Cotham Park RFC The closest Rugby club to Clifton in Bristol

Cotham Park sealed promotion to Gloucester 1 with a victory against their nearest rivals St Brendan’s in a thrilling encounter at Failand this Saturday. After a nervy start Cotham pilled on the pressure but couldn’t convert their dominance into points. Despite making all of the early running Cotham continually spoiled their chances and ended up going into half time 6 nil down following two successful penalty kicks from the Brendan’s winger. After some stern words during the break Cotham took to the second half with a determined steel. The relentless pressure from the Cotham pack finally told as a mistake at the back of the Brendan’s scrum saw effervescent scrum-half Luke Davies snaffle up the loose ball and dive over for a converted try. Now with the score board in their favour Cotham really turned the screw. Play after play saw the Cotham backs work their way into the Brendan’s 22; here the dominance quickly transferred into points as Ricky Jones slotted two classy penalties following Brendan’s indiscretions. As the sense of occasion began to tell on both teams Cotham’s fitness and determination proved more resolute as they held out strongly to seal their second promotion in as many seasons. A well deserved 13 points to 6 victory was Cotham’s reward to seal promotion in a season that has seen them recover from a serious club-house fire and the death of a loyal player, coach and friend in Nick Shopland. It is a massive credit to the players, captains, coaches and back room staff to hold the club together and battle back from such adversity and come out the other side with such a determined mentality and deserved promotion.

Tries:

Luke Davies

Conversion:

Ricky Jones

Penalties:

Ricky Jones

MOM:

Ricky Jones