Wanderers ease through to next round of cup

Wanderers 62
St Peters 10

“A Good team contribution with all aspects functioning well. 6 changes to the starting lineup and new faces on the bench shows good squad depth” commented head coach Paul Matthews “Tom Jones hat trick deserves a mention which is not unusual.”

Forwards coach Huw Dowden added “A good set piece allowed the backs to have the freedom and they relished the situation. Also good to see so many squad players putting their hand up for future selection.”

On a bright sunny afternoon the “Rocks” set their stall out from the off running the first possession from their 22. Sadly for them the Wanderers defence these days is strong and after turning the ball over they moved it wide right and Ned Bennett strolled over for the home sides first try in under two minutes 5-0. Settling into the game the Wanderers looked lively and after a break by Zak Fifield a penalty awarded at a ruck allowed Jake Lloyd to step up and extend the lead with a penalty 8-0. Clearly relishing the dry conditions the home side backs were certainly on song. The second try followed as, after good carries by Shaun O’Rourke and Alex Georgiou the ball was moved wide left and Tomos Jones enjoying the green green grass of home raced away for the second try. Lloyd converted from the touchline and the home side were up and running 15-0. The one-way traffic continued as St Peters struggled to get into the game. Field position was no challenge for the Wanderers and the next score came from deep. Moving the ball wide in their own 22 Ed Thomas broke clear and when the cover defence appeared he set Bennett away and he raced in from 40 meters to score the 3rd try. Lloyd converted 22-0. The visitors seemed to have little to counteract the slick home side backs and the 4th try was not long in coming. From off the top lineout ball the move went left. Lloyd came round on the wrap around and with the space created Jones was set clear to burn down the wing (house?) to score his second try. The conversion went wide 27-0. With the game already seemingly gone for the visitors they rallied and continued to show the willingness to attack whenever they had the ball. For once the Wanderers defence was caught a little short and good carries by forwards and backs took play deep into the home side 22. Only good scrambling defence prevented the score and the play was eventually held up on the line. The visitors, buoyed by the rare possession went back on the attack again but this time a solid tackle in midfield caused the ball to pop up into Fifield’s hands. He broke away and after Jones, who was in support, performed a resurrection shuffle to avoid the clutches of the defence he raced away to score the 5th try and his hat trick. Lloyd again converted 34-0. The half entered injury time and the relentless attacks from the home side continued. Once again good set piece possession set up the play and not to be outdone by his wing counterpart Bennett rounded off the half’s scoring with another slick try giving both wingers a hat trick before the break. Half time 41-0.
The second half saw the Wanderers introduce some fresh legs with Osian Phillips and Cai Ifans joining the fun. Again St Peters were not to be deterred from running from their own half and again the result was similar. This time turnover ball inside the visitors half saw Rhys Richards, on his first full debut, burst through the defence and he raced away for the 7th try. Lloyd added the extras 48-0. More fresh legs were then sent for by both sides and all credit to the visitors who continued to battle and have a go despite the lost cause. Moving the ball wide they broke clear on halfway and after recycling the ball well they crossed for their first score 48-5. Back came the Wanderers on the back of the ever dominant scrum they soon edged further ahead. From a quickly taken penalty by Aled Rees play was taken into the 22 and when the move broke down the referee returned to a high tackle offence on Rees. A series of scrums and penalties followed and when the ball was moved left then right Jack Griffiths carried well and he fed Rees up in support and he crossed for the 8th try. Lloyd converted 55-5. The benches of both sides were emptied and the entertainment continued. The Rocks continued to run the ball at every opportunity ignoring the scoreboard situation and once again only stern Wanderers defence kept them at bay. The game entered its final minutes but the scoring continued. First turnover ball from the home side set them in motion again and Jack Morgan was the recipient of the move of several phases as he crossed for the Wanderers 9th and final try. Lloyd again converted 62-5. Credit to St Peters they soldiered on and they crossed for their second unconverted try to give them some heart on a tough afternoon. Final score 62-10.
Wanderers scorers

Tries: Ned Bennett (3), Tomos Jones (3), Rhys Richards, Aled Rees, Jack Morgan
Cons: Jake Lloyd (7)
Pens: Jake Lloyd

Massiv MOM : Rhys Richards
Management MOM: Ned Bennett

Match Pics: https://flic.kr/ps/c7gzd