Thornbury 1St XI 20 – Keynsham RFC 1st XV 10 At Thornbury on Saturday, the game was in doubt until a last minute decision to play by both sides saw the game start on a hard pitch. In the first half it was one way traffic from the visitors both in possession and territory with Keynsham having a good 80% of both. They were unable to capitalise however and, through a mixture of stalwart defence and poor finishing, the home side kept their line intact. At the half-time whistle all they had to show was 3 points from a penalty by Paul Edson and so it was 3 all. A half time substitution of a prop forward saw a rejuvenated Thornbury side reversed matters and took control; they however, were accepting their opportunities and went convincingly ahead by 20 points to 3. Two players were carded in the second half, both for stamping offences – cards and stamps do go together I suppose. In the last minute the try scoring machine that is Russ Tanner broke away for a try, converted by Edson to give a more appropriate full time score. Keynsham’s overall performances have picked up and all they lack at the moment is some confidence; if they can get a couple of back to back wins under their belt, that will come. Keynsham 2nd XI 31 – Old Culverhaysians RFC 14 There was a very enjoyable, well refereed game at the Crown Field. Although there were no scores until almost 30 minutes, both teams showed a willingness to run with the ball, and both teams had their opportunities which were in turn snuffed out by determined defences. Having missed an absolute sitter of a penalty, Keynsham allowed the visitors to go ahead from a fine try by the speedy left winger which was converted for a 7 point lead. This galvanised the home side and they immediately struck back with a try from Owain Wynne, following a strike against the head near the line. Following more concerted pressure Wynne crossed for his second try just before the break. Ben Bolster converted one to leave the half time score 12-7. The second half saw Keynsham dominate but Old C’s never gave up or let their heads drop. A try from Andy Griffiths and a third for Wynne followed; the latter from a break by Rob Pyne, who had another fine game, albeit that he tended to go to ground rather than pass the ball on many occasions. Both were converted by Bolster. Old C’c replied with a try and conversion of their own, before John Bowden finished the scoring with a try for Keynsham,showing off his twinkling footwork. Man of the match was James Marsh who seemed to play in two positions, number 8 and full-back. 3rds & 4ths Both matches were cancelled. The thirds against Bath Old Edwardians due to a frozen pitch and the 4ths as far too many Keynsham players made themselves unavailable at short notice – frustrating.