OBs had their third game of the season against Southmead and after a hard fought game, emerged victorious to win the Bristol Combination Vase final for the second time in three years.

This seasons two league meetings between the two sides resulted in OBs winning by a single point and then a five point margin. The cup final was to prove an equally combative and close game, with OBs taking an early lead before Southmead took the lead shortly after half time. A penalty in the final quarter of the game brought OBs back in front and the score remained 11 – 9 until the final whistle.

OBs started very well and soon Southmead conceded a penalty that full back Jack Price converted.

A sweeping move from a lineout took winger Mike Jones down the left hand touch line. Quick ruck ball and excellent hands by Wayne Cockram, Duncan Knox, Gareth Graham and Jack Price put centre Nick Reed away in the right hand corner for the only try of the game and this gave OBs an 8 point lead.

However, as per the previous two encounters, Southmead came back into the game and disrupted the OBs possession and tempo. OBs conceded several penalties that the Southmead fly half duly converted. Half time score 8 – 6.

OBs tried to play with more tempo and pace but the Southmead defence held strong. Apart from several penalties, Southmead never really threatened to cross the OBs try line, but were always in the hunt with a good kicker. Southmead converted a penalty to take the lead around half way through the second half.

This spurred OBs on and several strong runs put pressure on Southmead as the majority of the play was in or around their 22. Jack Price and Tom Westray made some telling breaks and the pressure counted as Southmead infringed in front of their posts. Jack Price kicked OBs ahead 11 – 9.

OBs continued to apply pressure but couldn’t add to the score. Not the best game to watch for the large crowd of Supporters, but OBs had done enough to secure win and captain Mike Barton lead the celebrations.

The Bristol Evening Post match report can be found via this link and there are several videos and sets of photos on this website.