Kingswood Secure Top Spot With Victory Over Yate

Kingswood moved to the top of Counties 4 Tribute Gloucestershire South on Saturday, ousting previous occupants, Yate, with a fantastic 5-try performance.

The opening quarter of the match lived up to its top of the table clash billing, as both sides matched each other equally in both defence and attack. However, it was the visitors who finally broke the deadlock on 18 minutes, powering over after a tap penalty for a 0-5 lead.

It was a special day for Kingswood as they welcomed back former Club Captain, Nick Coe, to the 1st XV, re-joining after several years plying his trade at Barton Hill. On 26 minutes, Coe marked his return by pulling Kingswood level with a blistering break from Kingswood’s half after exploiting some loose defence at the side of a ruck. Head Coach, Tom Bowen-Hall, added the easy extras, and Kingswood finally had the lead they were looking for.

With the remainder of the 1st half still a tense affair, Kingswood moved further ahead from the boot of Tom Bowen-Hall as he slotted over a penalty in front of the posts just before the half time whistle.

A tight first half ended with Kingswood holding a slender 10-5 lead.

It only took 8 minutes of the second half for Kingswood to establish a more commanding lead, thanks again to the pace and power of Nick Coe, who broke the Yate defensive line following a clinical backs move, before he fed the ball to Jake Kendall who finished off in flamboyant style. Bowen-Hall made it 3 from 3 from the boot as Kingswood now looked more relaxed with a 17-5 lead.

With the hour mark approaching, Kingswood made the game safe with their 3rd try of the match. A kick downfield was gathered by Yate and ran back towards Callum Cuffy. A solid tackle from the young winger, left the Yate winger isolated, and Kingswood centre, Ashley Honeywell, was on hand to scoop up a loose ball for a simple run-in down the wing and under the posts. Again, Bowen-Hall added the extras and Kingswood were heading to top spot on points difference.

Of course, a try bonus point was what Kingswood ideally needed and they eventually secured it, but not until the 72nd minute, when George Clarke-Dove powered over from close range. Ollie Marsh took over kicking duties and duly added the extras to give Kingswood a healthy 31-5 lead.

Yate then grabbed a consolation try after a series of penalties saw them creep towards the Kingswood try-line, before the ball was spun out wide for an easy score in the corner.

With time seemingly up, the huge sideline of Kingswood supporters were suddenly treated to a delightful moment of skill to top of a fantastic rugby spectacle. With the backs attacking, Ashley Honeywell sent a pass out wide, but the trajectory was slightly off, and the ball was heading downwards to the feet of Connor Skuse. There was no need to worry though, as with one swift flick of his boot, Skuse side footed the ball into his hands without breaking stride. An audible shocked gasp erupted through the crowd as Skuse continued his run towards the try-line before releasing the ball to Matt Bryant who charged towards the line before being tackled agonisingly short. In what was a fitting ending to the move, Connor Skuse was first to the ruck in support, and he finished off an impressive bit of Brazilian magic by diving over the line to grab the try his skill deserved.

The resulting conversion was missed, but with it came the delightful sound of the referee’s whistle that confirmed that Kingswood were heading to the top of the table.

Next up for Kingswood in the league is a visit from 3rd placed Barton Hill II’s.

Final Score: Kingswood 36-10 Yate