Walden come out on top in a Close Fought Game

On a wet and windy Tiny Curtis Rugby Ground, Walden hosted Wanstead in poor conditions. Whoever used the elements better and made the least errors was going to win the game. Walden were much changed from their last outing at Ipswich with Steve Limbrick returning to Walden colours and playing his first game of the season.

Walden started the better of the 2 teams but were unable to get the score board ticking over. Wanstead then had a period of pressure in the Walden 22 where they used their big front 5 forwards to bundle over and score 2 tries in quick succession.

Walden replied with strong carries from Limbrick and Baker in the back row and built pressure in the opposition 22 allowing Capt Mark Kimberley to kick a penalty. Good game management from both half backs Keegan Diggons and Conor McCabe ensured that Walden played most of the half in Wanstead territory. Centres Adam Clark and George Menhinick also carried well during this period and with Kimberley marshalling the back 3 Walden went into the changing rooms at half time 10 – 3 behind.

The half time message was simple to play in the right areas utilising the wind and to take scoring opportunities when they arose. Kimberley kicked an early penalty to build score board pressure on Wanstead knowing that one try would win the game for Walden. The tight five of Dion Thomas, Sam Butler, Adam Smith, Joe Turner and Chris Parry who had been under pressure at scrum time secured lineout ball and drove towards the Wanstead line, aided by some strong carries from openside Matt Howe, Adam Smith barged his way over with Kimberley converting the extras Walden led 13 – 10.

Wanstead threw everything at Walden for the last quarter but resolute defence warranted that Walden never looked like giving up another score. Tireless chasing of kicks by wingers Rob Booth and Jake Freeman never allowed Wanstead to gain any momentum. With Nick Dawson replacing Thomas at prop, Harry Stocking replacing Parry in the second row and Alex Pakenham Walsh on for Matt Howe in the back row all 3 bench players made an impact especially at scrum time and with Wanstead looking unlikely to score the referee eventually blew the final whistle.

Excellent management of the conditions allowed Walden to win a close game and remain unbeaten in League games at home this season. Nik Baker was named Man of the Match for his physicality at the gain line in offense and defense.

Walden’s next game is away to Epping and Upper Clapham Sat 9 Nov