Chipping Sodbury 7 Longlevens 5

THERE have been a few changes at Chipping Sodbury during the summer including former Bath and England prop Duncan Bell.

The ex-Recreation Ground tight-head has replaced Sean Hodges as head coach and there have also been an influx of new and returning players.

One thing that remains the same is the seemingly relentless rain and a stiff breeze, both of which affect this game.

Sodbury kicked off with the wind at their backs and very nearly conceded a first-minute try.

Weak tackling allowed Longlevens’ full-back to make a mockery of the home defence, while last-ditch tackles and aggressive rucking from the pack managed to avert this early danger. As Sodbury settled, they managed to apply their game plan.

New face George Barnes threw himself around, while the returning Luke Carnaby also worked tirelessly.

Amongst the big men up front, Pete Butcher was ever present in the attack and had a ball carry count in the high teens.

He also commanded the lineout.

Sodbury seemingly had Longlevens wrapped up and enjoyed most of the possession and territory up to the half hour mark.

They should have known that you can never discount a Longlevens team as they broke free from deep in their own half with dazzling pace and great passing to come within metres of scoring.

Pressure from Sodbury’s all-action back-row of Barnes, Carnaby and former hooker Dave Guest led to a clearance kick going wrong.

Although initially gathered, Sods counter-rucked and stole the ball, Joe Horton showing immense strength as he made headway despite three men hanging off him.

He dropped the ball onto full-back Adam May who scored between the posts. Dan Bradley added the extras.

Sodbury seemed not to notice the elements for during the third quarter, with some fine work off the scrum and very fast recycling at the ruck making a little space for wing Raffi Sheik.

He burst through a gap and sprinted 50 metres before being pulled down just short of the line.

Despite keeping Longlevens inside their 22 for extended periods in the second half, the Sodbury failed to add to their tally.

The second half was 30 minutes in when Longlevens scored. The saving grace was that the conversion was attempted from wide on left and missed.

Sodbury worked hard to keep the two-point advantage and, to their credit, they did this superbly to win.