7 try Wanderers progress in cup
Wanderers 52
Aberdare 10
“A good set piece gave us a great platform from which to attack. Also defensive sets were solid. Job done!” commented head coach Paul Matthews as the Wanderers progressed in the cup.
“Players getting regular rugby with the Athletic proving to be a real bonus and adding to nice selection headaches” added Manager Mark Gould.
A sunny afternoon with a blustery wind greeted the players for this cup clash and it was the visitors Aberdare who came out of the blocks firing. Pressurising the Wanderers defence they gained an early penalty and opened the scoring 0-3. The early play was all from the “Snakes” as the home side were slow to settle. Gruff Tough got the Wanderers tempo game going with a quickly taken penalty and then from a second penalty AJ Walji stepped up to level the score 3-3. Both sides were showing a willingness to play with ball in hand and the game swung from end to end. From a lineout overthrow the home side struck. Sam Reed took play into the opposition 22 and quick recycled ball saw Josh Male commit the defence. He found Asanji Mofor on his shoulder and he crashed over for the home sides first try. Evan Gregg converted 10-3. The score settled the Wanderers and the game continued to be extremely open with both sides happy to counter with ball in hand. The Wanderers spurned a chance from another quick penalty when a crossing offence on the Aberdare line prevented a score but the pressure was firmly on the visitors. As the half edged into its last quarter the Wanderers struck again. Ed Thomas did well taking the play deep into Snakes territory and when behind the defence good recycling saw Tough break clear and he flew over under the posts for the second try. Gregg converted 17-3. Despite being up against it the visitors kept playing when they had the chance and a period of counter attacks from both sides saw play move from end to end keeping the crowd and both defences on their toes. The half ended with the Wanderers third try. From a penalty the home side pack set up a driving maul. A couple of backs joined the drive and just as the maul appeared to be going over Josh Male popped out with the ball and he crossed on the blindside. Gregg converted again and the sides went into the break with the Wanderers ahead 24-3.
The Second half began with a few fresh legs for the Wanderers as the coaches utilised the larger cup bench. The set piece especially the scrum was starting to dominate for the home side but the visitors were not daunted and they continued to play with ball in hand. Thomas made another breakout wide but the Aberdare scramble defence. The home side searched for further scores but the telling move eluded them despite the dominance. Finally, the second half deadlock was broken and it was provided by the scrum. A defensive Aberdare scrum was driven off the ball and Ashley Bissett was on hand to scoop up the chance and he crashed over. Gregg converted again 31-3. More changes followed and the Wanderers soon extended their lead as the visitor’s resistance finally started to wane. A defensive rip by Finn Davies put Luc Cummings in the clear and he raced away 50 meters to score. Gregg converted again 38-3. Aberdare rallied and they finally crossed for a try when a neat cross kick eluded the defence and they crossed for a converted try 38-10. Back came the home side and with fresh legs everywhere they soon scored again. Osian Phillips added the 6th try when he was in support of another Thomas break. Gregg added the conversion again 45-10. The scoring for the afternoon was finished with the last play of the game when another sub Luke Pearce, on in the back row popped up in support and he cantered away to score the 7th try. Gregg converted again to send the Wanderers happily through to the next round of the cup. Final score 52-10.
Wanderers scorers:
Tries: Asanji Mofor, Gruff Tough, Josh Male, Luc Cummings, Luke Pearce, Ashley Bissett, Osian Phillips
Cons: Evan Gregg (7)
Pen Evan Gregg
Massiv Man of the match: Asanji Mofor
Management Man of the match: Gruff Tough
Special Mention: Sam Reed
Match Pics: https://flic.kr/ps/c7gzd