To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Nailsea & Backwell invited all past and present players to attend a celebration lunch, and enjoy a day of rugby.

Nailsea & Backwell 5 pts

Old Reds 14 pts

TO celebrate its 40th anniversary, Nailsea & Backwell invited all past and present players to attend a celebration lunch, and enjoy a day of rugby as both the first and second teams were at home.

On the field it was once again indiscipline that cost the Ravens a match they could have won. Only five minutes into the game and Old Reds were able to convert a penalty to open the scoring.

Playing up the slope and into a bitter wind, Nailsea fought hard demonstrating occasional moments of brilliance, but they were unable to gain much needed points.

After 35 minutes, the hosts were once again punished for infringements, and once again Old Reds’ fly-half stepped up to seal another three points.

The visitors were now settling into their stride and began to pressurise the Nailsea defence and were rewarded with a try on the stroke of half-time.

Early in the second half, the Ravens were struggling to use the slope and wind advantage, as Old Reds showed great determination and organisation to hold Nailsea high in their half.

Once again infringement on the gain line allowed Old Reds to keep the scoreboard ticking. Nailsea began to string a few moves together and caused the visitors a few problems, albeit too late in the game.

However, as if encouraged by the crowd of past and present players spectating, the hosts dug deep and were rewarded with a try from Larry Hunt crashing over the line. It was too little, too late though, as Old Reds claimed victory on the final whistle.

Man of the match was Nick Badcock

Nailsea & Backwell 2nd XV 35 pts

Stothert & Pitt 17 pts

IT was the seconds who gave cause for celebration as they claimed another win, in what is turning out to be a successful season.

It was a great performance to warm the crowd with a flurry of tries from Ed Mansfield, Aaron Rice (2), Darren Shinett, Jack McCormick, and Larry Harris.

Nailsea & Backwell 2nds continue to battle at the top of Tribute Somerset 3 North, with rivals Bath Old Edwardians.

The two are set to meet again at West End Park on February 16, which could prove to be the deciding fixture.

THE clubhouse after the match was full of players reminiscing, passing stories of the club history to more recent club members.

Backwell RFC was formed in 1972 as a Sunday side, playing on Backwell Playing Fields, using Backwell School to change and drinking in local pubs after the game, such as The George, The Rising Sun, and The Butchers Arms.

Progressing to a Saturday team, the first clubhouse was a Portacabin, previously used as a motorway construction office. This structure housed the changing rooms, showers and bar.

March 1991 saw Backwell become the first club to be promoted in England’s newly-launched league structure from Somerset Division 2.

It was in the mid-90s when the original clubhouse was eventually condemned, and Backwell were looking for space for a second pitch as numbers were growing.

In 1996, with Nick Williams administrating and three guarantors - Hugh Jones (current club president), Norman Selwood and Morley Smallman, Backwell eventually secured 12 acres of land at West End Park, subsequently changing their name to Nailsea & Backwell RFC in recognition of its current location.

Nailsea & Backwell now boasts three senior teams including vets, and a full junior section with a current membership of over 250 boys and girls from Under-6s to Under-18s. The 1st XV are currently holding a healthy position in the Somerset Premier League.

The clubhouse is also host to many other local organisations - the boxing club have a gym, the ladies hockey club, and the running club.

Jeff Morris, current club chairman, would like to thank all those past and present players and supporters who attended the lunch and helped to make the day so memorable.