North Bristol 2nd XV v Chipping Sodbury 2nd XV

THE game was all about co-operation with players swapping sides regularly to level up numbers, when several injuries intervened. But a good spirit was maintained and an even balance possible until half-time.

Neither side dominated in either of the set-pieces, though North Bristol’s lineout was the cleaner of the two.

Half-backs, Jaden Crook and Matt Hazzard distributed well until half-time, so that North’s running –backs could excite, and they did.

The basis of good ball is a good pack and North’s was sound, especially in the loose and in driving play, where Simon Nelmes and Terry Hathaway excelled.

It was good driving play followed by slick handling, which allowed guest player, Ash Baldwin, to sprint in and score, with Matt Hazzard converting.

A quickly tapped penalty from Chipping Sodbury brought them a converted try to level the scores at 7-7.

Tom Maze’ great running found Jaden Crook in support to nudge North 12-7 ahead. Jim Hitchman was in receipt of a scoring pass, after more scintillating back play again delivered the goods to lift North to 17-7.

More superb North Bristol lineout ball fed a great backs-play down the line to Ash Baldwin for his second touchdown and a Hazzard conversion at 24-7.

As the game progressed, too many North Bristol runners abandoned the team ethic in search of personal glory, which often left their efforts fractured and frustrated.

However, an outrageous dummy and forty yard dash brought a super try for Jaden Crook, which Hazzard again converted for a 31-7 lead.

Tireless man of the match, Simon Nelmes, was twice in the move that enabled veteran Matt Bowden to score a converted try.

Chipping Sodbury showed their resilience benefitting from a good turnover to take a try in the corner at 38-12. Ollie Wilcox’s brilliantly elusive run warmed the spectators’ hands and Matt Hazzard hit the extras at 45-12.

Next, a long looping Hazzard pass found Tom Maze who jinked in to score a converted effort, while Ian Kellaway’s connection with Matt Bowden left the veteran gasping, as he outran the Sodbury defence from halfway to score, before Hazzard’s conversion took North to 59-12.

Never-say-die Chipping Sodbury had the last word, however. with a try which ended the game at 59-17.