Close Defeat Away to London French

Wasps get the all important losing bonus point to stay above UCS and remain in Middlesex/Herts 1 next season

Wasps went into the game aiming for a 5 point win and fielded a strong side more than capable of achieving their aims. From the off, Wasps displayed their strong defensive abilities that have developed over the tail end of the season and soaked up all of London French's early pressure. Soon, the away side took control of the game and were able to score the first points after sustained pressure deep in London French territory. Strong breakdown retention in the forwards took the boys within five metres of the try line where good footwork from Oscar Fowler-Marsh drew in the last defence and allowed Jack Lewis to finish in the corner.

Truth be told, Wasps should have had more points on the board by half time however bad accuracy in the opponents 22, a regular obstacle for the team this season, kept them at just a slender lead as the first half ended.

In the second half the lads took their foot off the gas and allowed the home side back into the game with a soft try within the first 5 minutes of the restart. With the sun beating down on an extremely dry and dusty pitch, it would have been a tall ask for the same defensive intensity seen in the 1st half to be replicated in the second, however Wasps then went on to concede two more tries from what has become another reoccurring theme in our games this season. After a rather harsh sin bin for Daniel Gomez, Wasps' defensive organisation seemingly disintegrated and for the next ten minutes this lack of shape allowed a 0-5 lead to become a 19-5 beating. Fortunately, the team were able to regain control and played most of the remaining minutes in London French's half, picking up another try through Ralph O'Connor which was converted by Kai.

The final whistle marked the score at 19-12 to the home side. Wasps again left to rue their bad execution in the final third of the pitch, in what ultimately cost them the game. Getting the losing bonus point however, kept them above UCS and back in Herts and Middlesex 1 next season. It has also meant that the team have managed to level off the threat of plummeting down the leagues and instead they have uncovered a defensive structure which they can build on come preseason.

We also say goodbye to two of the players from todays team, with Richard Tweed heading back home to New Zealand and Dave Miles embarking on a career in the army. We wish them both our best for the future. Once A Wasp, Always A Wasp!

Thank you for your support as always, and we look forward to updating you on the next chapters of all the teams at Twyford Avenue.