Long League season ends with a draw
Bridgend Athletic 17
Wanderers 17
“Scrum very good but again errors let us down and we should have won with so much territory and possession” commented head coach Paul Matthews. “In saying that a big thankyou to all the players who have pulled on the shirt this season with pride, this could be the start of something much bigger.”
“Huge progress this year and a great platform from which to go forward again next season” added forwards coach Huw Dowden. “Really proud of all the boys.”
On a grey afternoon in Bridgend two end of season teams fought out a competitive draw but there was a sense that it was a game both could have done without. A lethargic start by the visitors saw them go behind after the Athletic had driven a lineout infield creating a chance for a score 7-0. The early play was all with the home side but when chances were created some sloppy handling let themselves down allowing the Wanderers to avoid going further behind. Eventually the visitors brought some continuity to their play and after a penalty and yellow card was issued to the home side Gruff Ab Ieuan landed the score to reduce the arrears 7-3. Any momentum was short lived as a nicely taken drop goal re-established the 7-point lead for the home side as both teams struggled to bring anything decent to the game. Handling errors were plentiful from everyone and there was little apart from an easing of the damp weather to cheer both sets of supporters. Eventually the referee brought a halt to the half with the home side ahead 10-3.
The Wanderers sent for fresh legs to begin the second half and there was certainly an injection of urgency in the visitors play. Unfortunately, it was short lived and the home side extended their lead with another neat try from a lineout. A break in midfield set up the play and this time good handling sent them under the posts for the score 17-3. The visitors sent for more fresh legs and with a dominant scrum leading to numerous penalties and yellow cards the play became camped in the Bridgend half. Sadly, execution of the attacks and a dogged home side defence kept them at bay until a move of several drives created wide space and AJ Walji was clear to score in the corner 17-8. Ab Ieuan added a touchline conversion 17-10. The tide had certainly turned but with time running out the Wanderers seemed unable to convert their numerical and territorial advantage. It looked as though the home side would hang on for the win but at last the scrum dominance provided the chance and Alfie Price squeezed over in the corner 17-15. Again, Ab Ieuan added the touchline conversion to level it up at 17-17. For the final few minutes, the home side regained some ascendancy and the Wanderers were forced into some desperate scrambling defence but defend they did and the final whistle offf the season was a relief for all concerned. Final score 17-17.
Wanderer’s scorers
Tries: Alfie Price, AJ Walji
Cons: Gruff Ab Ieuan (2)
Pens: Gruff Ab Ieuan,
Massiv MOM: Ashley Bissett
Management MOM: Ashley Bissett
Match Pics https://flic.kr/ps/c7gzd