YATTON 1st XV 20 ST MARY'S 1st XV 5

YATTON entertained St Mary's in a game that was important to both sides as they looked to gain valuable points and move away from the bottom of the league table.

In heavy and went conditions, St Mary's scored the first try after six minutes when James Fosse scored.

With a man binned, Yatton pulled together and focused on the game and Chris Edwards grounded the ball on 30 minutes.

A turning point in the game came when a missed penalty in the St Mary's half was chased down and collected by man of the match Sam Osborne and put down for another try just before half-time.

The second half started with both sets of forwards bogged down in the heavy conditions.

With what appeared to be a serious injury, the paramedics elected to call in the air ambulance, although fortunately it was not as serious as first thought. However, the crowd were treated to seeing the air ambulance land on the home side's ground.

Unfortunately the rotors were still spinning close to the posts when Yatton had a penalty. Needless to say it was not converted.

Yatton had the best of the ball in the second half and their determination was rewarded by a try in the closing stages, with Glen Jones finishing strongly in the corner.

On Saturday, Yatton 1st XV take on Hartpury College in Gloucester. The seconds host Gordano and the thirds have a friendly at home to Old Reds.

The juniors and minis are training and anyone wishing to join in or have a look at the club should come along 10am on Sunday. The under-15s and under-17s are away, while the Colts play Weston-super-Mare.

During the week, Yatton RFC hosted a North Somerset Schools Festival.

Seven schools attended at under-13s level – Worle, Broad Oak, Churchill, Nailsea, Priory, Gordano and Backwell.

The two strongest teams were Priory and Backwell. They fought a well-matched contest in the final and the strong Priory side were leading 12-0 at the half time turn around.

Backwell changed their game plan and, with their forwards playing a skilful pick and drive and the backs moving the ball along the line, they came out worthy winners with two converted tries.

On Tuesday, weather permitting, Yatton host a second tournament for under-12s at 2pm, and on Friday there is a tournament for the primary schools, where sixth-formers from Backwell School will be coaching and refereeing.