Wanderers through to next round of Plate
WANDERERS 54
CR DINBYCH 7
“A thoroughly entertaining game played in a great spirit with a scoreline that didn’t reflect the effort and quality that Dinbych brought to the game. Commented Chris Dowell Bennett Chairman of the rugby committee.
“A solid run out for the squad with the multi talented veteran James Loxton playing at scrum half. After the last 3 weeks good to see the players with smiles on their faces once again.” Added Martyn Fowler. “We have 2 weeks now to prepare to kick-start our league campaign when we take on Porth Harlequins”
On a cold afternoon at the Memorial ground the Wanderers had an early chance when Max Wootton charged down a clearance kick but the Dinbych defence held firm and they cleared their lines. Will Adams Jones then set up an attack after entering the line from deep but once again the visitors scrambled back well and denied the scoring chance. At this point the Wanderers had all the game and after a lineout in Dinbych territory they struck for the first time. A well organised driving maul took play to the line and Anthony Cox crashed over for the first try. Luke Fish converted 7-0. The visitors struggled to get into their rhythm, not surprising with the trek from North Wales in their legs and the Wanderers went further ahead. A break from the kick off by centre Josh Male set up the attack and second row Cox was again on hand supporting well to take the pass to crash over for his second try. Fish converted 14-0. The visitors then started to find their feet and show what they are made of. Showing good pace and decent handling they cut the Wanderers defence on several occasions and the home side were forced into a period of defence. Unfortunately they could not furnish that vital scoring pass to get the scoreboard moving. Fish set up another Wanderers attack out wide by Adams Jones but once again solid defence prevented a score and the visitors cleared their lines. A neat break from a lineout carried on by the back row seemed certain to set up the first score for Dinbych but the ball was spilled with the line beckoning and the Wanderers were able to clear. From the defensive position an up an under was gathered by Phil Pariyo but as he broke clear his kick downfield went straight into touch stalling the attack. As the half entered its final 10 minutes and somewhat against the run of play the Wanderers added their third try. A defensive Dinbych scrum was taken against the head and when they received a penalty Loxton took it quickly. Feeding Wootton who showed some neat footwork for a big man and he crashed over for the third try. Fish converted 21-0. The half ended with the visitors finally registering a deserved try. Electing for a scrum after a penalty, they moved the ball well and when recycled they found plenty of space. Gruff Roberts, who impressed many with his performance, raced away to score and Garin Roberts converted to send the sides into the break at 21-7.
The home side needed to stamp their authority on the game to prevent thoughts of a second half revival for the visitors and the fourth score came early. A great tackle and turnover on the Dinbych 22 gave them a chance and Adam Jones crashed through a number of tacklers to score out wide. Fish converted 28-7. “Duracell” was on the scoresheet again very soon afterwards. Lineout ball off the top was moved into midfield and he once again joined the line from deep, slicing through the defence and crashing over for his second try. Fish added his 5th conversion 35-7. With the scoreline looking comfortable the Wanderers started to call for the cavalry and the game ebbed and flowed back and forth with both sides playing some entertaining rugby. The Wanderers then scored their best try of the game. From a scrum deep in Wanderers territory Loxton set off downfield. His old legs carried him into the Dinbych half and after good support from Male the ball was recycled back wide right and Pariyo was on hand to take a scoring pass from Wood. Rob Evans, on as a sub, converted 42-7. With the confidence flowing back into the home side they attacked whenever they could but Dinbych defended superbly well and when they had the ball they continued to show that on a different day they could be a real handful to contend with. As the game entered its final minutes the Wanderers added 2 further tries. The first another driving maul from a lineout saw Josh Sheehan drive over for the unconverted try and then with the last play of the game Sheehan popped up again with more of a solo effort as he received off the top lineout ball and he crashed through the defence to score. Evans converted to round off the scoring and send The Wanderers through to the next round of the Plate. Final score 54-7.
Wanderers scorers
Tries: Antony Cox (2), Max Wootton, Will Adams Jones (2), Phil Pariyo, Josh Sheehan (2)
Cons: Luke Fish (5), Rob Evans (2)
Pens:
Massiv Men of the Match: Max Wootton
Dinbych man of the match: Gruff Roberts
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