Wanderers come through tough encounter

Wanderers 32
Treorchy 12

“5 points against a good Treorchy side is very pleasing” commented head coach Paul Matthews “A few areas need tightening but overall it’s a good start.”

Huw Dowden added “pleased with the scrum which often struggles against the Zebras, but the boys worked hard for each other and got the reward at the end.”

The sides were met with a fine rain to start the game making conditions somewhat alien to the previous months of summer. The early exchanges were cagey but the Wanderers edged ahead after a penalty at a scrum gave Jake Lloyd an opportunity and he landed the 28m penalty shot 3-0. Treorchy responded and went immediately on the attack. Pushing the home side back into their 22 they pressurised the Wanderers line. The home side defended well and forced a turnover allowing a clearance to relieve the situation. With the slippery conditions continuing both sides indulged in a little aerial tennis with neither side gaining any real advantage. The Wanderers then edged further ahead. Good lineout ball followed by good forward carries created the momentum in the attack and when the backs were released Reagan Moore was on hand to slice through and score the opening try of the game 8-0. The Zebras hit straight back. Moving the ball well in attack they stretched the defence well and after a multi-phase move they crossed for their first try 8-5. The rain started again and Treorchy mounted a sustained period of pressure keeping possession well and not allowing the home side much respite. Play became camped in the Wanderers half but the visitors could not break down a resolute and solid defence. Somewhat against the run of play the home side then increased their lead. A rare visit to the Zebras half set up a lineout and when the backs were released a neat strike move saw Tomos Jones enter the line. He cut through the defence and had the pace to race away and score the Wanderers second try. Lloyd converted 15-5. As the half entered its final minutes Treorchy had a chance to reduce the arrears with a penalty shot but the kick went wide and then with the last play of the half the home side were awarded a long-range penalty which Lloyd converted to send the sides into the break at 18-5.

The Wanderers were forced into an early change when Emyr Jones was forced off with a dislocated shoulder to be replaced by Aden Warner. The exchanges were still very even with little between the sides Treorchy had the chances but still found the Wanderers defence very solid. A penalty gave them a chance to set up a 5-metre lineout but the home side defended it well and once again relieved the pressure. Treorchy attacked once more but the home side dug deep and when Aled Rhys cleared well the chase was on. The Zebra defence was forced to scramble back but the pursuit from the Wanderers forced them to spill the ball and it was hacked downfield giving the Wanderers a rare attacking opportunity. The visitors regained the initiative but it was the home side that showed the ability to strike when a chance arose. Treorchy were on the attack and when it appeared that they had been taken into touch the referee overruled the linesman and allowed the attack to continue. The Wanderers turned the ball over and struck from deep. Taking play deep down the right wing they entered the 22 and when the ball was recycled Ed Thomas was the recipient of the try scoring pass and he crossed for the 3rd try. Lloyd converted again and the home side seemed safe at 25-5. The Zebras were not to going to lie down though and they rallied well. Again, forcing a penalty which gave them good field position they crossed after a 5-metre lineout. A superb touchline conversion followed and the arrears were reduced to 25-12. That was to be the last blast from the visitors and the Wanderers gained a bonus point at the death when Ashley Bissett, rounding off a wonderful game, burst through the defence in his own half. He fed Jones who once again had the pace to run away and land the 4th try for the Wanderers. Lloyd again converted and everyone reflected on a good workmanlike performance against the Zebras who probably deserved more out of the game than they achieved. Final score 32-12

Wanderers scorers
Tries: Reagan Moore, Tomos Jones (2), Ed Thomas
Cons: Jake Lloyd (3)
Penalties: Jake Lloyd (2)

Massiv MOM: Ashley Bisset
Management MOM: Tomos Jones Sp Mention Mike Vaughan

Match Pics: https://flic.kr/ps/c7gzd