Wanderers dig deep to defeat “Pitmen”

Wanderers 32

Penallta 25

“Great start then we had to absorb a lot of pressure as some set piece mistakes handed the initiative to Penallta” commented forwards coach Huw Dowden “Second half was so much better. Tightened up the set piece and players played to the game plan”.

“Nothing like a good blast of the hair dryer at half time (and that’s not just for Mike’s hair!) to get the players attention.” Added Mike Bishop

“Polar opposite from last week. Big defence and the forwards fronted up” added Chairman Brian Patterson.

On a grey day with drizzle in the air the home side were straight out of the blocks. A quick tap from a scrum penalty set the backs away and Evan Gregg, on the wing this week, crashed through several defenders then raced clear to score under the posts. He converted his own try 7-0. Buoyed by the early success the Wanderers were back on the attack soon afterwards as the visitors struggled to get into the game. Another move involving good carrying by the pack set up field position and a penalty in front of the posts allowed Gregg to extend the lead 10-0. As has happened often this season the good play was followed up by a mistake and failing to control the kick off allowed the Pitmen to finally get into the game. A penalty was kicked to the 5-metre line and a well-executed catch and drive saw Penallta get their first try of the afternoon 10-5. Back came the home side but an attempt at their own lineout drive was halted by a truck and trailer offence. The visitors cleared and the game settled into an even contest between two decent sides. The Pitmen started to gain some ascendancy and they were soon ahead on the scoreboard. A goal-line drop out from the Wanderers was poorly chased and the visitor’s backs took full advantage of the space. Slick handling sent them away for their second try, this one converted, 10-12. It was the Pitmen who now had their tails up and the lead was extended after another good move. A grubber kick was poorly covered and after recovering possession another kick to the wing in space sent him cantering away to score the third try 10-19. The half entered is final quarter with the visitors well on top and the Wanderers looking to regain any momentum. The home side came under real pressure made more challenging when Ned Bennett was sent to the bin for 10 minutes for a high tackle. The defence was forced to dig really deep as the visitors piled on the pressure, but the home side were resilient and they held out to prevent any further scores sending the sides into the break with Penallta on top 10-19.

A serious talking to from head coach Paul Matthews ignited something in the squad at half time. Ripping possession off a ball carrier on the Penallta 22 set the Wanderers on the attack. Several drives and good ball retention saw them pressurise and AJ Walji was on hand to force his way over for the try. Gregg converted and the Wanderers were back in it at 17-19. The Pitmen settled and after going back on the attack again they were awarded a penalty which they converted to edge ahead 17-22. The game ebbed and flowed with both sides continuing to move the ball at every opportunity. The benches started to appear with players starting to come and go as coaches looked for fresh legs. Back came the home side and after some aerial tennis from both sides an offside offence allowed Gregg to land his second penalty making it 20-22. With the game in the balance the next score was crucial and it went to the home side. After a penalty gave them good field position, as the pack hinted at a drive Gruff Tough feigned a break then slipped a pass to Captain Josh Male who smashed his way over for the try. Gregg converted 27-22. Now it was up to the Pitmen to start to chase the game, but the home side were beginning to get control. The visitor’s task was made a little tougher when their captain was yellow carded for a high tackle and with the man advantage the Wanderers struck again. Anthony Cox whose carrying was more and more effective as the game went on set up a play with Osian Phillips and when the ball was recycled Male was on hand to crash over for his second try 32-22. With the two score advantage the game started to ebb away from the Pitmen but their spirit was unbowed. An attack from their own line was only just thwarted by scrambling defence from the home side and the Wanderers clung on to the lead. The last play of the game saw a penalty for the visitors which they converted to take a bonus point from the game as the Wanderers ran out winners 32-25.

Wanderers Scorers
Tries: Evan Gregg, Josh Male (2) AJ Walji

Cons: Evan Gregg (3)

Pens: Evan Gregg (2)

Massiv MOM: Anthony Cox
Management MOM: Anthony Cox

Match pics: https://flic.kr/ps/c7gzd