Our visitors today are Champions elect, Hartpury College RFC, and a warm welcome is extended to their Committee, players and supporters.
Hartpury College have led the table for most of the season and have been in devastating form with their last 3 games producing victories against Cheltenham RFC ( 71 – 12 ), Exmouth RFC ( 65 – 12 ) and Bridgewater & Albion RFC ( 70 – 7 ). Players who have contributed significant points this season are James Botha with 14 tries, whilst James Love and Paul Jarvis have both scored 12 tries each. James Love is also the top kicker in the League with 173 points and also the top points scorer with a total of 233.
Despite this form Old Pats will be very keen to complete the double against Hartpury having pulled off the narrowest of wins, 16 – 15 , when the teams met earlier in the season. It was a memorable day considering Hartpury had not lost a home match in any league as they continued their ascent to National league 3 South West.
Last week saw Old Pats loose at Bournemouth by 31 – 17 and with that, the mathematical chance to reach the League play off for a second successive season. The team produced a spirited performance with several players occupying unfamiliar positions due to our ongoing injury crisis. However, a top 3 finish for the club would be a significant result and would reflect all the hard work that the players, coaches and others have put in over the course of the season.
In the previous 2 games there had been real drama with final minute tries in both securing wins for the Old Pats, against Cleve RFC ( 29 – 24 ) and Barnstable RFC ( 28 – 27 ). Tom Law was the hero on both occasions crossing the try line with seconds to spare.
Our Junior teams have also been in action over the last few weeks in their age group County Cup competitions. Leading the way are the Colts who have reached the final and will face Cirencester at Cleve RFC on Sunday,10 April at 2,30pm. This is an outstanding achievement and I know that they will appreciate support in this vital game.
Both the U15’s and U13’s have reached the plate finals which are likely to be played at Cheltenham RFC. Further details, when confirmed , will be posted on the website, www.oldpats.co.uk.
Finally, our referee today is Carl Bennett from Bath, who is Head of PE at the Kings of Wessex School in Cheddar.
Michael Angell
Chairman - OPRFC
