Walden slip up at Fullerians

A good comeback in the last 20 mins was not enough to get anything out of the game at Watford based Fullerians,

Walden travelled to Watford based Fullerians on a cold damp afternoon and for once started brightly gaining a lot of possession in the first 15 mins of the game but despite coming close they could not convert their efforts into points.
Gradually Fullerians started to get back into the game and were first on the score board with a well worked try as they broke through in the centres to score under the posts. 7- 0 25 mins.
They then extended their lead to 14 points 5 mins later when they got their second try as they employed their strong pack to push Walden over from a 5 metre scrum.
Walden finally got points on the board with virtually the last kick of the half when the home team were penalised for slowing the ball down in the ruck. Half time 14 – 3.
Walden would have wanted to set up a foot hold at the beginning of the second half but it was not to be as Fullarians kicked a penalty with only 43 minutes on the board and then scored their 3rd converted try to go 24 – 3 up with still 25 mins to play.
It was at this point that Walden started to play with some determination and character and they worked the ball deep into the home team 22. It was prop Steve Mugridge who scored their first try as he barged his way towards the line twisting round to break free and score with fullback Tom Price converting, Walden narrowed the gap to 24 - 10. 57 mins
Then 5 mins later Walden regained possession and a couple of good breaks by the backs once again they worked their way into the Fullerians 22. Several phases of pick and go got the ball within a couple of metres. Scrum-half and Walden's man of the match Paul Marshall picked the ball off the base of the ruck to spot the smallest of gaps to dive over to get Walden back within one score at 24 – 17.
This set up a tense last 15 mins as Walden looked to make a great comeback. A couple of good runs from winger Adam Miles got Walden close but some good last ditch tackles by the home team denied Walden and with only 5 mins left they managed to stretch the lead with a penalty to 27- 17 ahead.
Walden tried hard to get back to within the losing bonus point but it was not to be and the final whistle blew.
The was no doubt the better side won, but Walden played well in parts and if they have a good training week they will hope to string a more consistant performance together when they entertain Brentwood next week at Henham with a 2.30pm kick off.
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