Wanderers find it a Bridge Field too far in seasons’s opener

Bedwas 33        Wanderers 7

“Disappointed not to execute our game plan accurately enough. Too many basic errors that cost us points. We must improve next week against a solid Talywain side next week.” Commented Head coach Paul Matthews.

“We’ve plenty of work-ons going forward” added Manager Mark Gould “clearly in some areas we’ve improved but in other areas the same old mistakes reared their heads”

On a blustery afternoon a very cagey game from both sides at the Bridge field, saw the home side run out comfortable winners as the Wanderers, despite plenty of possession and territory, fell away after being in the game for 60 minutes.
The early exchanges were very tight with both sides probing against two solid walls of defence. There was little quarter given but eventually the deadlock was broken when a penalty on the halfway line was neatly slotted by the home side 3-0. The visitors responded well going through the phases in attack with new wing Kobi Matthews never far from the play. A potential three points was declined by the Wanderers in favour of an attacking lineout but despite the first drive resulting in another penalty the second execution of the play was poor and Bedwas cleared their lines. This proved a double whammy when from the subsequent lineout the home side executed their play well and breaking down the blindside they raced away to score the first try of the game. The conversion was good 10-0. The caginess of the game continued with both sides resorting to some aerial tennis and the game stayed predominantly between the 22 metre lines. The Wanderers, opting for several phases with the ball but often finding their way blocked and having to end the move with a speculative kick downfield.  Bedwas had a more direct approach but neither tactic could break down what was proving, at this point to be a day for defences. As the half entered its final minutes the visitors finally had a chance in the Bedwas 22. A counter attack from a home side kick resulted an another Wanderers punt downfield but this one was spilled on the 22 resulting in a scrum to the visitors. The Wanderers backs executed a neat move in midfield with centre Zak Fifield putting new centre partner Bleddyn Morgan over besides the posts. Ceri Morris converted and the Wanderers were back in the game at 10-7. More aerial tennis followed and when the visitors were given a penalty under their own posts Morris cleared the ball to touch to end the half with the game finely balanced.

The probing and testing continued from both sides as the head coaches started to make changes in the second half. The visitors were then dealt a major blow when experienced / old  (delete as appropriate!) second row Shaun O’Rourke was forced off with what looked like a nasty back injury.  This seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Wanderers and soon afterwards Bedwas extended their lead with a simple move out wide left, again resulting in their second try 15-7. The breathing space allowed more expression from the home side who, against the strengthening wind, resorted to keeping the ball in hand more often. The visitors emptied their bench but the tide had clearly turned. A third try and conversion made it 22-7, putting the result in the bag and despite the continued efforts of the Wanderers the Bedwas defence could not be breached. A penalty made it 25-7 as the half heading for its final minutes. There was a miny revival from the visitors as a series of penalties near the home side line gave them chances but there was little variety in the attacks and although Dylan Lawley tried his best the solid wall of Bedwas defenders kept him out. The final nail in the coffin was delivered when once again good Bedwas handling sent them away for their bonus point try and to make the final score a well deserved win for the home side and championship favourites 32-7.

Wanderers Scorers

Tries:  Bleddyn Morgan
Cons: Ceri Morris

Massiv MOM: Dylan Lawley               Special Mention:  Kobi Matthews
Management MOM: Dylan Lawley

Match Pics: https://flic.kr/ps/c7gzd
Match Pics Bedwas: https://flic.kr/ps/3uB2ag