Cotham Park RFC The closest Rugby club to Clifton in Bristol

Following the tragic death of Cotham’s 2nd team captain Nick Shopland on Friday morning there was a fittingly solemn atmosphere as Cotham Park hosted Cheltenham Saracens this Saturday. With several of the current 1st team having come through the junior ranks at the club under the leadership of then coach Nick, many were holding back the tears during the minute’s silence.

Cheltenham clearly hadn’t read the script and were immediately on the attack from the kick-off. Thankfully Cotham’s defense stood resolute and they were able to claw their way back into the game. A great individual try from Captain Craig Coulstring started the scoring closely followed by Will Kite, both of whom had been coached by Nick in their junior days at the club. Once winger Julian Hoefflin had crossed over for the third try of the game Cotham went in to half time 19-nill up. The second half was a much cagier affair; with Cotham clearly taking their foot of the gas this allowed Cheltenham to come back into the game. The Saracens driving maul began to set up some good field position for the visitors which enabled them to cross for two tries of their own. The remainder the half was mainly focused around the centre circle and apart from a converted penalty from Ricky Jones, there were no further points. So on a dark day for Cotham following the passing of such an influential character it was a credit to them that they were able to compose themselves enough to record a solid 22-10 victory.

Tries

Craig Coulstring
Will Kite
Julian Hoefflin

Con

Rick Jones 2

Pen

Ricky Jones

MOM

Jack Butler