Bristol Saracens v Old Elizabethans

11th March 2023

The last league match of the 2022/23 season. OEs first match of the season was at home to Bristol Saracens. The last fixture was away to Bristol Saracens. Having lost our opening match against them we entered this game in the knowledge that a win and four tries would guarantee 2nd place in the Counties 2 Tribute Glos. South league. With both Dursley and Bream RFC having games in hand and hard on our heels this would be a pivotal match.

1st XV SQUAD: James Brooke, Matt Bailey, Tom Brewer, Adam Skyner, Rob Lee, Henry Kirkpatrick, Jakob Harding, Rhys Edwards, Sam Hygate, Matt Carr, Angus Clifford, Alex Potts, Pat Dore, Ned Sweeney, Will Appleton, Wil Patterson, Greg Foord, Archie Walker

MATCH REPORT: So off we go and a good take and run from the kick off by Jakob Harding. Es are soon awarded a penalty and kick to the 22 for a lineout and drive but Saracens defence is looking good and overall, they are looking sharp, Es will need to be on their guard! Saracens attack through a lineout and then scrum but a good thumping tackle by Matt Carr and clearance kick by Sam Hygate to relieve the pressure. As Es move up-field a good cross-field kick from Matt Carr ends in a favourable bounce that Ned Sweeney collects above his head and runs in for an early try, then converted by Sam Hygate (0-7).

A scrappy 10 minutes followed but Es' defence was being tested and was standing tall at the moment and again Es manage to clear their lines. A couple of Es' turnovers help and then an outrageous interception from fly-half Matt Carr sees him burst through the defence from inside the Es' half and Saracens chased in vain as Mat's legs did the job for a good solo try and conversion by Sam Hygate (0-14).

The Es' scrum and lineout were performing well and in particular Adam Skyner was being a real nuisance stealing their lineout ball. Angus Salisbury took a good 22 catch and ran through a couple of tackles to again relieve the pressure. Skyner once again stole the Saracens lineout and with Sam Hygate's box kicking Es were keeping Saracens at bay. The back row of Kirkpatrick, Harding and Edwards were working well together smothering the Saracens attack. A small 'Handbags' session preceded another steal in the lineout from Skyner. Skyner was fully fired up, but as we know this can sometimes backfire! Saracens ended the first half well attacking in the Es' 22 but the Es' Blue Wall stood firm holding up the ball a few times as Saracens looked to get back into the game.

Half Time score (0 – 14)

Rhys Edwards carrying an injury was replaced by Archie Walker. Again, Saracens were looking strong but good hits from the likes of Alex Potts and Rob Lee stopped them in their tracks. The enthusiasm of Adam Skyner got the better of him and after a few chosen words was shown Yellow! Saracens sensed an opportunity and indeed after some pressure in the Es' 22 eventually went over for a try, not converted (5-14).

A good take by Potts from the restart, who along with his central partner, skipper Pat Dore continued to both frustrate the Saracens attack and also probe their defence. Ned Sweeney was replaced by Wil Patterson with Sam Hygate moving to the wing. The ten minutes in the Bin passed without further damage to the score and Skyner returned. Wil Patterson's enthusiasm at his first scrum back-fired and he was penalised. Saracens were up to the Es' 5m line and following a mess up in the Es' defence at the breakdown Saracens pounced and scored a converted try (12-14).

Greg Foord on for James Brooke. Es took one against the head at the next scrum. A huge tackle coming in from Wil Patterson gave the swollen Es' crowd something to really cheer about. Es sensed the danger and immediately bounced back with some good moves involving Tom Brewer, Wil Patterson, Matt Bailey and Pat Dore took Es close and as Es switched back to the left in the Saracens 22 another outrageous move from Matt Carr saw him sell his opposite number a good dummy and he ran through to score under the posts, an easy conversion from Sam Hygate (12-21).

Saracens were not finished though and you had to applaud a huge cross-field kick which totally beat the Es' defence and the Saracens' winger stole in for a good try but not converted (17-21).

Skyner continued to steal lineout ball and good tackles from Will Appleton and Angus Salisbury saw out the 80 minutes to end what had been a hard-fought game in less than ideal conditions but Es hung on for the win.

Yes, only 3 converted tries scored but afterwards it was confirmed that whilst Dursley RFC could in theory equal OEs' league points the OEs' difference was far superior and without a minor miracle for Dursley, Es would be confirmed 2nd in the league. A great season, some really tough games especially as we lost the first two games but OEs played some superb rugby throughout and kept the home and travelling support very happy.

FINAL SCORE: Bristol Saracens 17 – 21 Old Elizabethans

SCORERS:
Tries: Ned Sweeney, Matt Carr (2)
Conversions: Sam Hygate (3)

Men of the Match:: Adam Skyner and Matt Carr

Full Table below

Our attention now switches to the Butcombe Combination Vase Cup Competition. We are in Pool A as follows - Please note the dates of the fixtures in our Pool are still being confirmed

We have 3 group games:
Away vs North Bristol - Date tbc
Home vs Bristol Saracens - 7th or 8th April tbc
Away vs Yatton on 15 April

Report by: Paul “Blakey” Barrington

CLICK for the Old Elizabethans RFC website