The Club were able to put out a stronger squad than the previous fixture v Broad Plain but were caught cold by Bernadette's in the opening quarter. The visitors, playing to try and win back the Jim Ryan Trophy, stormed into a 19-0 lead with Mary's defensive pattern all to easily broken. Bernadette's playing with a mixture of power and great handling skills dominated possession and scoring.

The comeback began when new signing Darius Lynch made great ground through a determined visiting defence, setting up a position for Jordan and Sheppard to orchestrate a sweeping move, finished off at great pace by Freddie Powell staring at full back.

A mini purple patch saw Mary's get to the quarter break only 19-17 behind which was quite an achievement after the opening salvos from SBOB. The second quarter saw Mary's improve their position with increasingly dominant scrummaging against the heavier SBOB pack with Gaulton, Curry and Beresford leading the charge, earning a comfortable lead of 36-19 with a further try from Powell, 2 from Sheppard and one a piece from Callum Jordan and Will Redwood. Andy Plummer added three conversions and was back to his best, and Adam Wilkins was a continual threat in midfield alongside Harry King, who moved into the forwards later in the game and made a tremendous impact.

There were further encouraging home performances by Tom Byrne and Bradley Roseway and it will be great so see these new players develop throughout the season.

The final word however went to Bernadette's who rallied strongly with two further tries to give the final scoreline of 36-29.

We hope to visit St Bernadette's next pre season, to help them open their new clubhouse and grounds, currently under construction, and wish them all the best for a strong season in Somerset Counties 2.

Forwards MoM Harry King
Backs MoM Freddie Powell