🏉 Rugby Rose’s Match Day Blog – Yate Ladies vs Yeovil Ladies 2

Sunday saw the Yate Rugby Ladies make the long trip to Yeovil for their first away league game of the season, and while the final score read 24-12 to Yeovil, the result only told part of the story. What really shone through was belief, bravery, and a brilliant team spirit from a side that’s growing stronger every single week.

The standout moment? It had to be the entire team’s defensive stand inside our own 22. Time and time again, Yeovil pressed hard, but Yate’s line refused to break. Every player dug deep, showing sheer determination and pride to keep their opponents out. It was the kind of defensive effort that defines a team — and the smiles afterwards said it all.

Heading into the game, there were nerves. Missing a few regulars and welcoming four debut players, the squad could have been forgiven for feeling unsettled. But as the match unfolded, those nerves turned into excitement and confidence. By the final whistle, the mood was electric — buzzing, proud, and united. It wasn’t about the scoreline; it was about how much they’d achieved together.

The forwards were led superbly by Jas, making her Yate debut and showing real leadership and experience in the pack. She set the tone with relentless effort and power at the breakdown. In the backs, Nicole was sensational — her first-ever game of rugby, yet you’d never have guessed it. She hit strong lines, tackled like she’d been playing for years, and brought calm energy to the backline.

The key lesson from the match? Support. Every tackle, every carry, every ruck — there was someone there in purple and blue, backing each other up. That connection is what makes this team so special, and it’ll only keep growing as the season goes on.

It was also fantastic to see travelling support on the touchline, cheering the team on from start to finish. Having friends, family, and clubmates make the trip down to Yeovil gave the players a real lift — a reminder that they’re playing for more than just themselves.

Yeovil deserve huge credit too. They played with great sportsmanship and physicality, in a clean, fair game that showcased everything good about women’s rugby.

If Rugby Rose had to sum it up in three words? Amazing. Team. Effort.

This match wasn’t just about the result — it was a statement of potential. Even with new faces and limited experience, this Yate Ladies team showed that connection, courage, and commitment go a long way. The improvement is clear to see, and the future looks incredibly bright.

Until next time,

💜 Rugby Rose

#YateRugbyLadies #PridePositivityProgression #RugbyFamily #WomenInRugby

🏉 Rugby Rob’s Match Day Blog – Yate 2s vs Kingswood 2s

On a fine and unseasonably dry Saturday afternoon, the good folk of Kingswood were treated to a proper rugby contest as Yate 2nd XV travelled to face their self-proclaimed rivals, Kingswood 2nds. On a rare firm October pitch, Yate produced one of their most complete performances of the season — running out 27–12 winners and continuing their excellent start to the campaign.

More importantly — and to the delight of those who appreciate the finer traditions of grassroots rugby — the Town v Town Wooden Spoon was finally returned to its rightful home in Kingswood.

Yate’s opening score came courtesy of Dan Hazard, finishing off a sweeping move that saw forwards and backs unite in a moment of startling coordination — something that took the supporters (and probably the players) a few seconds to process. Not long after, Nick Papadopolous followed up with a close-range effort, rumbling over with the kind of inevitability usually reserved for tax bills and mid-winter colds.

The highlight of the day came from Luke Parsons, who decided subtlety was overrated and launched himself into a personal demolition derby, bouncing off four or five defenders on his way to the line. There was no doubt about his intent — pure, determined, old-school rugby at its best.

The final try belonged to Ben Hayman, marking his first start of the season after returning from injury. He crashed over from a driving maul — a moment warmly described by teammates as “like he’d never been away… except slower.” James Cannon added the extras from the tee, including a long-range penalty that briefly caused debate between referee and players, both on and off the pitch.

In defence, Jamie Brindle and Jason Webb combined superbly in the dying minutes to deny Kingswood a third try, while Craig Archer carried with menace and Mike Mattravers once again tackled as if personally offended by the idea of anyone getting past him.

The Man of the Match award went to Jamie Brindle, whose conversion from the backs to the forwards continues to be described as “brave” by some and “mad” by others — but on this performance, he’s thriving.

To their credit, Kingswood 2nds never stopped battling. Their abrasive, hard-running style kept the home crowd entertained and the Yate physio busy. A couple of well-taken tries and strong running from their outside centre kept things uncomfortably close at times, but Yate held firm when it mattered.

As the daylight faded over the Kingswood rooftops and the pints began to flow, Yate’s travelling support could be heard toasting not only the victory but the symbolic return of the Wooden Spoon Trophy. It was one of those proper community rugby afternoons — competitive, hard-fought, and played in the right spirit.

With confidence high and smiles broad, excitement is already building for the weeks ahead. The side is beginning to find real rhythm, with partnerships forming across the park and a growing sense that this is a squad capable of something special. The blend of youthful enthusiasm and seasoned experience is starting to click, and if Yate 2s can keep this momentum rolling, there may be plenty more to celebrate as the season goes on.

Until next time,

Rugby Rob

#YateRugby #PridePositivityProgression #Yate2s #GrassrootsRugby

Welcoming CL Rubbish Clearance to the Yate Rugby Family

At Yate Rugby, we know that rugby is more than just a game—it’s about community, teamwork, and supporting each other both on and off the field. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome CL Rubbish Clearance as one of our newest sponsors, a local business that shares our passion for giving back and keeping our community strong.

Who Are CL Rubbish Clearance?

CL Rubbish Clearance is a small, local waste disposal company with a big impact. They collect commercial and domestic waste and recycle it properly, helping to keep our community cleaner and greener. More than just a business, they’re a team who genuinely care about the area they serve, and they’re always looking for ways to give back.

Why Yate Rugby?

For CL Rubbish Clearance, supporting Yate Rugby was an easy decision.

“We try to give back to the community as much as we can, and we thought Yate Rugby was the best option because of the amazing facilities and the work they do to help young children and adults. By offering free rugby to the community, the club helps people keep fit, stay disciplined, and most importantly, stay off the streets and away from trouble.”

That alignment of values—fitness, discipline, and opportunity—makes this partnership a perfect fit.

What Community Means to CL Rubbish Clearance

Being part of the local community is at the heart of everything CL Rubbish Clearance does. All of their work is focused in and around Yate, Sodbury, and the surrounding areas. And as they grow their name locally, they’re determined to put that success back into the community—whether that’s through supporting sports clubs, charities, or other local initiatives.

Supporting Grassroots Rugby

By sponsoring Yate Rugby, CL Rubbish Clearance hopes to help provide new equipment and strengthen the local rugby offering for players of all ages. Their support means more opportunities for kids and adults to play rugby, stay active, and enjoy everything that comes with being part of the Yate Rugby family.

And of course, their work in waste collection and recycling also means we’re all benefiting from a cleaner, safer environment—a win for both the club and the community.

A Message for the Club

CL Rubbish Clearance had a simple but powerful message for everyone involved with Yate Rugby:

“You’re doing an amazing job—keep up the good work and support.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Stay Connected

You can connect with CL Rubbish Clearance through Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, or email. Their website is also in the works, so keep an eye out for even more ways to reach them soon.

On behalf of everyone at Yate Rugby, we’d like to say a huge thank you to CL Rubbish Clearance for their support. Partnerships like this make it possible for us to keep delivering on our vision: free rugby for all children, inclusive rugby for adults, and a club that brings the whole community together.