Wanderers come out on top in Student exam
Wanderers 31
Cardiff Met 15
“Considering the changes in personnel a really pleasing result” Commented coach Darren Gibbon “Its left us with plenty of selection headaches ahead of the Cross Keys game this Saturday.”
Despite the dampness underfoot both sides showed a willingness to play rugby from the off. The Wanderers were first on the attack with Ben Torjesen making a break downfield but the great scramble defence of the students brought the assault up just short. There was little chance for a breath as the game continued at a breakneck speed as both sides looked to keep the ball alive. This approach led to the first try. A clearance kick from the Met was countered with a break from Will Adams Jones. He took the play deep and after quick recycling the move went wide to Ray Bishop who crossed for the first try. Rob Evans converted 7-0. Back came the university but it was the Wanderers who extended their lead. In midfield Evans charged down an attacking kick and the ball bounced kindly for Harry Morgan-Grant. He seized the opportunity and showed the defence a clean pair of heels as he raced away to score. Evans converted 14-0. The game continued at pace despite the wet conditions underfoot. The Met continuing to spread the ball but the home side defence was solid until a lineout in Wanderers territory. The students scrum half saw an opportunity, stabbed the ball through the defence, kicked ahead and won the race to the ball for their opening score. 14-7. The home side returned to the attack with the backs showing good pace and more willingness to attack from deep and this led to the third try. Again Adams Jones set up the attack and Max Wootton carried well and deep. Centres Rhys Beynon and Morgan-Grant were on hand and Morgan- Grant squeezed over in the corner to send the sides into the break at 19-7.
The University began brightly after the break dominating possession and field position. The Wanderers sent for some fresh legs but the tide was certainly in the Met’s favour. Despite that they were unable to break a resolute defence with Bishop prominent in snuffing out several attacks. The deadlock continued until a moment of genius from Phil Pariyo. From a free kick at a scrum Ioan Williams took a quick tap and having dropped the ball first he regathered and fired out a ball to the blindside. Pariyo took the pass and weaving and swerving he created space and raced away as the defence clutched at shadows. 24-7. The home side sent on some more fresh faces and legs and the game remained very open. The university reduced the arrears with a penalty to make it 24-10 but the game was put beyond doubt when once again Pariyo popped up. An up an under from Evans was headed backwards as he tried to gather the ball and it fell into the hands of Pariyo in open space. Once again the defence floundered as he weaved his way through to cross in the corner. Evans converted 31-10. The last quarter saw both teams continue to play at every opportunity the home side were indebted to Adams Jones and others as the defence was tested on several occasions. The university had the last word as they scored their second try 31-15 but it was the Wanderers who will take their place in the next round without needing a scoreboard verification!
Wanderers scorers
Tries: Ray Bishop, Harry Morgan-Grant (2), Phil Pariyo(2)
Cons: Rob Evans (3)
Wanderers Management Man of the match: Phil Pariyo
Massive Man of the match: Rob Evans
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