Nailsea edged out

Wednesday, February 22, 2012
2:33 PM

Nailsea & Backwell lost to a late penalty, despite playing their best rugby of the season.

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Nailsea & Backwell 20 pts

Stothert & Pitt 23 pts

NAILSEA played some of their best rugby of the season in spells, but were unfortunate to be on the wrong end of some decisions and a disputed try in this 20-23 defeat against a strong and skilful Stothert side.

The first 20 minutes were even, but it was Stotherts playing down the slope that were first off the mark with a try to go 5-0 ahead.

Nailsea conceded a second try shortly after and they could have gone further behind had it not been for some last man defending by full-back Ed Haupt and wing Arron Rice.

Nailsea stormed up the hill to score a try by hooker Tom Fletcher, converted by fly-half Rob Baker, who also kicked a penalty to draw level, but Stothert came back with a try to lead 15-10 at half-time.

Nailsea started the second half badly and conceded a disputed try in the corner although the ball was grounded short, the score was allowed to stand.

This spurred Nailsea into action and with the forwards dominating the scrums and the backs making some telling line breaks. Rice, who made some powerful runs throughout the game, raced in for a try. Baker added another try after a Haupt half-break to draw level at 20-20, which would have been a fair result.

With five minutes remaining, Stothers attacked and were awarded a penalty in front of the Nailsea posts, which was converted to make the final score 23-20 to the visitors.

Nailsea were disappointed to come away with only a losing bonus point, but must take some heart in this result considering Stothert beat them by 50 points last time round.

Irish Exiles trial

n The Irish Exiles will hold there final South West trial day on February 26 at Nailsea RFC (11am start).

Following this, the South West regional sides will be selected to play in the regional games against the North /Midlands/London regions. From these games, the full Exiles side will be selected to play in the inter-provincial games against the Irish provinces.