The Stags were looking to maintain there current unbeaten run, at this early stage of the season, as were visitors Nailsea & Backwell who proved to be The Stags toughest opponents during September.

The match commenced with N&B receiving from the KO who then tested The Stags resilient defence going through many phases of play for the opening 10 mins of the game. The Stags stood firm with everything thrown at them but once they gained possession of the ball it was time to test the visitors defence who also proved to be solid.

It took an ‘American Football Style’ dummy, after 20 mins by Fly Half, Tim Piper, to trick the oncoming N&B defence to open a gap for him to gallop off towards the try line with Scrum Half, Sam Lewis, in support who received the pass from Piper to score the first try of game which Piper converted. 7-0.

The N&B forwards were busy at the breakdown throughout the game and proved why they are a team to be wary of for others in the league as they set a platform for their backs to respond after 30 mins and level the score 7-7.

With both teams sharing possession and territory for many periods of the half it was The Stags who had the upper hand with quick ball being produced at the breakdown, going through the phases and forcing N&B to retreat. This momentum was difficult to defend for N&B and Sam Lewis fed the ball out wide which found its way to Hooker, Sam Wall, who dodged the oncoming players to score out wide. Piper was on cue and got the conversion. 14-7.

N&B caught the home team napping and responded immediately to level the score 14-14 shortly before half time.

The second half started brightly for The Stags and it wasn’t too long before Inside Centre, Will Hopkins, showed his silky skills and raw power by forcing his way past several N&B players to score The Stags third try with Piper adding the extra’s 21-14.

From the restart The Stags kept ball in hand and found themselves back in the N&B half and were awarded a Penalty for a high tackle. Piper maintained his 100% recorded and extended the lead 24-14.

N&B regrouped and forced the home team back into there own half and clawed back 7 points and keep within range. 24-21.

Piper slotted a penalty from just outside the 10m line with 10 minutes left to play. 27-21 and with 6 minutes to go The Stags were awarded another penalty 30-21.

N&B kept the crowd on the edge of there seats as they scored another converted try 30-28 but the whistle was blown shortly after the restart.

We can safely say that this was a fine display of rugby by both teams and credit to N&B for pushing The Stags to the wire.

Final Score 30-28

Man of the match was Tim Piper.

This Saturday The Stags remain at home with a double header in the league & Somerset Vase against Imperial RFC. KO is at 3pm.