Gregg serves up feast of points
Wanderers 37
St Peters 8
“A great start to the season” commented Head coach Paul Matthews “a bonus point win is certainly the start you want. One of the pleasing things is the fact that there are plenty of things that didn’t go right and we came through the game with the win. We look forward to the Cambrian game next week”
Chairman Brian Patterson added “Great defensive effort after a tough 1st half with a lot of rustiness. But scrum was dominant and the finishers added to the performance.”
Manager Mark Gould said “I Don’t speak to the press. I’m always misquoted.”
The new season began with a very well respected 1 minute’s silence for the passing of Billy James.
From the St. Peters kick off the home side set their stall out early as they opened the game up moving the ball wide from the first phase. There was certainly not going to be a conservative approach but execution in the first quarter let the Wanderers down. Evan Gregg, on debut at fullback was given plenty of opportunity to run the ball back at the “Rocks” but at times, once again accuracy in passing and handling let the home side down. St Peters started to grow into the game and several penalties provided the Wanderers with some long defensive spells. The tackling was sound though and the only score the visitors could achieve was from ex Wanderer Tom Francis who landed a penalty 3-0. Slowly the Wanderers showed more sign of cohesion and just before the 30-minute mark Gregg landed a penalty to level it up at 3-3. The home side scrum started to exert some pressure and as the half entered its final 10 minutes the Wanderers struck. Recycling good ball Ceri Morris found the “Rocks” permeable enough to slip through and cross for the first try of the game. Gregg converted 10-3. The score relaxed a somewhat anxious Wanderers faithful, whose breathing became a little steadier as the home side added a second just before the break. Aron Arthur, having his first start after injury, made a break down the blindside. Finn Davies, another starting after injury, carried it on and Morris fed Ed Thomas who marked his debut with a try in the corner. Gregg added the extras 17-3. Just before the break the home side did create another chance after solid driving from the pack but Mike Vaughan now realises his arms aren’t 8ft long. St Peters cleared and the sides went into the break at 17-3.
The second half saw the visitors begin brightly. Running from deep they breached the Wanderers defence and only good scrambling defence prevented a score. The home side were hampered by the loss of Osian Phillips for 10 minutes after a high tackle and the visitors had their best spell of the game. Subs started to join the fray from both sides and Huw Dowden, back in Wanderers colours after wilderness years up North (Pontypridd) returned to the pitch with a nifty line in new head bandages. The home side managed the period of 14 men well showing that they were still prepared to keep the tempo high. Phillips returned to the game and soon afterwards Gregg added a second penalty to make it 20-3. The visitors now needed to chase the game and there was more opportunity for expansive play. Try of the day then followed. In the Wanderers half Rhys Strawbridge picked up the ball and set a move in motion. Out wide Luc Cummins went well and after recycling the back from right wing to left wing Captain Josh Male was up in support of the attack and he crossed for the third try 25-3. The game further broke up as the Wanderers emptied its bench. St Peters went back on the attack but when the assault broke down the wanderers pounced. Cummins broke clear and he found Gruff Tough up in support. Tough rounded the defence and raced away 50 metres to score the bonus point try. Gregg converted 32-3. Credit to the visitors they kept battling to the end and they were awarded with a try of their own after a driving maul late in the day making it 32-8. The last Act of the afternoon saw another well worked Wanderers try. Lineout ball (yes, we do occasionally win one!) was moved into midfield. Once recycled Aron Arthur straightened the line and put Gregg over to cap off a fine performance from the fullback. Final score 37-8.
Wanderers scorers:
Tries: Ceri Morris, Josh Male, Ed Thomas, Gruff Tough, Evan Gregg.
Cons: Evan Gregg (3)
Pens: Evan Gregg (2)
Massiv Man of the match: Evan Gregg
Management Man of the match: Evan Gregg
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