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2nd April 2005
1st XV: BAC 50 - Pilning 10
First off, for all those website fans, sorry for the lack of reports over the last few weeks.
Our last league match of the season saw us at home against the 2nd in the league (by points difference to Wotton) Pilning. We already have the league in the bag, but after the loss to Tetbury we really had something to prove, and that is that we were at the top of the league because we were the best in Gloucester 3 South. Pilning had absolutely everything to play for, as both Tetbury and joint 2nd place Wotton were all in line for the playoffs depending on the outcome of today's games.
We knew it was all about the first 10 minutes, and we set our mark with yours truly running in the first try. Our pack were a bit slow to start off with but soon picked up the pace, and the handling in the backs was spot on. On our wide pitch we had all the space we needed to run in try after try from the backs. Scores coming from Owen, 2 from Matty, a hatrick from me (which sadly meant I had to down a fizzy apple water), and a try never more deserved from our 600th cap, hooker Piggy! Darrons trusty boot got the conversions and a penalty.
Consolidation to Pilning who have come on massively this season, and were unfortunate to not make the playoffs.
Good luck next week on the emerald isle lads, have a good tour!
2nd XV: BAC 20 - Bristol Barbarians 22
Not sure on the full detail of this match but I do know that a BAC winger scored the winning try for the Barbarians!
12th March 2005
1st XV: BAC 27 - Wotton 5
With our ego's still bruised after the frustrating loss to Tetbury, we went into the Wotton match with something to prove, that apart from the blip against Tetbury we were still the best in the league. We knew Wotton would be up for it as they are challenging for 2nd place in the league against Pilning, and matches against Wotton are always 'colourful'.
The match started off almost a carbon copy of the Tetbury match, Wotton came out the blocks like they meant business and made the most of a poorly caught kick off by spending the first 5 minutes pummeling our line with their big forwards. We were lucky not to concede 5 points, and Darron kicked us out of trouble.
The rest of the match was dominated by forward play, unfortunately for Wotton, it seemed all they really had was up front as all their phases consistently came through the pack and I can't remember that many balls coming out to their wingers. Then again we had a skinny school pitch to contend with so there weren't too many options for us to get it out wide either.
Scores came from Matty on the wing, 2 from Owen and 1 from Duncan (a pretty good show of how much the ball had to be kept in the forwards). The rest of the points coming from Darrons boot.
The only other real major action was from Wotton's captain's boots which earned him a red card, and from Jimmy's fists, which earned him and Wotton's vice captain yellow cards. And interestingly if not somewhat ironically, was after the captain and vice captain for Wotton got sent off, the 13 left finally scored a good try.
In other news, we put out a 3rds team for the first time in years. They unfortunately lost to Kingswood 3rds, but our 2nds beat Kingswood 2nds by a remarkable 48-5!!!!
Lets keep up the effort and numbers and make 3 teams a regular occurrence, then everybody can have a game!
19th February 2005
1st XV: BAC 28 - Tetbury 34
What started off as a cracking day for rugby ended in the most disappointing game of the season. Pretty much all of our team went in to a match light hearted (after the new shorts tomfoolery) and complacent about being champions (if not openly then at least at the back of our minds) on the back of a 28-0 win against Tetbury last time, and got severely punished for it.
Tetbury were no doubt sporting some players we'd not seen before, and there was talk of some ex-international, but all that was all kind of irrelevant compared to the level of our effort and game. Straight from the off we were loosing in the pack, getting sucked in and missing tackles in the backs. Although the Tetbury team were good, and perhaps the strongest we've faced this season (except for Colstonians), we were messing up the basics.
Tetbury ran over 2 tries in relatively close succession near the start of the game and that put us on the back foot all game. Darron pulled us back with 3 successful penalty kicks bringing us to 9-10. The match went on like that, with BAC playing catch up all the time from our dreadful first 20 minutes, which we never really recovered from. There was a fleeting chance in the dying seconds where we had an overlap, but some unfortunate handling errors caused a turn over ball and Tetbury cleared for the whistle.
Basically, we went out a bit full of ourselves expecting to win, and Tetbury came out with a stronger, better drilled team than we'd played before and caught us out. It was a valuable lesson for us, and hopefully John will be bringing some of it out on Tuesdays training......and not to forget, what ever happens, we've still won the league!
That's it from me for two weeks, as I'm on holiday. Hopefully someone will mail some match reports to support@bacrfc.co.uk and I will post them when I get back!
12th February 2005
1st XV: BAC 62 - Southmead Mixed 10
The weeks weather had taken its toll on both BAC and Whitehall's pitches causing both the 1sts and 2nds matches to be called off. Instead the 1st XV went to Southmead to play a mixed Southmead side. On arrival, Southmead had 10 players so they borrowed 5 of our subs (the 2nds who came with us).
As was expected the mixed Southmead side put up a good opposition but we were soon breaking through and scoring try after try. The first move of the game pretty much summed the game up with Owen catching from the kick off and running through most of the Southmead pack. From the rest of the forwards came tries from Mark Dewhirst and Gary (who started off for Southmead). I got a couple of lovely breaks from our 22 to run in 2 tries and got a simple 3rd. Matty who was initially a sub post tonsillitis came on when Stoners contact lens came out and got two tries for his trouble. Raj made a welcome return to scoring with a run from half way. And Brian's brother Dave made his final mark before packing off back to Mexico with a try under the posts. Darron struck with his usual accuracy and racked up 7 conversions and a penalty.
Next week we have Tetbury at home, so make sure you all come to training so we can get a best possible selection for what could be a hard match. And don't forget the curry night in two weeks!
05th February 2005
1st XV: BAC 24 - Thornbury 2nds 3
Unfortunately the match we were all looking forward to against old rivals Cotham Park was called off because Cotham excused themselves with a wedding and watching rugby (although for those who have seen the England match, they would have been better off playing us). So instead we were organised to play against Thornbury 2nds.
We had beaten these guys closely before by about 12-10, so we weren't resting on our lorals, also because there 1's are in Western Counties North. We travelled up to Thornbury on what started off as a nice day, but by the time we got there is was grim and wet. The pitch itself was, well, sporting excess water. The game itself was very very messy with the balls and players all over the shop. By half time, the team we indistinguishable and were all the same shade of muddy brown.
The match itself was quite intense. Thornbury's 'aggressive' tactics at rucks and mauls caused many a BAC forward to complain of possible foul play, however the referee decreed it fair and carried on each time. The nil score line was soon broken by Matty with a great try down the wing, and this was followed by Brian's brother Dave dummying his opposite number to run in under the post, and Owen with a lovely forwards push over try. Jimmy in his return to the 1sts got a cheeky try and Jordan kicked 2 conversions.
29th January 2005
1st XV: BAC - Minchinhampton (home walkover, Minchinhampton could not raise a side) Minchinhampton didn't raise a side for our 11th league match, so we got an easy if not disappointing 2 points.
1st XV: BAC 39 - Old Sulians 0
Instead of Minchinhampton, we played Old Sulians who are top of Somerset 2 (although there is no Somerset 3), with only one defeat. Before the match we prepped up for what we expected to be a really tough match, and me for one thought that we would get a real test, especially as we were missing Gary and Ian from the 2nd row. Once we started, we realised they weren't bringing anything that we hadn't dealt with before, and our pack easily matched theirs with Dasher and Mark more than making up for our deficit at 4 and 5.
The Sulians backs were well drilled, and put some real pressure on us, breaking the line a coupe of times, fortunately stopped by some great cover tackling. Ben Smith in his inevitable style started racking the tries up an got a hatrick in all. Matty did some lovely runs, his best being from a ruck in our half, where he picked up from scrum half position and went blind, running all the way for the try.
Scotty made a welcome return to the 1st XV after a few weeks of injury. It took him a few kicks (and we'll say no more on that one hey Scotty!) to really get into the game, but once he'd settled he was back on form. Brian who had a good game had to get off early so Raj took the no.9 and the difference was hardly noticeable. Even Capt Dunc got a well deserved touch down off the back of a powerful line out catch and drive.
Darron kicked a penalty and got 3 conversions in all. I sadly didn't get any tries, but that'll learn me for thinking instead of running!
On a final note, PILNING LOST! putting us at least 7 points clear of any other team. As there is only 3 league fixtures to go and therefore a maximum of 6 points for a team that wins all 3 matches, it pretty much solidifies our position at the top of Gloucester 3 South! Well done lads, it been a great season so far, lets finish with a flourish!
2nd XV: BAC 30 - Southmead 3rds 28
This was perhaps the 2nds closest and hardest fought game for quite some time and perhaps because of this, one of the most gratifying. It was always going to be a tough one with Southmead looking for revenge after their drubbing by BAC 1sts a few weeks back. So it came as no surprise when their big forwards and backs started with a strategy of direct running, looking to burst the BAC defence. The BAC tackling however was first rate and it is of immense credit that we
weathered the initial storm whilst yielding only one
solitary try. difficult and it was Jordan who put us firmly on the score sheet with two tries in a row. The second of which from a splendid piece of play by Jimmy with the
quick lineout to Norm who offloaded to Jordan to step
through a napping Southmead back line. The game was still anyone's however as Southmead secured one more converted try just before the half time whistle. The second half started well for the 2nds - as seems to be a bit of a habit these days - and we made pressure tell straight away with first forwards then backs. It was Dave Eatock who finished a fine three quarter move with a dive in at the corner and then the forward dominance in the scrum resulted in a pushover try
from JMF at number eight. invaluable platform and good go forward ball against a much bigger opposition all afternoon long. Despite this, the match remained balanced on a knife-edge with Southmead pummeling through for two tries, these separated by a fine touch down by Chris Stone - who had been causing no end of problems for the
opposition. came in the form of a five-metre scrum with BAC put in. Southmead psyched themselves up more than they had managed throughout the game and it required a Herculean effort but we inched them back all the way over the line - only to find that the ball had popped out to the backs who had done the necessary and set Danny clear to score in the far corner! And so it was that after a hairy few minutes of stout defence, the final whistle blew and the 2nds notched up yet
another fine victory against a strong team. 22nd January 2005
1st XV: BAC 47 - Cainscross 7
One of the critical matches in this half of the season saw us playing Cainscross away. We took a big squad of 21 players, in anticipation for how difficult the match would be. Cainscross started off on a mission, and full credit to them as they really wanted to win and they went all out in the first 20 minutes. We got a 3 point penalty on the board then an unconverted try, but Cainscross came back to hammer our line, and for one brief time in the game, they caught us sleeping and punished us with a converted try. After the initial strong push from Cainscross, we soon began to dominate the match. By half time it was 18-7 and in the second half we ran away with it to 47-7. Stoner got his first league try, and Matty kindly gave up his man of the match cider to him (as Matt ducked out early). Others tries came from me, 3 from Matty and one from Ben Smith. Darron got 3 penalties and 4 conversions. Well done lads, that's 10 rungs up on John's special 'ladder'.
22nd January 2005
2nd XV: BAC 32 Cainscross 2nds 27
Another fine victory for the 2nds - with the score not reflecting the fact that we scored twice as many tries as Cainscross! The first half started in cagey fashion with a strong Cainscross team probing for openings only to be rebuffed at every opportunity by the un-wavering BAC defence. After a spell of possession and again being able to find no way through, Cainscross
resorted to penalties and slotted two in quick succession. then Piotr showing how effective strong, direct running can be. Then it seemed that the team collectively rested on its laurels and before we knew it Cainscross came back with two tries of their own - and somehow, despite being the better team by far, we sucked contemplatively on our half time oranges staring at the wrong side of a 20-10 score line. out into the 2nd half ready to make our dominance show. This we did almost straight away with the dynamic forwards producing an unstoppable rolling maul form which Podge got the touch down. The backs then got back in on the act with Rob Jones and Stu working a slick switch move with Rob Jones scything through on a good line to score.
Next was Rob Davies who despite the shock of being put in space by a pass from a prop (Andy B) demonstrated his usual presence of mind to score neatly in the corner. Cainscross then nicked a try back against the run of play but they knew their number was up as the BAC pack went into overdrive and punished them at every scrum with some steals against the head.
One of these provided space for Rob Jones to chip through for another
opportunist try. Rob Jones tackle. But 6 tries on a muddy pitch
against a strong opposition is no less than BAC 2nds deserved. 15th January 2005
1st XV: BAC 32 - Walcot 2nd's 5
2nd XV: BAC beat Walcot 3rd's
For our friendly this week we had Walcot 2nds at home and our 2nd's played Walcot 3rd's away. We knew it would be a tough match as Walcot 1st's are in Western Counties North division (quite some way above Gloucester 3). The match started off good for us with an impressive forwards drive try from a scrum, scorer Owen. Matty picked up a try and so did Stoner when he came on at half time. I got two and Darron got a couple of conversions and a penalty.
Generally we out played Walcot, and only one of their brief spells in our 22 ended in a try. General consensus was though that Walcot were one of the better teams we played this season, which really goes to show how well we are going. So keep up the good work guys! We've got a hard two weeks now with training twice a week leading up to each of our next two league matches. Then the 3rd week after, although not a league match, is massively important for the team as we take on old rivals Cotham Park who aren't doing to well in Gloucester 2.
Although there is no report from the 2nd's yet, apparently they gave the Walcot 3rd's a thrashing.
8th January 2005
1st XV: BAC - Brendan's (home walkover, Brendan's could not raise a side)
1st XV: BAC 94 - Southmead 2nd/3rds 7
After we'd got over the annoying fact that Brendan's could not raise a side, we took the 2 league points, and went on with the replacement match taking on Southmead mixed 2nds and 3rds team away. We knew we'd have the game in the bag, but had to treat the match as a league match training session following our 3 weeks off.
Southmead started 3 short so little Ian, Rob and the new player Liam filled up numbers for them. We tried to stick to the game plan of getting the ball out to the wings, but as is always in these one sided games, it ends up that everyone can have a go, and we did. Ben Smith from fullback and centre got 4, Matty got 4, Darron got 2, Piggy got 1 and I got 3. Darron also slotted 12 conversions over.
Brian made his return to the 1sts after his travelling, and Scotty was out the team with an injury.
Thanks to Southmead for giving us a game, and at the very least we'll be taking a good bit of fitness through to the rest of our tough month.
18th December 2004
1st XV: BAC 42 - Kingswood 5
The score says it all. We convincingly beat last seasons Gloucester 3 winners Kingswood in impressive style. We fielded a strong team, as we knew this was going to be a benchmark game for how we'd fair when we get promoted to Gloucester 2. We didn't know what to expect but had to take the friendly seriously as a league match.
We played our usual game, strong up front with the forwards winning all their ball, and with some quick spreading, the backs easily beat the Kingswood backs man for man. Jordan made an impressive start at fly half filling in for an ill Darron with some lovely attacking tackling. I had a great match back on the wing scoring a nice simple try as Matty 'took out' the winger, and a run in from an intercepted 22 drop out plus another one for a hatrick. Scotty ran one in from the opposition 22 but managed to wind himself in the process (bless), and later went off with a 'proper' injury to get sympathy from his escort ladies. Ben Smith played a fantastic game with a couple of self made tries and 2 more off good team effort, getting 4 in the bag. But all that running effected his kicking as he got 1 from 7 (Raj missed the 8th!).
We couldn't be going into the holidays with a better finish. Happy Christmas to everyone and good effort so far this year. Back to training on Tuesday 4th Jan 2005. Then we take on St Brendan's on the Saturday.
11th December 2004 1st XV: Telephones 10 - BAC 38 After our close win at Pilning the week before, all attention was on securing a win against Telephones or else the last 7 wins would be for nothing. The Telephones pack were as strong as ever, which resulted in a constant up front battle. When we did swing it out wide, our backs dominated the telephones backs, running in tries from all over. Scorers were Ben Smith with a hatrick, Matty with 2, Ewok with 1 and Darron got 4 conversions. Ben Smith picked up man of the match for some excellent work on the wing. This means we can go into Christmas being unbeaten in the league, the next 'rung' (John speak) is St Brendan's in January, however the friendly against Kingswood will be a tough test next week!
04th December 2004 1st XV: Pilning 3 - BAC 6 The most anticipated game of the season so far pitching BAC against 2nd place Pilning away. We went up there with a 21 man squad, forwards heavy, to try and deal with the thin Pilning pitch. We played to our game plan, keeping it in the forwards, with the backs keeping to chasing kicks and defensive tackling. The rumours that Pilning had videoed one of our previous matches rang true as they were heavily defensive around key backs, but nonetheless with a massive forward effort, and Darrons boot, we won the day (Darron narrowly missing a drop goal as well!). Owen got man of the match for another massive effort, but the forwards all played a fantastic 80 minutes, showing the training at Southmead on Thursday paid off. All in all, it puts BAC 3 points clear at the top of the league, with Telephones next weekend, we should be going into Xmas on a high. Well done again lads!
27th November 2004 1st XV: BAC 77 - Rolls Royce 10 Our yearly home/away game versus RR proved to be another enjoyable friendly. RR only turned up with 11, so we gave them two of ours (Sebastian and Richard). We also agreed to 13 a side with 30 minutes each way. With 10 of the 1st XV squad being rested it was a good opportunity for some of the 2nds and the 1st XV benchers to get a full game. Without the usual support and tackling of the flankers (dropped to make the 13) it was a wide game, and BAC ran in tries from the backs. We got 3 hatrick from me, Raj and Poitr. Chris, in his first full game for the 1st XV got 2, and Dave Eatock and Gary got 1 each. Dave also kicked 4 conversion, Raj and Jimmy converting 1 each. The pack gave the forward dominated RR side a good run for their money, and didn't have any noticeable weaknesses. The BAC centre partnership or Raj and Mark Morrison worked well, and Dave took quite well to fly half. Piotr had another stormer with some clever self-kicks and breaks. Next week, Pilning!
27th November 2004 2nd XV: BAC 31 - Nailsea Backwell 2nds 19 A real nail biter (no pun intended) of a game this one, with BAC 2nds coming from behind to take a well-deserved victory and extend their impressive unbeaten run. The match didn't start well for us with a large, experienced Nailsea Backwell pack putting us under pressure in the set piece. Despite stubborn defence from BAC, the possession that resulted for them yielded two tries
in the first 20 minutes - both of which were converted. from the backs. But before we could take any comfort from the narrowing of the deficit, Nailsea Backwell responded with a third
try of their own. And so we reached half way still two
tries adrift.
the opposition half. The momentum generated from this was
carried on by the backs and a superb try under the posts resulted. the lineout became a more secure source of ball - with several useful steals of the Nailsea throw by new lineout jumping sensation
Kyle Henderson (his own words not mine!) relieving
the pressure at key moments.
Sam Shepherd and even a single try to them in the 2nd half
didn't erode the belief that this exciting BAC 2nd team now possess. 20th November 2004 1st XV: BAC 13 - Whitehall 2nds 12 It was a cold, wet afternoon at Whitehall, and we went up there with no idea what to expect. The pitch was reasonably firm, with the exception of the mud swimming pool in the middle. However after 30min, the ball was covered in mud, spilling out of hand, skidding along the floor, and was more akin to a football. We started off strong and a part from some fisticuffs and handbags, it was an enjoyable game........bah....who am I kidding, no it wasn't....it was cold, wet and tough. Not much more to say on it, a part from I'm glad its over. Dasher got a lovely forwards try from a catch and drive line out, and then got a second from the wing. Chris and Keith got their first outings for the 1st XV and both played well considering the dire conditions. Little Ian got man of the match, playing No.2 for the full 80min. Not only that, the 2nd's beat Whitehall 3rds at home! Well done guys!
13th November 2004 1st XV: BAC 77 - Wotton-Under-Edge 0 Well, the score speaks for itself. In BAC's 6th league fixture this season, we absolutely demolished Wotton. Before the match we were slightly pensive, because Wotton were in effect the 3rd best team in the league. However we had little to worry about, as Wotton were quickly defeated. We played the league game, kicked penalties when we could, Darron getting a total of 2. Then after 30+ points we opened up the rugby and ran everything. The forwards controlled the usually powerful Wotton pack , releasing the backs for try after try. Ben Smith, Darron, Owen, Jordan and Scott getting one, and doubles for Matty, Dasher and myself. Darron secured 8 conversions. Man of the match went to Jordan, who has come up through the juniors and scored his first try for the 1st XV. Otherwise, reflecting the feelings of John Rolls, it was a great team effort. Notably, the 2nd XV had a good win, and had something ridiculous like 10 subs. It looks like BAC are going from strength to strength every week! keep it up lads.
06th November 2004 1st XV: Old Colstonians 77 - BAC 17 BAC took on the top of Gloucester 1 in a cup match on Saturday. We last played Old C's 2 years ago in Gloucester 3 where they thrashed us away and we lost closely at home. Since then they've been promoted each season and are now unbeaten in Gloucester 1. We had a squad of 19, but there was some gaps in the usual side. John Rolls was away celebrating his anniversary (congratulations!), and Jordan took his first start for the 1's at fly half filling Darrons boots. The pre match build up was quite intense for all, because we knew the task ahead, but at the same time we were looking forward to playing a well drilled team. We started off in amazing form, scoring the first 2 tries, one from a lovely timed Scotty pass to Matt who stormed down the wing untouched, and the second from myself who successfully managed to chase up a kick through by Raj. No doubt Old C's had a shock, and realised we wouldn't be the instant push over they thought. Our forwards did a fantastic job, and managed to hold the Old C's pack at every scrum and won most of our line out ball. Our backs defence was impressive, but finally we were overwhelmed by the numbers that Old C's seemed to get to the breakdowns and on the end of moves. Old C's came back with a few brilliant tries from well drilled moves and some chip overs, plus they were quick to capitalise on any BAC mistakes. BAC and Old C's showed good form throughout with no mentionable punches thrown. Duncan did a good job of keeping the team together, and although we took a beating, we held our own as much as we could and we can take lots of positives from the game. Good effort lads. If we keep it up like that, we'll easily stay top of the table.
30th October 2004 1st XV: Tetbury 0 - BAC 29 Probably the hardest league match so far this season, Tetbury were definitely fired up from the off. It took BAC an agonising 20 minutes to even start to contest, and then ended up defending for most of the first half. The second half proved more fruitful, as the BAC front five demolished the Tetbury pack (notable man of the match for Gary Webber!). After that Tetbury were dropping like flies, and BAC took control. Tries came from Bruce, Matty, Dasher, Jimmy and a Ben Smith who also got a conversion. Darren successfully converted 1. Good first outings for fly half replacement Jordan who had a few breaking runs, and Piot as replacement full back. It was obvious and reinforced by coach John at the end of the match, that BAC's success, apart from the player skill, is down to the effort and numbers that turn up for training each week (34 on Tuesday, with several 1st XV unable to make it!). Keep it up lads!
23rd October 2004 1st XV: Minchinhampton 5 - BAC 36 Well apart from the cow pats, dog crap, sheep sh!t, wind, rain, cold conditions and the fact we had to drive from the changing room to the pitch, it was a perfect day for rugby! The forwards took a little time to get their footing (no pun intended) and after the settling in period started to over power the Minchinhampton pack. Notable play by Owen (2 tries) and Drum who were everywhere, and Dasher for scoring. Dave Eatock's first start for the 1st XV this season was impressive as his defensive tackling and handling in the centre was up to the mark. Scott from the centre did his usual dancing round the pitch making a bit of a fool of the opposition backs, and Ben Smith broke the line to run in 3 tries. Darron had his own little battle against the weather with his kicking, but still managed to successfully convert 3. Also a special mention for Duncan who ran a superb touch line! And what could of finished of the fantastic pitch, wonderful weather conditions and close proximity of the changing room to the pitch?............. the fact we had to squeeze into a 10 man changing room with 19 guys, and use 4 showers of which only two worked, only one of which ran with hot water. A special thanks to the hosts for the facilities.
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(N.B. The views and opinions in these reports are those of the author and are not representative of opinions and views of BACRFC)
