Barbarians 0          St Bernadette’s 17

In what should have been a comfortable win we were unable to execute any moves with out making simple mistakes.

Dan Harris scored in the first half after a pass from Mike Watkins and Mat Holley scored from a ruck after a dummy the pass diving through the gap.

In the second half Dan got another when he took a quick penalty and scooted around the ragged defence. Chris Holley got one of the conversions.  

Sean Fraser 19/11/2008

St Bernadette’s 21             Old Culverhaysians 5

A much improved  performance all around. After an up and down season last year Chris Holley is back to his old form as he grabbed a hat trick of tries. The first was from a scrum when the defence was expecting a pass along the line and he stepped inside to dive over. The next was from a surprise pass from Jake Mores close to the line and the third was from a line out when the drift defence was again caught out.

Sean Fraser 10/11/2008

Imperial 5            St Bernadettes 10

The game was full of basic errors after saints were dragged into a forward battle. These tac-tics worked well for imperial, as we were unable to release our back line and became frustrated with the little ball that was available.

Tries were scored in the first half by if you know who scored, send to tf007d5252@blueyonder.co.uk

Sean Fraser 05/11/2008

St Bernadettes 16       Combe Down 15

The team were brought back down to earth after Combe Down missed a conversion that would have won them the game in the dying minutes. In a fast and hard fought match Saints kept in front with 2 tries and 2 penalties from Chris Holley. Jordan Ported scored after a picking and drive following a lineout. Rob James scored after a break from Oli and he released the ball in the tackle for Rob to carry over.

Sean Fraser 28/10/2008

Broad Plain 14  St Bernadette’s 55

We scored straight from the kick off. Craig Harris took the ball and off loaded to Ben Thomas. He broke through the first 2 tackles and passed to Oli who drew the last 2 defenders and pass to Tom Tilley to score. Chris Holley converted.

We then started to try to hard to add more points. A few breaks ended in silly ‘chip kicks’ that were gathered up by the full back and kicked back down field. 

The then came back into the game and used their only tac-tic of a short pick and drive that gained them a meter at a time. Our defence was spread for a backs move and they drove close to a ruck after 10 minutes play.

We kept up the constant pressure and they began to flag due to the pace of the game.

Craig Harris then gathered a loose ball from a ruck and ran in for a score after a quick counter attack.

James Gregory got his first try after a break by Dan and Oli and he picked up the

recycled ball and crashed over..

In the second half we did not force the game and it began to come together. Dan Harris scored 2 tries along with Oli, Craig and Bob Hacker with Chris Holley converting and getting 2 penalties.

A good performance watched by a large crowd of around 100 mostly from our club.

Winger Dan Harris was clear through when the Ref blew up for a scrum to us !!

Try scored by Craig Harris and a penalty by Matt Taylor. Matt Holley was mentioned as a contender for "Man of the match" as he marshalled the pack well.

Sean Fraser 06/10/2008

Chew Valley 47       St Bernadette’s 0

With a disruption to the front row and several in experienced players filling in key positions within the ¾ line a stronger and better-drilled team punished us in all areas.

Sean Fraser 22/04/2008

St Bernadette’s 19             Keynsham 47

Yet again we suffered from several players being unavailable. The players that stepped in did a good job but were unable to match the league leaders.

Sean Fraser 12/04/2008

Midsomer Norton 14          St Bernadettes 7

There were 8 cry off from the first team but a great effort by those that filled in the place. We should have come out on top but again could not finish off the moves. The forwards carried well but often one phase to far.

Sean Fraser 31/03/2008

Wells 22        St Bernadette’s 7

We started well going down the slope and made some good breaks but did not always have the support for the final pass. After 20 minutes we had a scrum in their 22. They began to wheel at which point Luke blocked their back row and Oli picked up from no 8 to break the first tackle and score under the post. Chris Holley converted.

We then lost Tim Cox to a knee injury and later Rob James left after making some excellent runs. Mike Shepard found himself covering the wing under a long kick. His clearance attempt did not make touch and he forgot to put is team-mates on side. They ran the ball back against our disorganised defence and after a quick ruck their no 7 scored under the posts.

In the second half we started to make a come back but their counter attacking was too strong and they made the most of the conditions and the run of the pitch. A dummy from a ruck by the scrum half allowed him to pass our defensive line and link up with the prop to score. Later a missed tackle in the centre left the winger in space to score again. This was followed by a penalty.

We kept battling but never quite made the final pass or take the best options. Ruck ball was a bit slow and support was lacking towards the end.    

Sean Fraser 03/03/2008

Somerset vase

Old Bristolians 14   St Bernadette’s 22

We got off to a good start and were on the scoreboard within 5 minutes. From a ruck just inside their 22 the ball was moved to Tim Cox who broke through a tackle and passed to Oli James who was in close support. Chris Holley converted.

Rob James got the next score after a series of ruck on their 5 meter line the ball was moved to Oli who passed to Rob who cut back in to score.

Bristolians then started to come back into the game with several scrums close to our line but strong defence kept them out. The next score was carried over by Jake Morse after a couple of pick and drives. 

In the second half we did not capitalise on our possession and the passing was a bit messy. Our only try came from a Bristolians clearance kick that was run back by Moose who fed the back line. Luke Fraser gathered a miss pass off of the floor. He cut inside of the winger and then ran to score in the corner despite the cover defences attempt to push him out..

Bristolians then scored from a kick that ran along the touchline and was not cleared by our winger. Their player then picked up the ball and ran in under the posts.

A good team effort with lots of players in support. First full game for Dan Harris on the wing (one of 4 scrum halves in the squad) also we had 3 sets of brothers in the starting line up.

Sean Fraser 27/02/2008

After last week fine performance these were no real plus points to come out of this game.

We were out muscled in the forwards and never got any clean ball from scrums or lineout. This disrupted the game and the ball rarely got past the first centre

Sean Fraser 12/02/2008

St Bernadettes 20          Chard 3

The game started with Saints putting on all the pressure and spent the first 10 minutes deep in Chard’s half. The first score came from a line out in their 22 with a rolling maul that ended when Jake Morse emerged with the ball to dive over from 5 meters. Chris Holley was unable to convert. Chard soon hit back with a penalty but never really took advantage of the wind and slope.

Half Time

St Bernadettes 5            Chard 3

Again the game was kept in Chard’s half the forwards carrying a lot of ball and breaking the gain line. Sometimes the ball was not quick enough to allow the back to capitalise on the space that they had created. After a break down the wing by Sam Moore Chard’s hooker picked up a slight injury. From the next scrum Kevin Milkins picked up and was driven over in the corner by the other back row players. Converted by Chris Holley. At this point their hooker left the field and this disrupted their lineout, as they did not have anyone who could throw straight.

We started to kick for touch deep in there 22. A Chard lineout on their 5-meter line saw them tap the ball back but Giorgio collected this in the air and scored in the corner.

The forwards were the key figures in today’s game with good tackling from the back row and strong ball carrying from Craig Harris who linked well with the backs.  

Sean Fraser 04/02/2008

Super-Sub makes Moore the Merrier.

St Bernadettes 5     Wiveliscombe 0

Saints had several chances to take the win in the first half but stumbled at the final hurdle. Rich Shepard did score but the ref was busy dealing with another incident so it was not awarded. Rich was later side lined with a knee injury which brought Kevin Milkins off the bench.

 Half time           0 - 0

 One change was made, Mike Watkins swapped with Luke Fraser from centre to scrum half.

Now going down the slight slope with the wind blowing directly across the pitch we started to make good ground with crash ball and pick and drive. The main let down was in ball retention as the Wivi tackling was aimed at locking onto the ball to prevent the off load.

The biggest scare of the half was from another turn over when their full back skirted around our winger and was heading for the corner. Tim Cox was unable to stop him but yet again Rob James put in another game saving tackle and with Tim close behind he was held up. Rob was later replaced by Mat Taylor due to an ankle injury.

 Full Time           0 - 0

 Extra Time

With the game going into extra time and the possibility of the away team going through if it were a draw there was a lot of tension in the crowd. Tom Tiley was replaced by Bob Hacker with Fraser moving onto the wing. We defended well but neither team really looked like scoring.

 Half time 0 - 0      

Gerry Ryan was brought on for Sam Hawksby and the pressure was now on the home team. Wivi only got into our half once and mot of the game was played between the half way and their 22. With only 2 minutes to go we had a few pick and drives and the quick ball along the line. A miss move to Bob Hacker heading across the pack looked like coming to nothing as he had 2 defenders closing in on him and Sam on the wing already had his opposite number blocking the pass. Then in a moment of inspiration, using all the skills learnt playing for Hengrove Athletic FC, he put through a short grubber kick for Sam Moore to chance. With his winger having to turn and the other defenders concentrating on Bob, Sam ran to dive on the ball as it crossed the line just in front of their cover defence.

AND THE CROWD WENT WILD !!!!!!!!!!! 

Chris Holley, who had had a good defensive game and looked more comfortable in his normal position, took his time over the kick but missed.

With one minute on the clock and receiving the kick we keep the ball and cleared our lines. Wivi tried all out attack but a crushing tackle by Mike Shepard and the rest of the back row drove the ball carrier into touch and the game ended.

Sean Fraser 14/01/2008

Tor 20             St Bernadette’s 15 

In the first 2 minutes after fine break from our 22 into Tor’s 22 we lost captain Oli James with a hamstring injury. Despite this Saints were still well in the game and starting to edge ahead in position and pace in the back line. After an injury to Neil Roberts, with 15 minutes left on the clock, we tired and buckled under Tor’s persistent pressure. This lead to a try in the last 2 minutes giving the game to the home team.

The First half started with both team scoring a penalty each and ten Tor scored a try after we lost the ball in a tackle and they quickly recycled along the line to score in the corner.

Half Time

Tor       8          Saints   3

Saints started well in the second half but should have moved the ball past the first centre to allow Watkins to run with the ball in hand.

We scored first from a short lineout on their 5 meter line and the back row joined the mull to drive Kevin Milkins over for the try.  Our next try came from a driving mull from the 22 which was moved forward in a controlled manor to allow Neil Roberts to drive over for the score. Chris Holley converted.

Tor then came back after several penalties for not retiring 10 meters and then killing the ball on the floor. This mixed up our defence and they took a quick tap and scored.

At this point we lost Neil Roberts to an injury and the lineout and scrums started to suffer. With a few minutes to go a pick and drive from a scrum and then quick ball allowed drive through our tiring defence.

Final Score

Tor 20  Saints   15

Sean Fraser 07/01/2008

St Bernadette’s 15        Winscombe 22

After a crashing defeat against the league leaders in November Saints were unlucky not to turn the result around. A few decisions that went against the home team allowed Winscombe to take the win in a game that could have gone either way.

With a revamped back row and changes at nearly all positions in the back line Saints made a slow start conceding early but came back with a try from a short lineout when the ball was moved to “the tripod” and then recycled. Quick passing from the new pairing of Cox and Watkins generated space for Brett Ford to score.

Half Time

5 – 15

The second half won by Saints with 2 tries to 1, but the missed conversions were to prove costly. The first Saint score was from a scrum in the middle of the park when the full back joined the line and drew in two defenders and released the ball to Tom Tilley to score in the corner. The other came from a controlled forward drive with Ben Thomas scoring in his first game as a second row.

Full Time  15 – 22

Sean Fraser 18/12/2007

Winscombe 27 St Bernadettes 5

With 5 changes from the team that beat Tor last week this was always going to be a hard match against the league leaders.

A strong start from the home team saw them camped in our 22 for the first 10 minutes. Strong tackling and a lot of determination kept them out but after a clearance kick that did not make touch they scored on the counter attack.

Winscomes strong points were there quick recycling and passing the ball in the tackle area. This gained them countless opportunities but our cover defence forced them into errors. This relentless pressure amounted in a further 3 tries and the half time score was 22 – 0.

The second half started strongly for us with a try by Craig Bryson. A short lineout on the 5 meter line was driven over by the incoming forwards.

Winscome  missed several penalties and scored again later in the half.

There was a lot of tackling from our back row and centre which took it toll. The team never gave up and made some good breaks but the fitness lacked and support was sometime slow.

A gritty performance but outshone by the fitter, quicker and well drill league leaders.

Sean Fraser 13/11/2007

St Bernadettes 3     Avon 8

Chris Holley got a penalty but we never really looked like scoring again.

Sean Fraser 29/10/2007

EDF Senior Vase (S/W) Round 2 

Thornbury 43                 St Bernadettes 0 

A team that was disrupted by several late cry-off’s put up a good forward’s performance but were out paced in the second half by a much fitter and well drilled Thornbury team. 

The first half started well with Saints playing down the slope. The Thornbury defence was very quick to close down any space in mid field. Our backs were unable to make any clean breaks so we were always on the back foot. The forwards worked well in the scrum but we lost a lot of lineout ball due to the opposition out jumping us. The score at half time was 10-0.

In the second half we were unable to cope with Thornbury’s quick recycling and their pod system drew in out tiring defence to allow several over laps. Some missed tackles allowed them to break through and once the ball was spun wide we did not have the numbers or speed to stop them from scoring. The back row made a lot of tackles but we never really challenged enough in the backs to give us a chance of scoring. 

On a plus point we were able to turn over a lot of ball and Thornbury were penalised several times for holding on after the tackle. It was not the same team performance of last week’s game. There is a lot to work on especially in the set piece and defence.

First full game for “Big Show” at prop and “Too Tall”.  

Thanks to Jerry Packer and Pat Hagan for filling in as replacements at short notice.

Sean Fraser 16/10/2007

First League Win for Saints this season

In a must win game between the 2 bottom clubs St Bernadette’s came out the clear winners.

The game started well with Saints winning a lot of the loose ball and moving the opposition around the park. A cross-field kick from Oli James was gathered on the run by Luke Fraser who touched down in the corner for his first try. After a long passage of play Oli made a break down the blind side on the half way line and with Luke in support dummied the full back and ran in for the second try. Craig Harris then scored after the full back slipped trying to run back a long kick. He was pounced on by Craig and Luke; Craig took the ball and ran in under the posts.

Neil Kingdon was unlucky not to score on a few occasions, as the ball was not released to him when in space. The lineout was working well with Ashley contesting their 4 ball and taking a few against the throw. Mike Shepherd scored after picking up from a ruck and diving over. Chris Lock then went over after a good lineout drive.

Gordano then came back into the game in the second half. They started to use their forwards on the crash ball and keep their 2 big centres close to the pack to pull in our back row. A few missed tackles allowed them to break up to our line and an offside gave them a chance with a quick penalty on our 5 meter line and our unorganised defence allowed them to score.

A break from Craig down the right touchline should have ended in a try but the final pass to Sam Moore was judged to be forward.

We continued to dominate the lineout but our scrummaging was put under pressure and started to wheel. A real forwards try came from a lineout inside they’re 22 followed by 2 or 3 pickup and drives then Neil Roberts scored next to the post.

The final score was from a quick lineout on halfway by Rob James to Oli who ran through the midfield and popped the final pass to Sam.

Mark Shield converted 4 of the trys and Sean Dunleavy came on for the last 10 minutes for his first team debut.

Sean Fraser 08/10/2007