Old Wills win despite second half comeback

Old Wills were looking to put the disastrous performance against Southwark behind them and with a week off were raring to go. Team unity was as strong as ever especially if last Saturday evening’s performance was anything to go by and the Willies were straight out of the blocks.
Within two minutes of kick off Brockleians were penalised and Sam “Big Sam” Bower converted the penalty to make the score 3-0. The Willies put in the tackles and Big Sam pinned the opponents in their half with his big boot. Reece “Jarhead” Price pouced on a loose ball, fed Olly “Digit” Woolcock who in turn unleashed the backs. Swift hands from the midfield trio of Big Sam, Martin “Fathead” Chandler and Dan “Fanny” Harrison saw a slick try finished off by a strong run and sidestep by Jordan “CK” Lewis. Conversion by Big Sam – 10-0.
The Willies kept the pressure up stealing line out and scrum ball against the head giving the backs a platform to run from. Another set of quick hands saw Fanny break through with a man to beat. He drew the man and in an unorthodox basketball throw over the defenders head put Darren “A and E” Franks into space. Still with the cover tackle to beat he gassed the player and touched down in the corner. No conversion – 15-0. Another penalty for the Willies from Big Sam just before half time saw the lead extended to 18-0 and the Willies were buzzing with optimism.
The second half however was a different story. Early on Fanny and Mark “Sqwelch” Welch retired from the field due to injuries and Brockleians found a new injection of pace for the game. Using their larger forwards they put together a string of phases in the Willies 22 and pushed over for a try, converted by their scrum half.18-7.
The Willies continued to be under pressure and 10 minutes later a similar try was conceded but not converted. 18-12. The Willies held on and still within their 22 made their hits and won possession of the ball. Big San cleared the lines and a great chase by the back line saw their winger and ball go out of play on the 5 metre line. Willies kept Brockleians pinned in their 22 and after a few chances a gap opened up. A powerful run from 10 metres out saw Tom “Pocket Rocket” Ballard bounce and spin off three opponents before eventually finding a way over the line. Big Sam converted making the score25-12. The Willies had a bit of breathing space but there were still 10 minutes to go.
Brockleians had not yet finished and drove deep into Willies territory. A superb defensive line pushed back phase after phase as the clock wound down. Tom “Fielders” Fielding led from the front supported by ageless Jon ”Cnute” White, Pocket Rocket, Digit, Matt “Bilbo” Clemens-Lary, Chris “Dawson” Norris, Jon ”Pooper” Pearce and Jarhead. However with the defence stretched and committed to the ruck and mauls another drive over try was conceded by the home team. Brockleians converted with the last kick of the game and the Willies had recorded another valuable win. 25- 19.
If the Willies played at the tempo they did in the first half and with the continued commitment in defence that has for so long been strength then a positive end to the season should be had.