Wanderers enjoy the sun on their backs
Wanderers 71
Ynysddu 12
“A solid performance. Moved the ball well and did what was needed to gain a comfortable win. Great to see squad members getting good game time” commented head Coach Paul Matthews.
“Ynysddu proved a real test in the scrum which caused us problems. There was good impact from the second half subs which bodes well” added Huw Dowden.
“Workmanlike”: Mark Gould
On the first bright sunny day for some time it was Ynysddu who began brightly. Going through the phases they gave the Wanderers tacklers some early exercise, but it was the home side that got the scoreboard moving first. A good carry by Ellis Evans set up the play and Tyler Martin, back in the starting lineup after some weeks, was in support. He shrugged off the would-be tacklers and raced away to score the first try. Gruff ab Ieuan added the conversion 7-0. The Wanderers settled into their task for the day and started to dominate proceedings. With scrum half providing real tempo in the play he set up an attack. The ball went wide right first then was recycled back. This time Evans was the receiver of the scoring pass and he crashed over for the second try. Ab Ieuan converted 14-0. The visitors responded with a decent attack on their own but when awarded a penalty their subsequent lineout on the in the home side 22 went astray and the home side cleared. As confidence grew the Wanderers were guilty of a few handling errors which frustrated the home side faithful and with the Ynysddu pack proving a handful at scrum time it was certainly not all one way traffic. It was clear though that the Wanderers backs were going to make it hard for the visitors on such a hot day and soon afterwards they extended the lead. From a scrum near halfway a neat run around created the overlap and Ned Bennett was on hand to exploit the space running in from 25 metres to score the third try. Ab Ieuan added the conversion 21-0. Bradbury continued to be a thorn in the visitor’s side around the base of rucks and with the back row all carrying well the Ynysddu defence had to be constantly on their toes. The bonus point try followed. This time a counter-attack from a loose Ynysddu kick was the starting point. Captain Walji started the move and on his 50th appearance for the club Zak Fifield was up in support to take the pass to score the fourth try 26-0. The pressure continued to grow on the visitors, but Ynysddu were not going to lie down. The half entered its final few minutes and the visitors at last had something to cheer about. Showing excellent handling and good support they went through several phases in the Wanderers half and when a gap appeared they crossed for their first try 26-7. The home side went back on the attack but once again a combination of poor execution and good defence thwarted any more scoring and the sides went into the half time shade with the home side comfortably ahead 26-7.
Any hint of a second half turn around was soon put to bed as the home side having been refreshed at half time came out of the changing room with renewed vigour. From a quickly taken lineout they moved the ball into midfield. Taking play back blind they penetrated the defence and Gethin O’Callaghan crossed for the fifth try. Again, Ab Ieuan converted 33-7. The sixth try followed. O’Callaghan was again the scorer. This time Bradbury started the attack with a quick penalty tap and O’Callaghan, with a couple of dummies and some strong running was able to cross for the try 38-7. With the result no in doubt, one could have forgiven the visitors for folding but they continued to battle. Having their best period of the game the again showed what they could be capable of and after more phase play they crossed for their second try 38-12. The Wanderers sent for fresh legs to refresh proceedings and they were soon rewarded with the 7th try. A great carry in midfield by Osian Phillips supported by Bradbury took play deep into the 22 and when the ball was recycled Bennett was on hand to score his second try. Ab Ieuan converted 45-12 and it was the outside half whose 50-22 kick set up the next try. From the lineout the forwards decided it was time for a little grunt and glory and a well-executed drive saw Sam Reed crash over for the score. Ab Ieuan again added the extras 52-12. The game entered its last quarter and the scoring continued. This time full back Ed Thomas severed the defence from a first phase strike and when the back row support first Dylan Lawley and then Phillips rounded off the move for the 9th try. The extras were added 59-12. The relentless pressure continued and with the subs keeping the tempo high the scoring continued. Again good carries to the play deep and another quickly taken penalty saw debutant prop Vinnay Cleak crash over for the tenth try 66-12. The final act for the day saw Phillips round off another excellent performance with a solo effort racing in from 35 meters to score the 11th try. With ab Ieuan off the field the conversion was handed to Steff “did you see me kick at Abertillery” Davies who hooked his attempt near the corner flag. Final score 71-12.
Wanderer’s scorers
Tries: Tyler Martin, Ellis Evans, Ned Bennett (2), Zak Fifield, Gethin O’Callaghan (2), Sam Reed, Osian Phillips (2), Vinnay Cleak.
Cons: Gruff Ab Ieuan (8)
Massiv MOM: Gethin O’Callaghan Special Mention: Kyle Bradbury
Management MOM: Tyler Martin
Match Pics: https://flic.kr/ps/c7gzd