Wanderers defeated in final pre-season run out
Wanderers 31
Dunvant 38
“You learn plenty when winning but more when things don’t go according to plan” commented Martyn Fowler after the pre-season defeat at the hands of Dunvant. “We’ve given everyone a chance in the 3 games and we saw some new combinations today. A few players really put in big shifts Josh Male and Ryan Matthews certainly stood out.”
“It’s going to be a massive week with plenty of headaches ahead of selection for the Quins game next week” added backs coach Darren Gibbon.
“A lot of first half mistakes handed the initiative to Dunvant and they are a well drilled side who took full advantage. The addition of our bench certainly improved proceedings though. Plenty to work on this week” added John Lyons, team Manager.
On a bright afternoon at the Memorial Ground Dunvant showed a willingness to play from the off with their lively backs showing plenty of endeavour behind a dominant scrum and solid lineout. Taking the lead early on with a try wide out from a set piece they set a lively tempo. The Wanderers seemed somewhat lethargic with the pack struggling to impose any real control but they levelled the score with Ioan Williams (deputising on the wing) crossing after a long missed pass put him clear. Dunvant hit back to regain the lead very quickly with their second try out wide and with their set piece continuing to dictate the home side came under increasing pressure. Constantly finding holes in the Wanderers defence from broken play the game became camped in the Wanderers half and the home side were forced into chasing a few shadows as the visitors extended their advantage. Running in two more tries before the break they took a healthy 5-24 lead into half time.
The second half continued in a similar manner with the Wanderers defending and when a ball went loose from a ruck the visitors were the sharpest to respond as they raced away for their 5th try. The score resulted in Martyn Fowler sending for the cavalry as he introduced several players rested for this game. The fresh legs had an immediate effect with Will Adams Jones crossing for the home side’s second try. The game became much more of a contest and for the first time the visitors came under severe pressure. The arrears were reduced with a Ryan Matthews try before Dunvant extended their lead again with their 6th try. The Home side then put together their best period of the game with the visitors tiring they ran in 2 converted tries from Josh Male which made the last few minutes more exciting for the faithful as the Wanderers looked for an equalising score. In the end there was not enough time and Dunvant recorded the deserved win. Final score 31-38
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