Wanderers bonus point bounce back win

Wanderers 39
Aberdare 15

“What’s really pleasing is that we had a good win but there is so much more this group can produce if we string everything together. Great to bounce back in such a manner after the disappointment of last week.” Commented manager Mark Gould after the bonus point win over Aberdare.
Captain Shaun O’Rourke added “I’m bringing in a rule. Like all good Thespians who refer to a certain Shakespearean play as The Scottish play no one in the Wanderers must ever use the “L” word ever again!”

On a day that many dressed for monsoon weather the crowd were treated to a feast of rugby from two sides with a willingness to play. The home side set their stall out early on the back of a solid scrum moving the ball wide and retaining possession well. Aberdare defended well but the Wanderers kept up the pressure with Evan Gregg and Ned Bennett prominent. From a move of several phases the home side worked the opening and Aron Arthur forced his way over for the opening score. Gregg converted from the touchline 7-0. The Snakes were finding it tough to get into the game finding a solid wall of home side defenders present whenever they had possession and the game became established in the away side half. The pressure continued and from a neat cross kick from Ceri Morris Ed Thomas gathered the ball. He took play deep and as the defence scrambled across he popped the ball inside to Gregg who crashed over for the second try. The touchline conversion hit the post 12-0.  Eventually the visitors did get some field position and the game settled as both teams looked to entertain at every opportunity. Aberdare continued to find it hard to establish any real pressure and period of possession but despite the obvious dominance of the home side the Wanderers could not find any more scores. Several chances were created but each time little failings in the execution allowed a hard-working visitor’s defence chances to clear. As the half entered its final minutes the Snakes finally registered a score when the home side were caught infringing at a ruck in midfield. The penalty show was accepted and despite the Wanderers creating one more chance just before the break Aberdare withstood the pressure and the sides went into the half time recess with the home side ahead 12-3.

The second half saw the sun break out as the crowd shed their wet weather clothing. It was the home side who came out of the blocks first. From a clearance kick Gregg countered down the right wing. Some good handling gave Beynon a chance and he eluded the cover defence to crash over in the corner for the third try of the game 17-3. The game ebbed and flowed as both sides continued to move the ball wide when chances arose. Aberdare were certainly slowly finding their feet despite the solid home side defence. The next score came against the run of play. The Wanderers, once again moving the ball wide, saw a pass left sapped up a grateful Snakes winger. He showed a good turn of pace and raced away to score their first try. The conversion was good 17-10. The Home side started to call for fresh legs and the Wanderers went back on the attack. When the visitors were penalised on their 22 Gregg stepped up to land the penalty making it 20-10. The game once again became camped in the Aberdare half as they defended valiantly. A penalty then gave the Wanderers a chance. From the set piece near the woods (no mention of the “L” word Shaun) the home side drove hard. The maul was illegally collapsed on the line and the referee awarded a penalty try and a yellow card to rub salt into the wound 27-10. Going down to 14 men then saw the visitors have their best period of the game. Mounting pressure and going through the phases they forced the Wanderers into some tough defending.  Eventually the home side broke out with a superb team try. Attacking from deep Bennett sliced through the defence and carried deep into the Aberdare 22. He was hauled down but the ball was recycled quickly and Arthur popped up to score his second try of the day 32-10. Gregg’s conversion was kicked away by a quick thinking and speedy response from one of the Snake’s wingers leaving it at 32-10. As the game entered its final minutes there was a dispute as to whether there was a need for sun cream on bald spots with several forwards and backs voicing an opinion. The referee (an expert in the follicular challenged dome) ruled on the matter and the game carried on. A kick ahead from Thomas set up a 5-metre scrum and as the Wanderers drove on Ashley Bissett fed sub Steff Davies and he crashed over. Gregg took a little less time with the conversion 39-10. The scoring for the day ended when the Wanderers midfield defence was finally broken and the visitors scored their second try giving them some cheer and reward for their endeavour. Final score bonus point ‘W’ for the Wanderers 39-10.

Wanderers scorers:

Tries: Aron Arthur (2), Evan Gregg, Jack Beynon, Penalty try, Steff Davies

Cons: Evan Gregg (3)

Pens: Evan Gregg

Massiv Man of the match: Jack Beynon
Management Man of the match: Osian Phillips

Match Pics : https://flic.kr/ps/c7gzd