Back
Narrow defeat for Welsh in opening league game
michael james7 Sep - 12:21
Many positives as Welsh gain losing bonus point against well drilled opposition
Rugby Welsh 22 Sileby Town 25
Welsh had to settle for a losing bonus point in their opening game of the season, but there were many positives to take away in this performance against a well drilled and large Sileby outfit.
With injuries and unavailability’s meaning players playing out of position Welsh knew they would have to perform well against a team who have always provided strong opposition. Despite playing against the wind in the first half Welsh began quickly, looking to move the ball away from Sileby’s large pack. Good interplay between James McGill and James Hughes- Woods enabled Iolo Hughes to show his pace to score a well taken try converted by McGill.
Welsh continued to compete well in the opening quarter preventing Sileby from gaining territory with some strong tackling, whilst looking dangerous with the ball in hand. McGill made another break and Jack Taylor was on hand to finish the move off with an unconverted try.
As the half progressed Sileby began to have more territory, narrowing the gap with two well struck penalties, but Welsh defence remained strong. However they began to concede a number of penalties and eventually the resistance broke with Sileby taking a narrow lead at half time following a converted try.
The second half began well for Welsh with James McGill spotting an opportunity and racing around the opposition defence to score a try which also converted. The Welsh forwards worked hard throughout with Dylan Pinks carrying well and their relatively inexperienced props Hopkin and Fetters performing admirably against their strong opposition.
As the half progressed Sileby, with their larger pack, began to gain more possession, particularly at the set piece area and although Welsh continued to defend well they continued to give away penalties in their own half. Sileby‘s pressure eventually told and they regained the lead scoring two tries, one of which was converted.
To Welsh’s credit they did not let their heads drop and in the final ten minutes gained some territory, particularly following an excellent 50-22 kick from Matt Cockman. James McGill narrowed the gap with a well struck penalty and in the final couple of minutes Welsh nearly completed the comeback, following further pressure, but Sileby held on for their hard fought victory.
This week Welsh travel to Stamford Old Boys Kick off 3pm
Welsh had to settle for a losing bonus point in their opening game of the season, but there were many positives to take away in this performance against a well drilled and large Sileby outfit.
With injuries and unavailability’s meaning players playing out of position Welsh knew they would have to perform well against a team who have always provided strong opposition. Despite playing against the wind in the first half Welsh began quickly, looking to move the ball away from Sileby’s large pack. Good interplay between James McGill and James Hughes- Woods enabled Iolo Hughes to show his pace to score a well taken try converted by McGill.
Welsh continued to compete well in the opening quarter preventing Sileby from gaining territory with some strong tackling, whilst looking dangerous with the ball in hand. McGill made another break and Jack Taylor was on hand to finish the move off with an unconverted try.
As the half progressed Sileby began to have more territory, narrowing the gap with two well struck penalties, but Welsh defence remained strong. However they began to concede a number of penalties and eventually the resistance broke with Sileby taking a narrow lead at half time following a converted try.
The second half began well for Welsh with James McGill spotting an opportunity and racing around the opposition defence to score a try which also converted. The Welsh forwards worked hard throughout with Dylan Pinks carrying well and their relatively inexperienced props Hopkin and Fetters performing admirably against their strong opposition.
As the half progressed Sileby, with their larger pack, began to gain more possession, particularly at the set piece area and although Welsh continued to defend well they continued to give away penalties in their own half. Sileby‘s pressure eventually told and they regained the lead scoring two tries, one of which was converted.
To Welsh’s credit they did not let their heads drop and in the final ten minutes gained some territory, particularly following an excellent 50-22 kick from Matt Cockman. James McGill narrowed the gap with a well struck penalty and in the final couple of minutes Welsh nearly completed the comeback, following further pressure, but Sileby held on for their hard fought victory.
This week Welsh travel to Stamford Old Boys Kick off 3pm
Further reading