Promotion Play-off Place Awaits Wanderers

The Wanderers travelled to Leek RFC on Saturday knowing only a victory would keep their hopes of a promotion play off match alive.

Leek made the early running as the match kicked off in glorious sunshine.

The Wanderers defence held firm and a converted penalty was Leek's only reward!

The Wanderers retaliated with a try from Paul Burton, converted by Olly Meadows and, it was they who orchestrated the score; Meadows gathering a delicate chip by Burton over the Leek defenders before off loading to the supporting Burton to score.

Meadows converted a penalty shortly afterwards to stretch the Wanderers lead.

Leek resumed on the attack, their forwards carrying deep into the Wanderers half, they were rewarded with another penalty, duly converted.

It was ding dong stuff but, the Wanderers started to edge the breakdown and territorial battle!

The next 10 minutes proved decisive as the Wanderers cut loose in a purple patch which saw 3 tries from the Dodge brothers, 2 from Mike and one from Tom, Meadows converting 2.

The second half began with the Wanderers in the ascendency, two unconverted tries; a forward drive over the Leek try line saw Jake Saddington emerge with the ball and a Sam Carter effort, crashing over the line despite the Leek defensive efforts.

Leek seemed to redouble their efforts and took the game to the Wanderers but, indiscipline at crucial moments saw them surrender promising territorial situations after great work from their hard working pack.

The final score was Wanderers 39 and Leek 6 points.

With nearest rivals for the promotion play off spot, Hereford RFC, losing away at a resurgent Sillihillians RFC, the Wanderers could celebrate a fine season in securing 2nd place in M1W and look forward to the opportunity for promotion in a play off against the M1E 2nd placed team, currently, Old Northamptonians RFC!

Stuart James
DoR
WWRFC