early on, retaining the ball and going through the phases. It was Yate however who opened the scoring. Dai Burgess again showing his sharpness of mind as well as fancy footwork to pressure the 10 into dropping the ball, then fly hacked It on a couple of times and reaching the ball first, ahead of several Chepstow defenders to touch the ball down between the posts. Simple conversion by Bernie to put Yate up 7 – 0.

Determined not to be rattled, Chepstow came back strongly, using direct running lines and their experienced centres to make the hard yards up the middle. Unfortunately as improved as it was, the Yate defence were not able to hold out and Chepstow levelled the score.
The game teetered around the midfield for the next 20 minutes or so, with great defence by both sides cancelling out some promising attacking phases. Charlie Lodge again showing excellent attitude, chasing back to save a certain try. Ross Millington and Bernie were doing their best to disrupt the Chepstow ball, falling foul to the referee on a couple of occasions. By this point Chepstow were certainly on top and after a good spell of pressure. Having worked their way up the field their tall, strong centre cut a good line and scored under the posts. This was shortly followed by a 3rd when their other centre, equally as strong if not as fast, muscled his way to the line to touch down before half time. Both unconverted and the score stood at 19 – 7 at half time.

The second half continued in a similar vein to the first. Yate scrapping for the ball and trying to attack with the little ball they had. The on-loan Wotton front row covering lots of ground, making some important tackles and helping Yate stay in the game. A breakaway try proved costly however as Chepstow scored another to put the score at 26 – 7 and left Yate facing a long big task to get anything from the game. Another try all but confirmed the win for Chepstow as there was only 20 minutes remaining.

By this time the subs were on and Matt Davies was playing out of position on the wing, Reece had come on at flanker and Jordan joined the 2nd row. Realising that the score was beyond seemed to set Yate free. Without doubt the best rugby of the game was played in the last 20 minutes when it was Chepstow’s turn to soak up the pressure. Phase after phase were put together with Yate inching up the field before a gap was spotted and a break was made. A lack of a pace and talent saw the break halted but as always, captain Neil Olive was on the shoulder to receive an offload to cross the line for a try. Again converted by Bernie, still 100% for the season.

This effort however seemed to drain the last remnants of energy and concentration from the Yate team as Chepstow again came on the charge. A yellow card for ‘Golden Balls’ Burgess saw Yate down to 14 and by this time the defence was too weak and 2 soft tries were conceded to give Chepstow a final winning margin of 41 – 14. Although slightly flattering to the visitors, it showed how experience and opportunity-taking is so valuable in turning pressure into points.

More learning for Yate and another gutsy performance. More importantly it was another performance in the right direction. Teamwork was excellent, defence vastly improved and more reasons for encouragement, despite the score. MOM was jointly awarded to the guest front row.