Solid Performance Sees Wanderers Progress in Plate

“Great to see some of the youngsters really putting in a performance today. Going forward we will certainly have some selection headaches” commented Martyn Fowler after the Wanderers progressed to the next round of the Plate competition.”

KIDWELLY 21

WANDERERS 30

On a grey afternoon in Kidwelly the Wanderers chose to play against the elements first half and they began brightly. Rob Evans made an early intervention into the line and he nearly put Will Adams Jones in for the first score. Kidwelly settled and with their first attack the Wanderers defence was stretched but remained firm. With the home side lineout coming under pressure from the visitors Kidwelly struggled to get continuity into their game and after a not straight lineout gave the visitors a scrum they took full advantage. Moving the ball wide Phil Pariyo made good ground and when he was hauled down quick recycling and good carrying from the pack allowed some space out wide and Adams Jones broke clear to score the first Wanderers try 0-5. The home side struck back straight away. Moving the ball wide off a scrum of their own they set up a ruck near the Wanderers line. A few close quarter drives later they crashed over to score and take the lead 7-5. The game ebbed and flowed with both sides probing each other’s defence and there followed a period where turnovers were frequent. From a knock-on advantage the Wanderers mounted another attack and when Lee Highgate had taken the ball, from a Josh Male break, he seemed destined to score only to be held up just short of the line. Kidwelly had chances to extend their lead but the wind forced penalty shots just wide. After about 30 mins the Wanderers were back in front. A chip over the top by Fish bounced kindly for Phil Pariyo and after gathering the ball he eluded the defence and raced away to score. Fish converted 7-12. The visitors seemed to be gaining the upper hand and the home side defence came under more and more pressure. On the stroke of half time the Wanderers extended their lead when Male made a strong break deep into the Kidwelly 22. The forwards arrived and Highgate recycled the ball and forced his way through a pile of bodies to score. Half time 7-17.

With the game nicely balanced both sides knew the next score was critical and the visitors set themselves up for the win with a try at the start of the half. From a scrum in Kidwelly territory Pariyo came into the line and broke through. He fed Cameron Gibbon who cruised over into the corner for the Wanderers fourth try. Fish converted and the visitors looked in control at 7-24. Kidwelly were not going to roll over though and they kept themselves in touch with their second try. A neat break by the outside half set up field position and after a couple of drives they crossed the whitewash 14-24.  In a game that was certainly entertaining the crowd the Wanderers struck back. An attack in the opposition 22 was foiled by a deliberate knock on and Fish extended the lead again 14-27. Both sides started to ring the changes with the Wanderers shuffling their pack. The renewed power in the front row started to take its toll on the home side but they spirit was not dimmed. They had their best period of the game and kept themselves in the hunt when they crossed for their third try to make the score 21-27. The visitors regrouped and kicking well on the wind they put Kidwelly back on the back foot. Keeping the pressure on the home side set piece the Wanderers were able to strangle any thoughts of the comeback. Rob Evans landed a penalty to ease the Wanderers supporters nerves  21-30 and the visitors were able to control the final minutes of the game by allowing their pack to drive the ball under close quarters. Final Score 21-30.

Wanderers Scorers:

Tries: Will Adams jones, Phil Pariyo, Lee Highgate, Cameron Gibbon

Cons: Luke Fish (2)

Pens: Luke Fish,  Rob Evans

Massiv Man of the Match: Rob Lewis           Special Mention:  Cameron Gibbon