Wellington 1st XV 23 Barton Hill 1st XV 14 - National Intermediate Cup - 25.01.20

Wellington 1st XV 23 Barton Hill 1st XV 14 – 25.01.20 – National Intermediate Cup SW Semi Final

The R&Bs welcomed Barton Hill to The Athletic Ground in the National Intermediate Cup SW Semi Final in what turned out to be classic cup encounter. Danny Lee, Ash Harney, Jack Richards & Chris Batts were all missing for The R&Bs but Ryan Marke & Tyler Hart made welcomed returns to the starting XV.

Playing towards the clubhouse in the 1st half The R&Bs started brightly showing intent to play attractive rugby despite the heavy conditions underfoot. Scrumhalf Alex Davey opened the scoring when he crossed for try near the post after an outstanding break by Captain Patrick Jarman from 40metres out, fullback Rob Hooper made no mistake with the extra points. Further pressure ensued with Barts having difficulty in containing The R&Bs attacking plays. One R&B attack was halted illegally when Barts were caught offside in front of their posts, Hooper stepped up to hammer the ball between posts to make the score 10-0 to The R&Bs. Barts were stunned by this quick start and continued to struggle to contain The R&Bs for the next 10 minutes. Further chances were created but unfortunately these try scoring opportunities could not be exploited, The R&Bs last score of the half came from an impromptu drop goal by Hooper after another try scoring chance went begging. With the first 20minutes of the half belonging to The R&Bs the last twenty belonged to Barts who changed tactics and kept the ball well denying The R&Bs any meaningful possession. Barts scored two converted tries from close range to go into the half time break with a deserved 13-14 lead.

Despite being down at the break confidence was high for The R&Bs as the second period started. Whereas Barts had the better of territory & possession at the end of the first period The R&Bs had the better of these throughout the 2nd half once again creating the majority decent try scoring chances. Barts try scoring chances were limited and the chances they did create the door was firmly shut with outstanding defence by Joe Dyke & replacement Dan Goldstone. The R&Bs efforts were rewarded when second row Regan Walker powered his way over for unconverted try following an unstoppable driving maul from a lineout to regain the lead. Barts tried to get back on terms using the tactics from the first half but The R&Bs were now ready for these tactics and dealt with this threat with ease. The final score of the game in the last minute of the game again came from Walker who found himself with a bit of space wide out to crash over for an unconverted try following another well-orchestrated R&B attack to give The R&Bs victory 23-14.

Good performance from The R&Bs in once again difficult playing conditions against a tenacious Barts team who themselves deserve credit for their performance. This victory means The R&Bs travel to Bideford on the 22nd Feb for South West Final with the winner of this game progressing to the National semi-final on the 11th April.

Next week The R&Bs return to league action making the long trip into Cornwall to take on Penryn. When the two sides met earlier on in the season The R&Bs ran out convincing winners. However, Penryn are totally different at home so The R&Bs must be prepared for a tough encounter against a side looking to achieve another home victory.

Squad: Marke, Dyke, Walker (M), Walker(R), Venn, Hancock, Phillips, Kitto, Davey, Jarman (C), Pitman, Hodgson, Gordan, Hart, Hooper, Bellamy, Howe, Crosby, Jenkinson, Goldstone, Sestaret, Hawkings.