THE fact that Yatton’s tries came from the forwards and Gordon League’s from their back division, indicates where each team thought its comparative strength was.

Yatton 18 pts

Gordon League 21 pts

THE fact that Yatton’s tries came from the forwards and Gordon League’s from their back division, indicates where each team thought its comparative strength was.

During the first few minutes, League’s Gavin Rea opened with a penalty conversion and Yatton eventually settled, taking the lead with hooker Matt Johnson’s grounding from a close quarters and full-back Jon Bale’s long range conversion sliding in off an upright.

Seconds later, a wayward clearance kick enabled full-back Sean Denning to gather and entertain travelling supporters with a weaving run down the wing from within his 22. Stand-off Ryan Townsend easily crossed over in the corner.

League edged further in front with a penalty and 10 minutes later, a converted try was added as their penetrating back line finished with Denning beneath the posts bringing the score to 7-18.

Yatton surged back and had their chances, but it wasn’t to be the backs day. However, two Bale penalty conversions before half-time kept his side in contention.

With only five points to make up, Yatton seemed to have the edge after the break, especially in the bottom corner when one of League’s props was yellow carded.

Yatton dealt well with Rea’s rifling kicks upfield and eventually No 8 Russ Hancock was adjudged to have grounded first from an attacking five yard scrum.

It was Rea’s injury time drop goal which converted a deserved draw into a win for League and sent them home with a season’s first double.

Weather permitting this Saturday, Yatton 1st XV travel to Bristol Harlequins to see if the can pick up their own league double against a team which appears to have improved since the first weeks of the season.

The 2nds have a tough one at home against Bridgwater 2nds, while Yatton’s 3rds are also at home against local rivals Nailsea Backwells 2nd XV.