The Pump Technology sponsored Tadley entered this season’s intermediate cup competition with a strong side, laying down their intentions for the cup this year. They also were oozing confidence after their win over Walcot the previous week.

Paul Denning found himself at full back after Chris Dennison failed a late fitness test due to illness. Duncan Harris replaced Campbell in the second row due to work commitment. The side also welcomed back Ross Nicholson, Tom Bailey, Toby Smith and Dom Pike to the bench.

The home side were placed on the back foot after the early exchanges giving away far too many penalties, after a number of misses by the Yatton kicker who eventually got one over, Tadley were able to establish themselves in the game.

The first half also saw Raymond slot a penalty after a period of concerted pressure from the Tadley pack with the old combination of Choules and Mason linking up well in the lineout. Following this pressure Raymond also scraped over a drop goal instead of taking advantage of a penalty kick. At the interval Tadley led 6-3.

The second half saw much of the same from the Tadley pack. Winger Tim Rozier scored his debut first team try when he finished a width of the field passing move including impressive passing from the backrow of Keeley and Mason. Tadley soon followed this try up with another. Expansive running from Raymond with great support from the front row combination of Lowe and the ever present Choules, saw Andy Craig score in the corner and put the game well out of the reach of Yatton.

Yatton however became rejuvenated after Mason was sin bined twice following two displays of reckless behaviour at the ruck. The Tadley forwards rallied round and made up for Yattons’ one-man advantage, this pressure was not helped by some lack lustre decisions from Raymond on his own try lines, saw even more pressure being placed on the Tadley defence.

Tadley take their impressive victory on into next week’s game at table toppers Chippenham 3pm KO.

Collins (D. Pike 40), Choules, Lowe (Capt), Tucker (Nicholson 50), Harris, Mason, Seal, Keeley, Crane (Bailey 75), Raymond, Dampies, Craig, A.Pike, Rozier (Smith 60), Denning