Second half performance once again sees Wanderers win

Wanderers 43
Bridgend Athletic 3

“First half inaccuracy let us down but a much improved second half with the set piece dominant led to a good win.” Commented coach Huw Dowden.

“We certainly left some tries out there” commented head coach Paul Matthews “At times we moved the ball very well and our defence should not be overlooked”

“Once again we showed what we are about when we have the platform to play” added manager Mark Gould .

On a cold but dry night, despite the heavy downpours earlier, the sides were greeted with a firm pitch conducive to running rugby. The Wanderers were out of the blocks early showing a willingness to move the ball wide. Following a penalty and lineout in the Athletic territory the forwards carried well and when the ball went wide Ed Thomas was thwarted by good scramble defence. Not to be deterred from the next opportunity the home side struck. Moving the ball from lineout possession, this time wide left, Ed Thomas injected pace and Captain AJ Walji went over in the corner 5-0. From the next attack Dylan Lawley carried well and the Wanderers were awarded a penalty just outside the visitors 22. Gruff Ab Ieuan’s goal attempt hit the post and Bridgend were able to clear with a goal-line drop out. The pressure did not relent but the visitors defence was resilient and despite the Wanderers efforts further scores were not forthcoming. A penalty to the athletic relieved the pressure and when a home side knock-on near their own line the visitors had a scrum in the red zone. The chance was short lived as the ever-improving Wanderers scrum turned on the power and they were awarded a penalty allowing them to clear.  Back came Bridgend and when the home side were penalised at a ruck a penalty allowed them to reduce the arrears to 5-3 despite being under the cosh for the majority of the game so far. More scores seemed inevitable but some sloppy execution and a slight over elaboration in some of the plays kept the game with the narrow lead for the home side. The referee was required to speak to the captains on a couple of occasions and there was a definite threat of detention or lines. When the Athletic number 8 and Osian Phillips had a disagreement over the recent petrol prices, they were sent to the bin to write out 150 times I will not misbehave at rucks and mauls! The half entered its final moments and at last the Wanderers faithful had something to cheer again. From a scrum Lawley carried into midfield and when Steff Davies released the backs a neat inside pass from Gethin Callaghan saw Ned Bennett glide through the defence to score. Ab Ieuan added the extras and the sides went into the break with the home side supporters wondering why the game was still in the balance despite all the chances.

Any jitters the crowd had were soon alleviated as the second half began. A ruck in Athletic territory saw Owen Hatherill pick up the ball and drive straight into the heart of the defence. He was supported by scrum half Davies. The ball was recycled deep in the opposition 22 and when moved wide right Ed Thomas was on hand to score the home sides third try 17-3. Confidence started to surge into the Wanderers and the slickness which the side has shown of late returned. From a quickly taken penalty in the home side half they were back on the attack. With the defence breached Emyr Jones put Bennett away on the right wing and he raced away to score the bonus point try. Ab Ieuan converted 24-3. A period of possession followed for the visitors but the home side defence scrambled well and made sure the line was intact. Back came the home side. Off the top ball on halfway set the backs in motion again. This time it was Captain Walji who injected the pace and once again with the defence breached it was left to Callaghan to run in the fifth try 29-3. The sixth try was added soon afterwards. Again it was Walji with the injection of pace and penetration and when the ball found Shaun O’Rourke lurking on the wing he cantered away in the clear. The defence closed ranks but he popped the ball inside to the goal hanger Steff Davies who showed the would be tacklers a clean pair of heels as he raced away to score. Ab Ieuan added the extras 36-3. With the result in the bag both sides started to ring the changes and as often happens the continuity of the game started to break up. Despite the losing cause Bridgend did not let their heads drop and they continued to battle away. The Wanderer’s defence was called into action as the visitors went through the phases but the Athletic could not find the killer pass or break to get their try count moving.  The home side scoring was rounded off for the evening when once again after carrying deep into the opposition 22 the ball was recycled wide and Callaghan crossed for his second try. Ab Ieuan converted 43-3.  Both sides continued to play as time ran out and the Athletic went on the attack from their own line only to be thwarted again by good defence on halfway and that turned out to be the last action of the night. Final Score 43-3.

Wanderer’s scorers

Tries: AJ Walji, Ned Bennett (2), Ed Thomas, Gethin Callaghan (2), Steff Davies
Cons: Gruff Ab Ieuan (3)

Massiv MOM: Ned Bennett
Management MOM: Shaun O’Rourke

Match Pics: https://flic.kr/ps/c7gzd