🏉 Rugby Rob & Rugby Rose Match Report: Yate vs Chipping Sodbury

Cup Clash Ends in a Classic Final Score: Yate 6 – Chipping Sodbury 12

Rugby Rose: We couldn't decide who was covering this one, so we both came and what a match it was.  A true local derby, years in the making. Just over a mile separates these two clubs, but on Sunday it might as well have been a rugby world apart, as both teams brought everything they had to this long-awaited first encounter between their 1st XVs.

Rugby Rob: Well, Rose… it wasn’t quite the result we were after, was it? A tough day at the office for Yate against our local rivals, Chipping Sodbury.

Rugby Rose: You’re not wrong, Rob. The scoreboard might not have gone our way, but the effort certainly did. Both sides brought the heat from kick-off — real derby energy!

Rugby Rob: Absolutely. Yate showed great intent early on — strong carries from the forwards and some lovely link-up play out wide. We just couldn’t quite find that final pass or finish to turn pressure into points. In a pretty evenly contested fixture, Yate certainly held the upper hand in the scrums. Several dominant scrums were rewarded by the referee and helped keep the pressure on the home side.

Rugby Rose: And credit to Chipping Sodbury — they were clinical. Every time they got into our half, they made it count. Having had a great start to the season, the team will have not doubt learned from this game, the physicality of the Sodbury defence clearly showed why they too are unbeaten in the league this season too. When chances are so few and far between, discipline and accuracy becomes so much more important. That said, I loved how Yate kept fighting right to the final whistle. No heads dropped.

Rugby Rob: That’s what this club’s about, isn’t it? Pride and persistence. There were still a few standout moments — some big tackles, brave defensive sets, and flashes of creativity that show what’s building here. 3 words that sum up this match for Yate Passion, Parity, Pride

Rugby Rose: Exactly. You can’t coach heart, and Yate showed plenty of that. These games are all part of the journey — and you can bet the lads will bounce back stronger next week.

Rugby Rob: Whilst this was ‘only a cup fixture’, it was a chance to meet on of the leagues other form sides, testing ourselves against the best teams around will always grow the team and club further.

Rugby Rose: Having kept on eye on results across the seasons, getting the opportunity to go toe-to-toe gave Yate first had experience of what Sodbury has bought to all other teams this season already - ferocious defence and heart, from start to finish. The game plan was clear and well executed, stifling the Yate attack and allowing Sodbury to capitalise and secure the victory by the slim one-score margin

Rugby Rob: For sure. And as always, massive thanks to everyone who came down to support — the cheers from the touchline make all the difference. Being an away fixture just down the road, it was great to have so many there to support and cheer on the team, braving the inclement weather and providing a boost to the team.

Rugby Rose: Couldn’t agree more, Rob. Win or lose, the Yate family sticks together. ❤️💙