🏉 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

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