Sideline Sam Reports: Yate 1s Dig Deep Against Dings 3s

As Rose covered the first match, I get to cover the second; Sideline Sam on duty for Dings 3s vs Yate 1s. And just as Rose mentioned… two Yate teams at home, both celebrating victories!

This one, though, was tight. Really tight. A proper arm-wrestle of a game that finished Yate 1s 14 – Dings 3s 12, decided by grit, heart, and a refusal to give in.

Standout Moments

There were several moments that all felt the same heroic goal-line defence. Time and again, when it looked like Dings would eventually force their way over, Yate held firm. A knock-on here, a turnover there, bodies on the line everywhere. Those moments don’t always make highlight reels, but they win games and this one was built on them.

Mindset: Before & After

Coming into the game, form had been a little mixed, and the squad were keen to find their rhythm again. Everyone knew Dings would be a strong outfit even more so with their 2nd team fixture falling victim to the weather. This was always going to be physical.

At full-time? A huge sense of pride. The lads knew they’d been through something tough together. A lot of hard, honest work and the reward to match.

Team Effort on Show

While there were strong individual performances across the park, what really stood out was the collective effort. This was a proper team performance, with everyone stepping up from recent weeks and buying fully into the task in front of them.

What Yate Did Well

Effort. Heart. Determination. Simple words, but absolutely spot on. The team showed exactly what they’re capable of when they dig in and back each other.

Looking Ahead

It’s very much one week at a time. This game was built on defence, and having delivered that today, the focus moves on lessons learned, confidence gained.

Respect to Dings

This was a bruising affair for both sides, but played in true rugby spirit. Dings travelled with great support, adding to what was already a cracking afternoon of rugby. On another day, they could easily have come away with the win which makes the return fixture in the new year an absolute mouth-watering prospect.

New Faces, Big Impact

As the season has progressed, new players have joined and others have stepped up from the 2s and today really felt like a whole-club effort, especially with the 2nd team playing alongside on the adjacent pitch.

A special mention to Matt Cook, who made his league debut. Before injury unfortunately forced him off, he showed exactly why he’s such an exciting addition experience, physicality, and plenty more to come.

Sideline Energy

The sun was shining, the club was buzzing, and with two home fixtures side by side, the atmosphere was spot on. That sideline energy kept spirits high and legs moving right to the final whistle.

Three Words

Pride. Determination. Reward.

A brilliant way to wrap up a memorable Saturday and a fitting end to the rugby year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the entire Yate family — we can’t wait to see what 2026 brings for this amazing club. 💙💛🏉

Rugby Rose Reports: Yate 2s Finish 2025 on a High

What a way to sign off 2025.On a crisp afternoon, with both Yate sides playing at home, Yate 2s got the job done with a 21–14 win over Kingswood 2s in the final friendly of the year and honestly, the result wasn’t even the best part of the day.

The Standout Moment

For me, nothing beats this: two Yate teams at home, two wins on the board. There’s something special about that — the buzz around the club, the smiles on faces, and that feeling that everything’s pulling in the same direction. Wins like that go beyond the scoreboard.

Mood Check: Before & After

The lads went into kick-off exactly how you want them to — positive, confident, and playing every game like promotion winners. That mindset really showed. By full-time? Even better. The changing room was full of laughter, post-match beers, and a generous supply of chocolate courtesy of the captain. Honestly, elite leadership.

Pack Power 💪

If we’re talking performances, the pack absolutely stood out today. The scrummaging was strong all game long, setting a real platform and giving the backs confidence to play. There’s something hugely satisfying about watching a pack front up and stay dominant for the full 80.

What Went Well

Togetherness. Focus. Calm heads. The team stuck together, didn’t drift from the task, and stayed locked in on winning the game. No panic, no overthinking, just disciplined rugby and belief in each other.

What’s Next?

Absolutely nothing rugby-related and that’s a good thing. This group has earned some well-deserved time off to enjoy Christmas with family and friends. Rest, reset, and come back ready.

Respect to Kingswood

As always, Kingswood were tough opposition. Games against them are never easy, and this was no different. They dug in, challenged everything, and made Yate work hard for the win and yes, we were delighted to reclaim the “wooden spoon” we play for between us. A proper contest played in the right spirit.

Three Words to Sum It Up

Passion. Focus. Enjoyment.

A brilliant way to close out the year for Yate 2s, strong performances, great vibes, and a clubhouse full of smiles. Roll on 2026. 💙💛🏉

Rugby Riley Reports: Yate U10s – Two Games, One Incredible Sunday

Wow. Just… wow. I’m still trying to pick my jaw up off the floor after watching the Yate Under 10s play two matches on Sunday, because what I saw genuinely blew me away. The energy, the skill level, the teamwork — this was rugby played with confidence, joy and real understanding of the game. What a way to finish 2025. The future? Seriously bright.

First things first, a huge thank you to Whitehall for organising the fixture and for being such a brilliant rugby club. They played some outstanding rugby themselves, and honestly, both sets of kids put on displays that would give some seniors a proper run for their money. Add to that Frampton Cotterell, who were part of this triangular fixture and very kindly lent us players due to injuries and holidays; that right there is the true spirit of rugby. Massive respect and thanks.

Standout Moments

If I had to pick one thing (which is hard), it was the link-up play. The players were constantly scanning for space, moving defenders, and making the pass at exactly the right time. It wasn’t one-off moments, it was repeated, smart rugby. Ball movement like that at this age is something special.

Energy Levels: OFF THE SCALE

Being the last games of the year, you could feel it — the kids were absolutely buzzing. From the first whistle to the last, it was high tempo, high smiles, and relentless effort. No one wanted the day to end.

Individual Shout-Outs (Though This Was a Team Performance)

• Logan was back and throwing himself into big tackles like he’d never been away fearless and committed. Also his first try for the club...watching him and his dad embrace on the side line was heart warming....even moved this Rugby report...I wasn't crying that was a fly in my eye!!!!

  
  

• Niamh continues to grow week by week. With the introduction of the scrum, her confidence has soared, and this week she slotted into the 9 shirt like it was made for her calm distribution, great decision-making, and setting up some cracking team tries.

  
  

Skills on Show

Tackling, breakdown work, passing accuracy, support lines — honestly, it was breath taking stuff. Players were rarely isolated; support was everywhere. One-player efforts were rare because everyone was there, working together.

Learning & Looking Ahead

As good as it was, the focus now turns back to Wednesday night development sessions, where the squad will keep sharpening their rucking and tackling. If this group keeps progressing at this rate, watch this space.

The Opposition

Whitehall brought strong line speed and real intensity in defence, which properly tested Yate’s ball protection and decision-making, exactly what you want in a great fixture. Competitive, respectful, and played in the right spirit.

Special mention too to Marcus (Whitehall coach) and Ollie (Yate player), absolutely loving the rugby vibes, with laughter and encouragement up and down the pitch between you two...This is GRASS ROOTS RUGBY.

That joy is infectious, and it showed in how the kids played. Both you and Pete should be proud of your team - not sure on the swan dives thou!!!

Side line Support

As always, the support from the side lines was exceptional loud, positive, and constant. It makes such a difference, and the players felt it.

Three Words to Sum It All Up

Fun. Focus. Passion.

From one stunned reporter to everyone involved, players, coaches, parents, and clubs. THANK YOU. That was a joy to watch, and I already can’t wait for what’s coming next in 2026. 🏉💙💛