So with 2019 coming to a close, its sure to say that The Stags have had an emphatic year with 14 wins from 14 so far this season, 24 consecutive league wins and winning The Somerset Vase back in April and what best way to end the year with a 76-7 thumping over Avon RFC.
This fixture is generally a close and hard fought one but Avon struggled all game with the fire power that The Stags threw at them right from the Kick Off.
Outside Centre, Josh ‘Vlad’ Holder was on song as he scored more ties in one game than previous seasons, a hat-trick that is. Ryan Beard shrugged off his illness to bag a brace of tries as did veteran Tim Piper who scored a total of 26 points in the game.
The Stags were ruthless in all areas for 80 mins whether it was from a set piece or in open play. Holder & Beard outpaced the Avon backline with ball in hand at every opportunity. Inside centre, Will Hopkins scored a sublime individual try by chasing his own kick from within the Avon 10m area. Piper still proving he’s got plenty left in him by tricking the opposition with his audacious dummies, Captain Ross McKechan and Full Back, Alex Watkins, both getting on the score board in the first half to take the score to 43-0 at half time.
Avon conceded a further 33 points in the second half but did manage to avoid the white wash with a converted try. Scrum Half, Sam Lewis, was causing all sorts of problems for Avon by being a nuisance all over the park and also showing his blistering pace as he broke through the Avon defence numerous occasions, and scored at one point but also set up Piper for his second. Further tries came from No 8 Ash Cutter, Beard with his second and Holder gaining his hat-trick just before the final whistle. Final Score 76-7.
Looking back over the last 14 games The Stags have amassed 571 points, have the best defence in the league by conceding only 151 points and have a 10 point lead over there nearest rivals Nailsea & Backwell RFC. The 50 plus point scalping’s over Hornets, Weston, St Bernadettes OB’s, Tor and Saturdays biggest win of the season have all helped the cause and long may it continue.
There are many bewildered members at BOS RFC as this is the most successful group of players the club has ever had. It has taken only 18 months to rebuild and regain the confidence to win after relegation in the 2017/2018 season with only 4 wins from 26. Safe to say these men have come a long way with their pure grit, determination, tenacity and determination to put the bad behind them.
Celebrations were had after the game on Saturday long into the early hours but knowing these guys well they will be looking ahead at the January fixtures. A tough month ahead with away fixtures to Yatton, Nailsea & Backwell and Imperial are to come.
Personally, I am overwhelmed by the success of the club and proud to be a part of it……….. exciting times ahead Stag’s!!!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to you all.
See you in 2020