Ivybridge 13 pts Yatton 6 pts - THE final score was probably a fair reflection considering the relative positions in the league and that Ivybridge exploited several home-side advantages.

Ivybridge 13 pts

Yatton 6 pts

THE final score was probably a fair reflection considering the relative positions in the league and that Ivybridge exploited several home-side advantages.

What was disappointing for the travellers was that they and their hardcore supporters knew they could have been better value for the one and half hours travelling each way and �5 entrance fee.

Constant rain on an already soggy ground, stiff breeze and the need for floodlights even before the kick-off did not do either side any favours.

But the home side seemed better prepared and kept sure footing on the recommended 2" length lush grass during the frequent ping-pong kicking which invariably Yatton started and too often came off second best. Questionably both sides tried to play open rugby in the wet and mucky conditions but the visitors barely bothered with their wings and showed lack of awareness at some crucial times.

Having said all that it was only a single slip and missed tackle which separated the sides in the end and that had let through the home side's try with a well struck conversion from far out, at 19 minutes.

Yatton were first on the board with a George Osborne penalty minutes before the try and the teams traded penalties in gusting wind during the second quarter.

Both sides defences continued to be an even match within their 22 during the second half. Ten minutes before the final whistle Ivybridge landed a penalty conversion leaving Yatton in need of a converted try to grab a draw.

With minutes to go Yatton had worked its attack into the position of a highly kickable penalty midway between the home side's halfway and 22 and in the middle of the pitch. They elected for a scrum but changes in pack personnel had previously taken place and eventually procession was lost.

This Saturday Yatton 1st XV are again on their league travels, down the motorway, to old friends Newton Abbott. The 2nd XV go to Clevedon 2nds while the 3rd XV have Clevedon 3rds at home.

On Sunday Yatton Diamonds may have Thornbury Under-18s at home. The Colts XV face Bath in a league match. The lads Under-15s have St Brendan's at home while the Under-13s travel to North Petherton.