Yatton fail to make the most of the wind

Yatton16 pts

St Ives 25 pts

YATTON decided to go with the wind and slight slope advantage from the kick-off but failed to build up enough of a lead.

Mike Harris' try and conversion by George Osborne within the first two minutes proved to be the only try of the match for the home side.

Ten minutes later St Ives were on the board with a penalty and the game became feisty. St Ives professional, well-built pack with its sprinkling of southern hemisphere players started to gain momentum in set pieces.

Penalties were traded at 30 minutes and Osborne's second penalty minutes before the break retrieved the seven point difference, but it was not going to be enough.

Although Yatton's couple of returning players showed improvement, the pack was soon under pressure as the visitors boot used the slope and elements.

St Ives' two penalties and a pushover try within the first 10 minutes of the turnaround inevitably put them in the lead.

Some of Yatton's players' gutsy determination and Osborne's penalty, on the hour, brought the home side to within one point of the travellers, but then they were weakened by having a player yellow carded minutes later.

A penalty and a try, from a five-yard attacking scrum, within the last six minutes secured the victory for St Ives in what was otherwise a surprisingly close game.

This Saturday Yatton 1st XV travel for a 2.30 kick-off to Cullompton, facing them for the first time in this league. The 2nds are away to Tor and the 3rds have Walcot at home, with everyone returning to Yatton Clubhouse for its Hallowe'en pumpkin and fireworks party, see www.yattonrugby 'messageboard' and scroll down for details. Visitors welcome.

On Sunday, Yatton's Under-15s are scheduled to be away against Gordano while the Under-13s meet Gordano at home. The Minis and Midis are training.

On Saturday, November 7, Yatton 1st XV entertain St Mary's, who are also struggling in the league, a crunch decider match, if ever there was one.