Wanderers convincing win on the road
TALYWAIN 5
WANDERERS 57
“Great win on the road, attempts at the intimidation failed and when a game of rugby broke out there was only ever going to be one winner” commented a happy head coach Paul Matthews.
On a dry cold afternoon conditions underfoot were pleasantly firm. There was an impeccably observed moments silence before the beginning of the game and when play started the Wanderers intent was clear. Moving the ball wide they took play deep and the home side were forced into some desperate scrambling defence to keep their line intact. The game appeared to settle but then from another attack by the visitors, as the ball was moved away from the breakdown, a dispute on putting Xmas decorations up in November broke out. This rapidly escalated and involved most of the players and some sideline experts. A penalty to Talywain followed and from the lineout in Wanderers territory the argument developed into whether “Die Hard” is a Xmas movie! The referee understandably taking a neutral view decided to send 4 players off to the library for 10 minutes to revise their thinking and finally a game of rugby broke out. Again, moving the ball wide and taking play deep the visitors stormed forward and when the play broke down on the Talywain line another infringement saw the home side reduced to 12 men as the referee sent another player to the library. The pressure was relieved momentarily by a powerful home side scrum but very soon the Wanderers were back on top. Taking play deep again they eventually broke the deadlock as Dylan Lawley scored his first try for the club after joining 25 seasons ago! Gruff Ab Ieuan converted 0-7. From the kick off the Wanderers went back on the attack with captain AJ Walji setting up the play. Keeping the home side on the back foot they spread the ball wide and Emyr Jones popped up on the wing to crash over for the second score 0-12. The initial yellows returned to the field for both sides, but the balance was still heavily in the visitors favour. From a scrum, now dominant, a penalty by Ab Ieuan made it 0-15 and with their tails up and confidence growing the Wanderers continued to play at every opportunity. Once again good forward carries in the opposition half created the chance and second row Nathan Williams was the recipient this time as he crashed over for the 3rd try. Ab Ieuan converted 0-22. From the kick off Osian Phillips went charging down the field and once again Talywain were forced into defensive mode. Keeping up the phases the Wanderers applied more pressure and after a good carry by Sam Turner when the ball was recycled Ab Ieuan looked to move the ball wide. Finding his route blocked he stepped back inside broke through and forced his way over for a try he converted himself. That sent the sides into the break at 0-29.
The second half started as the first half ended with the Wanderers dominating. From a turnover on halfway Jones and then Rhys Iles took play deep and when the ball was recycled Steff Davies, always alert for a snipe, squeezed his way over for the 5th try. Ab Ieuan converted again 0-36. Both sides started to send for fresh legs, but the dye was set for the day. With the scrum yielding several penalties for the visitor’s possession was very one sided and from one such scrum the Wanderers backs showed some decent handling and Bleddyn Morgan sliced through the defence and managed to get the ball down for the 6th try. Ab Ieuan converted again 0-43. It was the scrum again that provided for the next score. With the scrum going forward the referee raised his hand for the penalty but Lawley picked up at the base and carried defenders over the line for his second try. Once again Ab Ieuan added the extras 0-50. Not long afterwards the 8th try was added when Jones popped up on the wing again. This time he showed decent footwork and pace as he stepped the defence, broke away and crossed besides the posts. Ab Ieuan added his 7th conversion 0-57. The game entered its final minutes and at last the home side faithful had some to cheer about. The Wanderers went on the attack again, but it broke down and Talywain raced away. A kick ahead followed and the home side were first to the ball to finally get their half of the scoreboard moving 5-57. The game ended when, once again, a lively debate on whether or not Brussel sprouts were tasty resulted in the referee deciding a warm shower was needed and he ended the encounter. Final Score a resounding win 5-57.
Wanderer’s scorers
Tries: Dylan Lawley (2) Emyr Jones (2), Steff Davies, Nathan Williams, Bleddyn Morgan
Cons: Gruff Ab Ieuan (7)
Pens: Gruff Ab Ieuan
Massiv MOM: Steff Davies Special Mention Emyr Jones
Management MOM: Steff Davies Special Mention Emyr Jones
Match Pics: https://flic.kr/ps/c7gzd