Yatton 10 pts Paignton 21 pts - A MUCH changed Yatton 1st XV, due to injuries and absences, grew in confidence during the last quarter, but by that time the scratch team had let their visitors get too far ahead in points.

Yatton 10 pts

Paignton 21 pts

A MUCH changed Yatton 1st XV, due to injuries and absences, grew in confidence during the last quarter, but by that time the scratch team had let their visitors get too far ahead in points.

The home side had been warned about Paignton's 21-stone tight head but it was his bulldozing run down the wing and slight slope, straight from the kick-off, which gifted Paignton their first try and ten minutes later they kicked a penalty.

Makeshift Yatton then began to shake off their early lack of awareness and shaped up to Paignton's beefy pack. Unfortunately their two kickable penalty opportunities failed and nothing was gained from Paignton's flanker heading off to the bin on the 30-minute mark. Five minutes latter he was joined by a Yatton flanker and the penalty gained another three points for the visitors.

Deep in first half injury time Paignton shipped the ball along their attacking back line within Yatton's 22. Their centre broke through scant cover and ran around to give an easy conversion. Paignton went into the break with 18 points to no reply.

At the start of the second half resurgent Yatton elected for three points in front the posts during the opening minutes and as the hot sun continued the game swung from end to end.

Paignton had the better of possession as Yatton kicked and neglected their wings.

At the 55-minute mark and after 10 minutes in Yatton's half, Paignton's penalty conversion retrieved the score line difference.

But it was Yatton's dogged and gutsy defence which frequently stopped the leaking of any more points and the home side finished much the stronger, during which Mike Harris touched and Alan Walters confidently converted.

This Saturday Yatton travel into Gloucestershire to face Chosen Hill who have gained one win out of their three played. Last Saturday they lost at Brixham, Andy King having grabbed their try and all their points. Coach transport available from the clubhouse at 11am.

The 2nds are away again this time to top of the table Midsomer Norton and the 3rds have the home top pitch all to themselves to host Norton's 3rds.

On Sunday Yatton Diamonds are scheduled to meet Melksham Under-15s and 18s at Yatton. The Colts meet Thornbury, the Under-17s are against Gordano at home while the Under-15s travel a few miles to Clevedon along with the Under-13s. Meanwhile all the Midis and Minis are clashing with Clevedon at Yatton, so car parking will be tight.