25th March 2006

1st XV: BAC 32 - Old Cryptians 41

Things didn't start off too well this week, with selection happening on the Saturday morning and us finally turning up to Cryptians 30 minutes before kick off.  This was on top of already get a 57-0 stuffing by these boys before Xmas.

All that said, we came out the blocks with one of our best first half performances of the year.  Crypts definitely weren't expecting our start, and they were making mistakes all over the place, with there centre finding it especially difficult to catch the ball.  The first points of the game came from a great cross field kick from Darron, which I had to jump and compete for in the air with their winger after the bounce.  Sadly for their winger, momentum was on my side as my meagre frame knocked him for six.  Nick capitalised on the loose ball and scored the touch down.

Soon after I got a good break down the right wing, stepped inside their winger and managed an offload (or could be called dropping the ball) to Guy who ran in the try.  Now I know it all seems a bit me me me, but authors rights, so anyway, the next bit of play saw some quick hands from the back of the scrum, out to me to finally score a try of my own (although some may say a team try). 

Forgetting the order, another try came from some great work by Raj, who chased a kick through and when one of the opposition tried to block him from charging their kick down, he pushed the guy over.  Subsequently the opposition kicker, kicked their guy in the head, causing a bit of confusion which ended up with Pascal scoring the try. 

The last real bit of brilliance of the half came from Smithy who chased down a Darron kick from our 22, totally skinned all the opposition, and touched down the ball as it crossed the line.

Now, you may well be asking yourselves, how, from such a brilliant first half when we were 27-6 up, did we manage to make such a pigs (no offence piggy) ear of it?

Well there were a few factors.  1) we had the slope and the wind in the 1st half.  2) Crypts must of had a beasting by their coach at half time and 3) it started raining and 4) we're BAC and we always play pants in the second half.

Crypts came out the second half with a few more gears, and we had probably got a bit complacent.  They started exerting their dominance in the forwards, taking advantage of the slippy ground and the slope.  Every ball they got in their 22, went right down the pitch and usually ended up with their forwards scoring.  Our scrums and lineouts went to pot, with any ball being won in either, being then promptly spooned out to nowhere.  The backs didn't really get a sniff of the ball, and spent most of the half back peddling to make tackles.

There were two yellows in the match, one of their forwards for handling in the ruck and one for our captain Duncan (the dirty bastard) for handling.  That was following a rather royal stamping which Duncan received for 'falling over' whilst trying to defend a rolling maul.

Anyway heads up as these guys are 3rd in the league!

25th March 2006

2nd XV: BAC 0 - Cirencester 5

18th March 2006

1st XV: BAC 68 - Barbarians 7

This week saw us playing struggling Somerset 1 side Barbarians at their ground near Whitchurch.  As this wasn't a league match, we went to it with no pre-conceptions or pressure, which was fortunate as we were missing many of our 1st team players.  This did however give the up and coming boys a chance to shine in the 1sts, namely Chris and Nino, with of course a couple of the old boy 2nds, Jimmy, Gareth and Big Lad.

We knew from previous friendlies as well as the pre-season competition that these guys have an impressive pack, but not so much in the rear.  So the theory was to play the "give it to the backs" tactics, which resulted in Smithy getting a try in about 5 seconds.  Very soon after, our game went the way its been for a few weeks now and the Barbarians pack started advancing with a few quick rucks and mauls.  This all took us off balance and we were making basic mistakes of not diving on the ball, and the old catching thing, but this could partly be put down to a ball with less grip that wet fish.

A few more tries steadied us down a bit with Stoner getting a lovely run in after breaking a few tackles down the left wing, and then the forwards got a fantastic catch and drive try from a good 5m from the line, Jimmy taking the honours.

After the half time ballacking, we came out with a different head on and basically demolished the Barbarians backs.  I opened the scoring with a quick pop off Darron to break through the fly half and full back to score under the posts.  Scotty then made a quick break to score.  We then had to fend off a Barbarians forwards onslaught which knocked us back into our 22, but a well turned over ball resulted in Smithy running the length of the pitch to put another one under the posts.  In the mean time Chris who'd had a cracking game hooking/throwing moved out to flanker, putting me back on the wing, from which I ran a couple more tries for my hatrick slicing through the knackered and no doubt demoralised Barbarians backs.

The final couple of tries came one from Scotty running the entire pitch to score under the posts, and from Darron after I somehow bounced the wingers head off my sternum (leaving me in a bit of pain and the other guy pretty still on his back), popped it to Darron who went in the corner.  A score which he rather coolly converted, on top of his 8 other conversions.

Although the match didn't really count towards anything, its nice to have one of those types of win every now and again.  And also full credit to the Barbarians boys, namely the Hooker who was decent before and after the match coming in a congratulating us on a game well played.

Amusingly, I heard today (Tuesday) that Barbarians reported to the Bristol Independent paper that we only won 26-7!

2nd XV: BAC 12 - Southmead 24

There was a game on Saturday the 2nds played Southmead 2nds away.
On a very cold and blustery day in a friendly which was just that, played generally in good spirits.

Started the game well despite a lot of pressure in the forwards and despite missing a number of players through first team call-ups. Southmead came out strongly and had some breaking runs but the BAC defence fought well and kept them out for a while before conceding the first try. Southmead managed to contain the BAC backs on most occasions but useful kicking from the fly half and inside centre meant most of the first half was in the Southmead territory and following a good lineout and sustained pressure BAC got a try through Ben May.

A number of injuries were sustained but players carried on 'heroically' as substitute numbers were low. Southmead scored again and soon after in the second half BAC were awarded a penalty try following repeated infringements and attempts to slow the ball by Southmead. Closer to the end of the game BAC lapsed due to injuries and Southmead managed another two scores? But all the BAC players stuck at it to the end in a good team performance. The boys can come away with there heads held high even though they lost 24-12

Southmead 2nds are a good side, a few leagues higher than us in the merit tables so well done boys it proves that the work were doing on a Tuesday is working and lets keep it up. Gabriel got man of the match with only his second ever game at fly half (a little hidden talent!) And I heard that although there was a number of the pack missing they still attempted the TANK ball with Neil scoring so well done on that one boys.

12th March 2006

1st XV: BAC 20 - Smiths 11

Considering all the rain we've been having of recent, we half expected the game to be called off, but as was, the pitch was in great condition for running rugby.  The second consideration was that Smiths might not turn up, and this resulted in us playing a game of touch about 40 minutes before kick off.  Although fun, probably not the best idea we've ever had.  However surprise surprise about 10 minutes before kick off Smiths turn up, so we're still game on albeit 30 minutes late.

We started the game off really well, perhaps because we were still in a touch rugby state of mind, this resulting in a very well scored run in from Smithy at full back early on.  We, as no doubt Smiths did, thought that was how the match was going to go, but as John pointed out, they wouldn't have come all the way down unless they had a team who could play!

Following the Smithy try, our game went a bit scrappy at best.  The forwards had the big Smiths pack on an even keel, but the backs, who admittedly hadn't had a great deal of ball time together, had trouble breaking the lines.  Very soon after Smithy's score, Smiths came back with an equally good team try, making the most of our broken defence to score in the corner.  By the half time whistle the only thing separating the teams was a conversion from Darron.

The second half went a bit better for us than the first, with a bit more linked up play but still leaving much work to be done.  The forwards worked a great try, first trying the catch and drive from a line out which resulted in Stuart being held up over the try line, then following it with a equally good driving scrum which saw Skeritt fight through from scrum half to score.

The second half also saw another solo effort from Smithy which put us 9 points clear leading into the last 10 minutes.

We still have a lot to work on if we are to go on playing with many of the usual 1st XVers missing (from the pack and backs), all we can do it make sure we make it to training!

2nd XV: BAC 32 - St Brendans 12

4th March 2006

1st XV: BAC 3 - Brockworth 38

This week saw us playing Brockworth away.  We went up with and under strength side, played badly with the players we had and got beaten.

Things didn't start out fantastically well with Ewok getting a broken nose within the first 5 minutes through a tackle and a flying leg, striking him off the rest of the game.  Luckily, no amount of facial battering could possible ruin those looks, so he should be okay.  Pascal, who normally plays second/back row came on as substitute and played full back.

Up front we were playing with a mixed experience pack, and definitely a pack that had not had the opportunity to practise together as was evident in the lineout.  Although we were initially winning our ball, the quality was scrappy and easily turned over.  In defence however we got some good steals, but again the ball was difficult to secure.  This was much the same story for all our contact areas for both forwards and backs.  We would go into contact, win the ball, then whether it be through a knock on or awful ball retention, Brockworth would pop up with the ball and run in a try.

The tackling was definitely one of our worst efforts this season, with too many missed tackles to mention, resulting in huge overlaps and easy tries. 

When the game finished, we received a rather tough talking down, if not somewhat harsh.  However no matter what any one said after the match, we went in with an under strength team and we knew it, and it effected our game.  Even the usually consistent players were making mistakes through both bad form and trying to fill the gaps.

On a plus side, the scrums were nice and solid, and Ben at scrum half had a decent game, not just for helping me out of a scuffle after one of the Brockworth players tackled/punched-me-in-the-eye.  Fortunately my retaliation didn't include punching, nor did Bens, however the tubby prop who slapped one on Bens head got pinged by the ref and sat the last 10minutes out the game.  Also Chard who was thrown in the deep end starting on the wing for the 1sts had a good first game and Pascal did the best of what he could at full back considering he had no idea what to do.

With Cheltenham Saracens gifting us with a no show against Dursley, we are now clear of the bottom two teams, even if the Saracens win the rest of their games and we loose all of ours.  So its not all bad news this week! (League table)

18th Feb 2006

1st XV: BAC 38 - Ashley Down OB's 16

Although we were reasonably safe in the league, this game against Ashley Down was as important as any as it would put us absolutely clear of the bottom 4 teams and safe from any hint of relegation.  Also Ashley Down was the only team that on paper we should beat, but have never been able to.

Ashley Downs strong point has always been the big pack, which puts them in pretty much the same bag as Hucclecote.   Although we could try to compete up front, we employed our usual tactic which worked to great effect.

Ashley Down came out the blocks strong hitting us with numerous rolling mauls and tight runs off the rucks with the big forwards.  This knocked us for six to start with, but once we'd got over the initial onslaught and controlled the forwards, the game started to play into our hands.

Once our backs got their quick ball, they were more than a match for their opposite numbers, with the only real threat being again from their forwards.  Very soon the tries rolled in with both Guy and Stoner getting on the board.  Smithy sneaked in another lovely try from a perfect miss pass from Chris and Darron booted 4 conversions successfully. 

And before everyone e-mails in to complain about me not ever writing good things about the forwards, of course it wouldn't be fair not to mention the two tries scored by the forwards, both from the half way line following great support play ...........oh and of course, both by me playing open side!

Raj got what had to be the try of the year with a very cheeky interception in our own 22 and an impressive run all the way up the pitch to score under the posts.  This really added insult to the injury of an already beaten Ashley Down side.  I did note that he looked like he was running out of puff, but he surprised all with a late burst of speed to loose the defence. 

Ashley Down as always gave us a good game and never dropped their heads making it a really enjoyable game. 

11th Feb 2006

1st XV: BAC 3 - Hartpury College 79

Why are they in our league?  An almost semi professional rugby college of multinational under 25's no doubt on rugby scholarships from their native countries, playing in a league against teams of 18-50 year old amateur rugby players who work for a living.  I'm not bitter, I just think its a bit of an oddity that we have to play against. well...see the link.

Hartpury College

We lost, but we don't really care.

28th Jan 2006

1st XV: BAC 23 - Old E's 7

This week we continued our winning ways with another win over Old E's away.  Apart from being a bit cold, it was a cracking day for rugby at Old E's Hallen.

No one really knew what to expect when we got there, we'd beat them convincingly the first time round, and we'd just come off a storming win over Hucclecote.  The thing is we couldn't count these guys out....they have been in Gloucester 2 for a few seasons now, and their backs are usually quite handy.

From the kick off we were caught a bit off guard and were pushed back through a series of fast phases, almost to the extent that a try was on the books.  Soon after that though we managed to exert a bit of dominance up front, and took a few line outs and scrums against the head.  This was much of the tale in the forwards, as we showed our dominance over the young Old E's pack.  This was topped off by man of the match going to Stuart, who although going off injured, still managed to make his presence felt.  It was also a welcome return of Nosher, who complimented some of his ranting with some good individual play.

Our backs were under real pressure from the quick (*coughs*) off the mark Old E's backs, and almost every run in the first half was stopped early.  That slowed a little once the ref spotted how quick of the mark some of the Old E's were being.

The first try on the board came from a scrum drive over the Old E's line, touched down by scrum half Ben (more about him later).  This was followed by a Ben Smith trade mark break, a quick one two to Stoner, leaving Smithy to cruise in over the Old E's line.  His partner in crime got a bit of glory of his own when Darron grubbered a sneaky kick from inside the Old E's 22 for Stoner to dive onto over the try line.

The try tally would have been higher as Smithy made a fantastic break from the half way line supported all the way by scrum half Ben.  Unfortunately in this instance Ben's calling was much better than his catching as he managed to fumble Smithy's weighted pass and miss an open goal.  However as I'm sure he would like me to point out, he did score a try earlier on!  And that also made up for the fact that I, in a similar vein, knocked on an easy try, although that WAS in a tackle situation and not a free running situation Ben!

For the rest of the backs, Darron had a decent kicking game getting 2 conversions and a penalty, and the twins had a good game in the centre.  In fact speaking of Dave, I have a friend in the Mexican police.  He e-mailed me this statement Dave gave when he got pulled over just before he flew back to the UK.  I don't know what it means, but I thought I'd put it up anyway:

"No era mi coche que cogia las putas, no contestaré las preguntas que me hagan quedar mal!"

That aside, after reviewing the latest league table and Ashley Down suffering a huge loss to Hucclecote 41-5, it puts us in quite good standing for where we are in the season.

21st Jan 2006

1st XV: BAC 22 - Hucclecote 12

Regardless of what inspiring gems were said before the game, it was clear that we were taking on second in the league Hucclecote (who stuffed us 32-0 in the last meeting), and a loss was inevitable.  The effort was going to be in keeping the score line down.

Of course, in retrospect that's a load of old ballacks! 

For the first time, we really focussed our Thursday night training on the exact tactics we would need to take on the mighty Hucclecote pack, and we pulled it off to great effect.

Hucclecote's entire game revolves around their big pack, and their line outs and rolling mauls were difficult to defend against.  Nonetheless, we held our own in the line outs and got some quick ball out to the backs.  Once our backs had the ball, they sliced through the Hucclecote backs, making plenty of yards.

When the Hucclecote forwards did work the driving rolling maul, they did it to great effect and knocked us back again and again, but all that seemed to do was knacker their big boys out, and they were only rewarded with one touchdown and then a dubious penalty try after what seemed to be a first offence pull down on the line.

Our backs played a fantastic game, with no greedy running and instead, great linking and support.  This all resulted in BAC taking the early lead and keeping it up to half time.  All through the second half we were leading by 7 points at 19-12.

In the last 15 minutes we put on a valiant defence for about 10 minutes on our own line, blocking out the try that would square the match with some great tackling on the short side.  This was followed by a massive penalty clearance from Nick all the way up the pitch into their 22.  A spot on line out followed, fed to Brian and spun out wide, resulting in Darron finishing of the game in perfect style with a 22 drop goal smack bang through the middle of the posts.

Everyone played their best game of the season, and man of the match went to Jutty for some great line out ball and support play.  Tries came from Brian, Nick and Stoner, with Darron sinking 2 conversions and that Wilkinson esq. drop goal.

14th Jan 2006

1st XV: BAC 20 - Kingswood 24

Kingswood started of fast and hard in our second encounter of the season.  We were down in the forwards, and I was called up again to do the line out duties (even having to think, call and jump now!).  Kingswood employed their usual successful tactic of mauls to significant effect, as their forwards gained more yards than their backs did all game.

Sadly the noisy chubby second row went off AGAIN for Kingswood, but did his usual funny grunts and moaning from the side line, bless.

The Kingswood backs did string together some moves early on, which broke our line a couple of times, but Guy and Nick replied just as well.  Unfortunately Kingswood took the lead early on with a succession of driving mauls, and at half time we were a couple of tries down.  Before the whistle went though there were some dubious calls by the ref.  One such incident involved the Kingswood penalty move.  Their guy tapped the ball, turned and the rest of the forwards bound on to him, they then proceeded to trundle towards our forwards in a flying wedge (although less flying and more waddling).  Surprisingly the ref said it was legal as they hadn't bound before contact.....so grabbing a player on his shorts/shirt and charging forward fully attached to him isn't binding?

The second half for us (or rather for me) was much better, because I was allowed to go back to the wing (as poor Raj had "one too many" the night before), and Ben Blue Socks, who will now be known as Ben Cracked Ribs, went off as well.  Soon we racked up a quick try from Ben Smith on the Wing.  Guy also managed to put one down after another blistering run from Smithy.  I'm sure I did some fancy stuff as well but I can't remember.

Byron had a great game at scrum half, often putting our forwards to shame as he seemingly managed to rip the ball from the opponents big men single handed.  That said, the forwards did put out a good effort considering we were under strength, and won a couple of our own lineouts and even one against the head, although I have no idea how Joner and Shep managed to lift that heavy bugger Ian up (who played his last game for the club as he's off to Toulouse for 6 months, perhaps he can show the French how to play proper rugby).

Smithy got another try in there somewhere and Darron knocked a conversion and penalty over (following two conversions which both hit the posts!).  Stoner got man of the match for some great running and tackling!

7th Jan 2006

1st XV: BAC 22 - Cheltenham Saracens 10

After much driving around following numerous wrong directions, we made a pit stop tour of almost every rugby ground in Cheltenham trying to find the one we were playing on.  By the time we finally got there, we had about 30min before kick off, so it was a quick change and then a rushed warm up.

Our lack of preparation before the match showed in the first 10 minutes, with Saracens coming out strongly and at the time holding our scrum back.  That did soon change though, with a repeat of our last encounter and many a scrum being taken against the head.

The line-outs started off well, until Owen went down like a ton of bricks and although bravely trying to play on, eventually crashed out calling to be taken off.  This threw our lineout, as I was the only jumper left, which kind of gave the game away.  However, surprisingly we won some line-outs and even took a couple against the head.

Also a notable mention for Ben blue socks as he got man of the match for moving into second row following Owens departure, with no noticeable loss in strength in the scrum either!

The backs were running out with a new line-up, with Guy on the wing and a return of Nick to the centre whilst the jolly hockey sticks were being re-strapped.  Ben Smith also returned to fill the large boots left by myself as I was promoted/demoted to flanker in Dashers absence.

When the backs did get the ball (which wasn't too often to start with) they looked pretty tasty with some well worked moves, and one particular great kick from the replacement fly half into the corner which Guy juggled from hand to hand, to finally touch it down.  This of course wasn't a touch on the fantastic move which sent the ball flying through the backs hands, all the way to Raj where it quite literally flew through his hands as he knocked it on over the try line.....although we shouldn't mention any more about that.

Anyway, that win puts us in good standing in the league, 5th from bottom, one place above Ashley down (only by a score difference of two mind!).

Congratulations to the 2nds who pulled of a great late win over Nailsea and Backwell, although that is all you'll find out about that story as the 2's are too lazy to send me a match report.

17th Dec 2005

1st XV: BAC 50 - Gordano 2nd's 5

With our scheduled friendly away at Bishopston cancelled (Bish has a league fixture to honour) we managed to get a match against Gordano 2nd's away.

We played rolling subs and started of with several forwards missing and new starts from Young Stuart, Southmead Stuart and Jack Shepherd.  The first half saw some great play from the BAC forwards and backs, with the 3/4 linking up to run in try after try.  We clearly had the better team and made the most of it to start with.

The second half went the way most of these one sided games go, we started to play at their level.  The forwards seemed to change form and started loosing scrums against the head, and the backs were throwing the ball around like it was touch.  Needless to say, we ended up conceding a try, albeit from a charged down kick on our try line.

Dasher had a great game stealing numerous line out balls, but sadly his like for pies was his downfall as shortly into the second half his ankle gave way under his awesome weight and he had to be taken off.  Get well soon Ben, no kicking arrestees in the cells tonight!

The tries a plenty came from Stuart and me on the wings with 2 each, Guy with a hatrick (and a jug IS due there Guy, and now the whole world knows!), and a great forwards supporting try which came in from the wing, flicked up by me to Duncan who popped a short one out to Ben Blue Socks.  Ben then shouldered down, bounced the winger off and planted the ball under the posts.  Jordan topped the scoring off with 4 conversions.  Of course Jordan wasn't always the kicker, it started off with Ben Dash, who after an awful/unfortunate miss, handed the cap back to the fly half.

All in all, it was a good game to end the year on, especially considering the pasting we took the week before.   Happy Xmas all!

10th Dec 2005

1st XV: BAC 0 - Old Cryptians 57

No two ways about this match, we got a good Christmas stuffing by Old Crypts. 

We were under strength in the backs missing both Brian and Guy in the centres, which meant Scotty coming in from the wing and a return to the 1sts for the Forrester Ewok.

In the set plays the forwards matched if not bettered the Old Crypts but in the open play it was a different story.  Although there were valiant efforts, the amount of turnover ball and the missed tackles was painful.  But for positives the lineouts have come on a treat and Owen even stole a few against the head.

Full respect to the Old Crypts backs who put on a some great lines with there stocky full back whizzing in numerous tries.  Ironically we actually crossed their line 4 times with forward mauls, but each time we were held up.

When the backs did get the ball, we looked good, with the closest effort coming from the young right wing (well me) who crashed through and side stepped a few tackles from the half way line then made the classic wrong move of stepping inside the fullback and getting nailed when I should have gone for the corner......and that late tackle call was rubbish, I'd clearly already committed my shoulder to the flyhalf regardless of how long it had been since he'd passed the ball!

The second half was the better of the two for us with considerably less conceded points.  A little bit into the half we had a change of tactics bringing me and Raj into the centre, and putting Scotty and Ewok to wing and fullback respectively.  Although we were putting in some good tackles and linking plays it was already a lost cause.

Also a special note for Ben, who when challenged by the Old Crypts prop to "Have a go", replied "that's what your mum said last night".

Full credit to Old Crypts who probably the best side we've played this year.  But lads, let get some mother frikkin greens on the results board!

Well done to the 2's who beat Aretians yet again.

3rd Dec 2005

1st XV: BAC 8 - Dursley 15

Another league match and another game we 'should' have won.

We travelled up to Dursley on what turned out to be a cracking day for rugby.  The main Dursley pitch was waterlogged, so we took a stroll up a path to another pitch that was spot on.

The game started of well with both sides evenly matched.  The Dursley forwards were strong, but our pack pretty much matched them, hitting them with a few rolling mauls early on.  In fact most of the game seemed to reside in the forwards who all put in a great effort, especially Ian who never gets a proper mention!

From a backs perspective it was a frustrating game, because although we had the majority of possession we just weren't able to string together all the great little bits of play to cross the line.  For most of the game we sat chasing by 10-3, until Stoner came on at half time and had a few cracking runs down the left wing, the second of which resulted in a try in the corner.  Unfortunately due to the wide pitch, the conversion was a big ask of Darron's boot, and it fell slightly short leaving us 10-8 trailing.

Through a bit of luck (and I'm sure they'd admit it) within minutes of our try, Dursley intercepted a floaty backs pass on our left wing and countered with a clean run in from the half way line.  They missed the conversion which although knocking us back, put us within a converted try to draw.  Typically though there was not enough of the game left to come back and we had to settle with an annoying loss that really should have been the other way round. 

Nonetheless, we showed good form on the whole against 4th in the league, and once we've ironed out the niggles, we'll be ready to take some more Gloucester 2 games.

Our thoughts go out to the Dursley prop who took a fall in one of the scrums, we hope he has recovered okay.

26th Nov 2005

1st XV: BAC 27 - Bristol Barbarians 0

This week saw us taking on Somerset 1's mid table Bristol Barbarians at home.  As it was a friendly there was nothing on the line for us, as opposed to the Barbarians who lost to us in the pre-season tournament at Imperial.

Unfortunately many of the squad were unavailable this week, and we managed to squeeze a decent side out with one substitute.  The game started off well, with the forwards winning their fair share of ball and providing adequate opposition to the big Barbarians pack in the scrum.  The Barbarians backs weren't to much to shout about, and that focussed our attack on getting the ball out wide.

Guy broke their line from centre on numerous occasions, but two of which resulted in tries for himself.  I scored a try, albeit disallowed for no apparent reason other than the ref 'thought' i'd knocked it on, where as clearly I hadn't.  Scotty got a lovely try in the corner from a cross fielder from Darron, which Scotty showed surprising football prowess controlling with a second tap before knocking it on/touching it down.  Darron also knocked over all 3 conversions and a rather cheeky left footed drop goal!  I also had to forfeit my substitute place at half time when Stoner came on as poor Ian hurt himself.  Needless to say, yours truly ended up playing flanker for the second half, oh what fun.

All in all it was a good effort all round.  The forwards seem to be getting over their niggles and the backs are starting to gel together more and more, and hopefully now we have a settled team who are all getting to training and the matches each week, which can only be a good thing.

Next weeks a big game against 4th in the table Dursley (who we last played in the Gloucester 3 playoffs 2 years ago). 

19th Nov 2005

1st XV: BAC 19 - Kingswood 24

Not to much to write on this one.  It was a cup match against Gloucester 2 relegated side Kingswood.  There's not much to write, not because it was uneventful, more so because it was two weeks ago and I can't remember much about it.

I remember three main things.  1) we were winning the first half, 2) Kingswood wanted it more than we did and came back to win the second half and 3) Kingswood players/spectators kept saying we were being beaten by a Gloucester 3 side.

About the latter point, how memories are so quickly forgotten.  Last year, when the tables were turned and we were the Gloucester 3 side playing Kingswood in Gloucester 2, I recollect we served a side order of spanking to them to the tune of 50+ points.  That aside, this time Kingswood played well and have shown they can compete, and also its shown we still have considerable work to do (and we know where!)

12th Nov 2005

1st XV: BAC 30 - Cheltenham Saracens 14

With the previous weeks achievements far in the back of our minds we had to focus on this important league game.  Although

Saracens were lower than us in the league, a loss would result in us being pushed even further down the table so we had to win.

The forwards had a good game with the line outs really coming together well, and one resulting in a catch and drive try in the

corner for Duncan.  The peak of the forward effort, and as rewarded with man of the match, was Ian with a great support game,

probably gaining more yards than any other forward.

With the match pretty much won in the forwards, the backs had to work their usual magic to take the game.  As with Sullians

it took us time to start linking up the good work everyone was putting in, but finally it did come together. The interplay

amongst the backs really shone through with the score count coming one each from Scotty and Guy in the centres and me and

Smithy on the wings.  Darron capitalising with a conversion and a penalty.

The score line could have looked even more favourable if we'd made a bit more of our overlaps, but none the less, as any Welsh

man will say from Friday night, a win is a win (although I'm sure Fiji would disagree!).  Also I got sold a dummy by a prop which

wasn't to great as he went on to score a try.

We still have a lot to work on before our big matches towards Xmas against 3 and 4 in the table, Dursley and Cryptonians, and we

need to make sure everyone comes to training to start to ensure continuity in Saturdays games.

Oh and old 'chubby' had a good game at scrum half!

5th Nov 2005

1st XV: BAC 26 - Old Sullians 22

This was the third time we'd met our Somerset rivals, the first two times being last season when we were top of our respective

leagues (Gloucester 3 and Somerset 2).  This time we were both mid table one league up from where we were last year and

it was also a very different match to the previous two where we had beaten them reasonably easily.

BAC started out with a depleted front 8 as Owen, Dasher, Johna, Ian and Gary were all missing from the pack.  This

meant is was and ideal opportunity to bring some of the 2nd XV pack up including Chris, Podge, Nino and Shep, all of whom

stepped up to the mark and had a great game.

In the first half, BAC were clearly playing good rugby but we just couldn't click it together.  This was against a unrelenting and

impressive forwards effort from Sullians using pops and drives, which resulted in several tries.  By the end of the first half we

only answered with 2 penalties leaving us 22-6 down, looking at quite a big second half battle to even pull near.

The second half was a different game altogether.  The forwards were getting the ball back and the backs showed outstanding

handling, with Guy and Bryon leading the efforts in the centre.  The first try coming from Bryon on a trade mark jinking run.

Scotty scored a lovely try in the corner after a burst from the 22 and a 'single movement' to 'roll' over the try line to score.

The final try came from yours truly in the corner with very little to do after a well worked centre move from Guy and Bryon.

Sullians almost took the game in the dying seconds as one of their big forwards broke a tackle (which may have been me) inside

our 22, but fortunately Ewok made a last minute tackle which saved the day (well Dave grabbed his legs and I recomposed and

jumped on his back to bring him down).  Darron had his usual kicking prowess with 2 conversion and 2 penalties.......oh and

one drop kick that he probably would prefer I didn't immortalise in black and white on the internet!

Scotty got man of the match for his 'return to form' although it was less of a loss of form and more so that he is a pretty good

winger!  I reckon Neno/Nemo would have been a close second with a great game on the flank.....

........Oh and also, pass of the match came from me when I gave Raj a sweet floated (some critics may use the word 'hospital')

pass, seconds after which he promptly got creamed by 3 Sullians.  Better him than me though!

The 2nd XV also beat Sullians at home!  Well done lads.

29th Oct 2005

1st XV: BAC 0 - Hucclecote 32

Not much to say on this one.  We didn't perform anything like the previous week against Old E's, and against a big pack

like Hucclecote we could ill afford to under perform.  The Hucclecote tactic revolved around their fly half booting the

ball up the field and then a big forwards drive which usually popped up in a try. 

Unfortunately we are still maturing our game from our Gloucester 3 days and losses like this, although frustrating, are

to be expected on the route to finding our Gloucester 2 feet.  Each match teaches us a new lesson an I've no doubt the

return match will be a different outcome.

Congratulations to the 2nds who won their match against Midsomer Norton.

22nd Oct 2005

1st XV: BAC 30 - Old Elizabethans 7

After a difficult start to the season with 3 league losses in a row, we had a lot to prove in the match against Old E's.

A lot of work went in during the two training sessions in the week, and we knew we had to up our game to compete

against the Gloucester 2 sides, because we know we've got the players but we need to get out of the Gloucester 3

mentality.

Anyway, in what was expected to be a very hard match, we came out fighting.  The forwards demolished the Old

E's pack, scrum after scrum, turning several balls over.  The close phased play went well, and the first try came from

a catch and drive 5m off the Old E's line.

Ben Smith had a great game on the wing running in a beautiful try from half way, and Dasher showed he could

go just as fast (in a slightly slower forward type way) when he spun round the ruck, and ran a half to score and I managed

to sneak on over from a blind side move with Owen and Brian.  Darron had a good kicking game, sinking 2 penalties

and 2 conversion.

Brain and Guy in the centre had a good second half with lots of great darting runs, and their defense as usual was spot on.

Old E's only real drive came from their jinking fly half who sold a dummy and got in under the post.  Apart from

that there wasn't really much for them to write home about.

Overall, a 10/10 performance from the forwards, who even managed to dominate with Piggy off on a yellow.  Lets take

it onto next week and give Hucclecote a good seeing too.

1st Oct 2005

1st XV: BAC 17 - Ashley Down OB 37

Sadly another week and another league loss, and another team we should have easily dominated.  Although again

we had players out, this time it can't be an excuse.  I reckon we are just missing the good ol' fashion BAC

rugby passion that took us to the top of Gloucester 3.

We were playing away at Ashley Down on a lovely day, which should have been perfect for our open rugby. 

Although we had a few good runs, our pack was under tremendous pressure from the Ashley Down pie eaters

and our lack of tightness in the scrum resulted in scrum after scrum being pushed back.  That wasn't the story for

the entire game though, because we did manage a couple of strong drives on Ashely's ball resulting in some steals.

When we got the ball to the backs, there were some lovely manoeuvres by the three quarters, resulting in tries from

Nick, Raj and myself, with Darron sinking one over with his boot.  As with the forwards, the backs also left a lot

to be desired, with several bad passes and knock-ons, of which I can only be held 60% responsible for!

There were some great tackles from Gareth on the flank, new start Carl in the centre and of course Guy who

darted back (past Raj) to perform a try saving tackle, which I suppose I would have got to had he missed.

The way forward......get over the fact we were the best in Gloucester 3, and start from scratch, because at the

moment there are 9 other teams in the league who look like they want this more than us!  We know we have the

players to beat any team in Gloucester 2 (depending of course on how many premiership players Hartbury put

out)..........

......and if nothing else I need something good to write about!!!!!!!!!

24th Sept 2005

1st XV: BAC 12 - Brockworth 23

Unfortunately BAC were hit with injury and unavailability this week, with several of our pack missing.  We put

in a good effort considering the circumstances and gave Brockworth a good game but it was still a disappointing

result.

Our line out took the brunt of the deficit with relatively few being won by us.  This meant we were on the back

foot for most of the game, with our only real attacks coming from scrums or capitalising on Brockworth mistakes.

Nonetheless we're only 2 games into the season and it's all to play for, well, that's if Hartbury College's 102-7

win against Ashley Down Old Boys was a fluke.....hmm, one suspects a mismatch in the Gloucester II league?

17th Sept 2005

1st XV: BAC 12 - Bishopston 38

WE WON (the first half) 12 - 10 , then felt a bit guilty that Bristol (Shoguns) Captain Matt Salter (Bishopston

coach), came down to BAC to see his Gloucester 1 team lose to a Gloucester 2 team, so we let them have a

couple of tries in the second half.  We didn't want to jinx him for his big game against Gloucester tomorrow.

But no really, we were unfortunate to be missing the infamous Sharpe and Joner (best wishes to you from the

team) as well as missing Ben Dash, Owen, all from the pack.  But even with a reduced strength pack, we pretty

much dominated the Bishopston pack in the first half.  Tries coming from Guy and Raj, with Darron slotting a

conversion.

In the second half we lost Piggy and Guy through injury and Bishopston came out much stronger. Through

basic errors on the BAC side, Bishopston clocked up try after try.  Unfortunately for every drive up the pitch we

had, we didn't complete with a try and got pushed back down the other end.

Nonetheless everyone put in 100%, and I have no doubt with our full team the outcome would have been

very different.  Good effort lads, now we can concentrate on what's important and that's winning the league - BK

10th Sept 2005

1st XV: BAC 32 - Smiths 5

Nasty conditions on a cold day with driving winds didn't stop BAC from taking their first Gloucester 2 scalp,

away at Smiths Industries. 

We started off a bit shy with the team having several new players through injury, conceding an early try.  But

after a kick up the proverbials from John, and a good measure of the conditions, we started a flowing expansive

game (give or take every other dropped greasy ball in the conditions!).

Ben Smith opened up the BAC tally from the wing, and then a run of tries followed.  Most remarkable was a

lovely move by the 'happy couple' Guy and Nick, when Nick chased up a ball, skidded along the grass then

popped it to Guy for him to run in from the 22.  Other tries came from Dasher, Nick, a second from Guy and

one for yours truly.  Between Nick and Darron they managed to get a whole conversion, and the points fell to

Darron's boot.

Well done guys, lets take that into next weeks cup match against Bishopston! - BK

2nd XV: BAC 67 - Aretians 3rds 5

Good test for the first game of the season. For a lot of our younger players a chance to play against a team they

played for at junior level.

The game started off well with a try within the first 2 minutes. A catch and drive which we had been working on

at training couldn't have come off any better to his surprise Jules was the first person to score a try for the 2nds.

It was good to see us playing as a team and we worked hard throughout the game as a result the tries started to

flow with Kieran scoring but then had to go off injured. Jordan then ran one in starting with the dummy and

running in just past the half way line. Stoner then ran in 4 in his usual fashion i don't even think he broke into a

sweat. Podge then showed us the use of the sidestep and ran one in from there 22.