Cotham Park RFC The closest Rugby club to Clifton in Bristol

Cotham Park had to dig deep to beat an abrasive Imperial team by 22 points to 5. Imperial turned up obviously hoping to intimidate Cotham, but came up against an uncompromising pack of forwards who refused to bow down. Three yellow cards were dished out by the strong referee in this niggly match as both sets of forwards set into each other with real gusto.

Cotham featured no less than 5 ex first team captains in their team and this experience helped them secure the win by three tries to one. It was an impressive game for Jimmy Cook whose four kicks out of four must surely be a record for this faithful Cotham plodder.

The game was only 10 minutes old when an obviously upset Stevie Mack tried to get better acquainted with his opposite number. Three or four huge haymakers were sent in the general direction of his opponents chin with unfortunately none making contact. Breaking up this ugly incident was our very own Jonny Alexander who was acting as peacemaker. It is obvious that the anger management classes are working well Jonny. Unfortunately a few minutes later he forgot his calming techniques as he threatened to rip his, unfortunately ginger, opponent’s throat out. The fight/game continued for the reminder of the half with the Imperial’s prop being sent to the bin for cowardly crushing Martin Eves ribs in an off the ball incident. Eves was later cleared of any rib damage however there were reports that he had damaged his liver. He is incredibly the 34th member of the club to suffer from this injury with the other 33 occurring while on tour to New Quay!

Captain for the day, Simon FreegUard, unfortunately had to leave the field at half time as he was blowing out of his rear end. However he still had time to score a dubious try under the posts where it was felt, by many, he had failed to ground the ball correctly. Joe Coglan was harshly sin-binned during this incident as he tried to make room for FreegUard to score by liberal use of his boot.

The second half began with Andrew Day coming on at fullback and Jimmy ‘Jonny’ Cook moving to scrum half. Finally the game began to open out with Cotham trying to attack out wide. With Cotham now playing into the elements they tried to spread the ball at every occasion. Big Nev at inside centre was making his first appearance for a while and quickly terrorised the opponents three quarter line who thought that tackling was an option. Accompanying Big Nev at centre was Phil Chang who used his pace well whenever he was given the opportunity. The wingers were honest and the whole back line was organised well by James Davies who has enjoyed keeping the Number 10 slot warm for when Day returns after his particularly nasty rib injury.

Day was once again quickly involved in the action as he tried to protect Des French who has become a shadow of his former self. French was once again found isolated and was receiving a proper shoeing before Day came to clear the ruck. Everybody hopes that French recovers his former composure as he was frankly a laughing stock out there avoiding contact whenever possible. There was a huge sigh of relief when French left the field early in the second half with head bowed. This however allowed former favourite Adam Lee to join the fray.

Adam, in only his second match of the season, showed all his former class as, with his first touch, he kicked the ball straight into touch when outside his 22. Form is temporary however shite is permanent.

The pack (Obviously apart from French) deserves the credit for the victory as they took the game to their abrasive opponents. Eves and Bown had stormers in the front row especially considering they had to carry French. Alain and Dave Jennings were omnipresent around the field and the back row of Alexander, McMannus and David Wells were magnificent. Wells, having been promoted from the firsts, dominated the lineout and was a welcome addition to this team. The replacements all added something to the team. Coglan added his right boot, Karl Davies added about 19 ½ stone, Day much needed class and Lee added humour where it was most needed.

The second XV face tricky oppositions next week when they take on Whiteladies away. Stamina will be needed however there was good news as they heard that French had cried off early.