A hard fought win saw Way’s claim a third successive league victory. A feat that I have been told has only been achieved 3 times previously this century. Nocky is the new Melfyn James! (Jane, please take him out more, for all our sakes.)
Having been unable to train or play for a couple of weeks due to the weather both sides were pleased to see this game played, as was the ref who enjoyed it so much that the first half lasted a lung busting 58 minutes! He claims that he didn’t forget to re start his watch! Most were just pleased that the game ended before Strictly started, or X factor for the younger element.
As for the game, Way’s from the start looked to move the ball and use our advantage in the backs. Aldridge on the other hand wanted to keep the game tight and bully their way to what they thought would be an easy victory. Despite conceding an early unconverted try, and struggling in the scrum, Way’s much changed side refused to be bullied; instead giving as good as they got and were soon rewarded with a Foxall penalty.
Way’s constantly threatened through their backs and Doug was harshly adjudged not to have grounded the ball in the corner, following a fine passage of play. Aldridge then enjoyed a period of territorial advantage that led to a succession of scrums on Ways line. The defence managed to hold firm and the hosts’ frustration grew to the point that their skipper was sin binned for dissent.
Just before the eventual half time break Way’s took the lead through a fine worked try. The front row showed that while they struggled to cope with Aldridge’s power in the scrum they were more than a match for them in the loose where Nocky and Sid exchanged passes to set up a ruck from which Harry dived over to cap a fine first 1st XV performance of the season. Foxall missed the conversion but soon added a penalty to give us a well earned half time lead.
The second half followed the pattern of the first. Ways stood toe to toe with their hosts’ refusing to take a backward step and built on their excellent lineout, driving the Aldridge pack back regularly. JP scored on his return to the 1st team following his injury in the first game of the season. The back row were outstanding, JP carrying strongly and earning several turnovers while Dean made the best of the poor scrum ball he was given and proved one of the key differences between the sides.
This was a great team performance and continues to see us move in the right direction. If we can ensure we get numbers to training and try and keep as settled a side as possible there will surely be more wins like this, particularly if we can sort the deficiencies in our scrum which have occasional affected our performances this season. (Forwards – on the scrum machine for 7, every Tues please)
Weather permitting we're due to be at home on Saturday in the league against Whittington, 2.15 kick off.