Yeovil Rugby Club

Saturday 3 October brought another hugely encouraging weekend for Yeovil Rugby Club’s senior men. The results may have been mixed, but across both fixtures there was plenty to suggest that something exciting is beginning to develop.

For the 1st XV, it was a narrow and frustrating defeat against a strong Wimborne II side. For the Barbarians, it was another performance that should make the rest of their league sit up and take notice.

Yeovil 1st XV 23 – 27 Wimborne II

Yeovil welcomed Wimborne II for their first home league fixture knowing they faced a serious test.

Wimborne had recorded a strong victory the previous weekend and look set to be one of the sides capable of doing very well in the league this season.

Yeovil, however, weren't interested in reputations.

They went out with their heads high, backed themselves and showed Wimborne exactly what this developing Yeovil side is made of.

The game became a fiercely competitive contest, with Yeovil matching their visitors and producing some excellent phases of rugby. There was movement, handling, support and a growing confidence in possession.

Once again, the influence of the new coaching set-up is beginning to become increasingly visible.

The changes introduced during pre-season are starting to translate onto the pitch, with Yeovil playing a more dynamic brand of rugby and showing the skills and ambition to move the ball through multiple phases.

Most importantly, they stayed in the fight.

With the score at 23–20 going into the closing stages, Yeovil were within touching distance of a significant victory.

Then came the decisive moment.

Yeovil lost possession at the ruck and Wimborne reacted quickly. With pace out wide, the visitors took their opportunity and crossed for the late score that turned a three-point contest into a 27–23 lead.

But Yeovil weren't finished.

From the restart they regained possession and spent the closing moments desperately looking for the score that could win the game.

Phase after phase, Yeovil kept the ball alive and continued asking questions of the Wimborne defence.

Credit must go to the visitors. Their defensive line simply refused to budge.

Yeovil continued in possession right up until the final whistle, but there would be no way through.

Final score: Yeovil 1st XV 23 – 27 Wimborne II.

It was a painful way to lose, but this was far from a performance to be disappointed with.

Sometimes a defeat can demonstrate almost as much about a team as a victory.

Against a strong Wimborne side, Yeovil competed throughout, remained within one score until the final whistle and demonstrated some excellent rugby along the way.

It may go down in the table as a loss, but it was a strong loss and a performance the squad can be proud of.

There is plenty still to work on, but the progress being made is becoming increasingly difficult to miss.

Hornets IV – Yeovil Barbarians

Meanwhile, the Yeovil Barbarians had a very different afternoon.

The Barbs travelled to Hornets and took control from the start, producing a dominant performance and another exciting indication of what this side could achieve this season.

One of the standout performances came from Ollie Holloway, who crossed for a superb hat-trick of tries.

But beyond the individual scores, it is the development of this Barbarians side that is becoming particularly exciting.

There is confidence growing within the squad, players are taking their opportunities and the team is beginning to establish its own identity.

The message after the opening weeks is becoming clear:

It might be time to start taking notice of the Yeovil Barbarians.

This is a team capable of producing some exciting rugby, and we are looking forward to seeing just how far they can go as their league campaign develops.

A Club Creating Opportunities

Another positive from the weekend was seeing more players pulling on a senior Yeovil shirt.

Harry Bartin made his 1st XV debut, while Eric Singleton and Rob Lawrence made their Barbarians debuts.

Every senior debut matters.

Whether a player is stepping into the 1st XV, joining the Barbarians or returning to competitive rugby, building depth across our senior section is an important part of where the club wants to go.

Congratulations and welcome to all three. 🖤🤍

Next Up – Saturday 10 October

There is no let-up next weekend, with both men's sides back in league action.

The 1st XV travel to Weymouth & Portland, looking to take the positives from the Wimborne performance on the road. After coming so close this weekend, this is one fixture supporters will not want to miss.

Meanwhile, the Barbarians return home to face Morganians.

That could prove a particularly interesting encounter following the abandonment of Morganians v Tor II this weekend, and the Barbs will be looking to carry their current momentum into another big performance.

Two teams continuing to develop. Two fixtures to look forward to.

The results won't always fall our way, but the rugby being produced across Yeovil's senior men's section is giving us plenty to be excited about.

The work is showing. The confidence is growing. And we're only just getting started.

🖤🤍 Together We Stand.

#TogetherWeStand #UpThePigs