9:25am Thursday 11th March 2010
NIGEL SMITH scored a late try and Dan Snow converted to rescue a draw for North Bristol against relegation rivals Burnham.
An early missed penalty from the visitors did not trouble the scoreboard and after 15 minutes it was left to North’s leading scorer, Dan Snow, to slot his first successful kick of the afternoon.
Burnham opened their account when they powered over from close range, but with the missed conversion they only led 5-3.
On 30 minutes Burnham repeated the dose with their second try and looked comfortable at 10-3.
A move along the right touchline saw Mike Lewis go close before Snow slotted a penalty, following a Burnham yellow card.
Burnham succeeded with a penalty to move ahead 13-6 but this ignited North Bristol.
A great run by Rob Collins saw him link with Smith, who powered on and gave a scoring pass to Chappell to sprint in from ten metres for a great try.
Snow’s conversion agonisingly hit the post but North were back in the game.
Burnham edged back into North’s 22 and a defensive lapse saw them cross for a lead of 18-11.
A huge hit from Smith inspired the team to drive forward and they levelled the score deep into injury time.
Snow cut and darted through the defensive line 30 metres out and, following a number of close forward drives, it was Smith who dabbed down under the posts for a try.
Snow calmly kicked the conversion as the referee called time on a dramatic finish to the game and both sides claimed a crucial point apiece.
North Bristol: Tries - Andy Chappell, Nigel Smith; Conversions - Dan Snow; Penalties - Dan Snow (2) l North Bristol 2nds proved to be more than a match for Dings 3rds, winning 22-17 in a friendly.
After only five minutes Jim Hitchman sprinted clear where his try was converted by Greg Welsher.
Dings were soon back in the hunt with an unconverted try before they went 12-7 ahead.
Mike Cantin scored his 50th try for North Bristol and then battered through to score by the posts.
Welsher scored a drop goal before Dings scored a consolation try.
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