Match Report - Friendly - Vandals v London Scottish ARFC

WEYBRIDGE VANDALS 50 LONDON SCOTTISH 17

Playing some superb running rugby Vandals warmed up for their next league fixture with a fine all round team performance with forwards and backs enjoying the freedom to attack from all areas of the pitch. It must have been particularly satisfying for coach Merlin O’Donnell to witness young props Charlie Smith and Jack Woodhouse, back row player Luke Dones and centre Ben Mullineux, demonstrating their skills. London Scottish played their full part in an entertaining game, especially in the third quarter when they showed their adventurous spirit, often running from deep, their first try, at the start of the second half, epitomised this ambition, and caught the home side napping , and it was not until the visitors had scored a second try that Vandals, whose defence had been solid in the first half, showed once again their strength in this department, and came back to stamp their overall authority on proceedings by scoring more spectacular tries, to finish as comfortable winners.

Vandals set the tone for the match with good phase play, and a break by centre Joe Spencer, and full back Greg Lynch who then set up the first try with one of his trademark runs. Swift handling by the back line saw winger Luke Phair, who was a constant threat to the Scottish defence, race over for the score. Scrum half Dan Wellden, adding another position to his repertoire, converted the first of several successful kicks. Vandals were quickly back on the front foot with fine handling between fly half Tom Bolger, winger Luca Trevillone and centre Harry Reed, and it was a long looping pass from Tom Bolger that gave Luke Phair his second try. Scottish kept Vandals on their toes as they gained some good ball, but unable turn their efforts into points they resorted to some skill duggery even totally losing a player to the sin bin. Captain Adam Bullett, at the heart of Vandals defence and No 8 Joshua Carter then made telling breaks, and after more great running and handling, a third try was created for Luke Phair. A period of Scottish attacks was repealed, and Vandals stormed back to virtually take the game out of Scottish’s range. A superb counter attacking try by Tom Bolger converted by Dan Wellden was followed on the stroke of half time by a score from Harry Reed after another surge from fullback Greg Lynch.

It would be a long haul back for Scottish, but right from the outset of the second period, they displayed great spirit and enterprise in creating and scoring their first try. After Vandals were penalised, not for the first time, Scottish went for an attacking line out and drove over for their second try to make the score 29-10. This was a wake up call for Vandals, and having shown more resolute defence, they rallied by driving deep into the opposition twenty-two, and flanker Darren Lockyer scramble over for the try. Dan Wellden converted to stretch Vandals score to 36 points. Still Scottish continued to show their attacking instinct, and threatening out wide they scored a third try, despite and initial great tackle by Luca Trevillone. Vandals quickly regained ascendancy through their powerful scrum, and when they forced Scottish to carry the ball over their own line, they duly won the five meter set piece, and centre Ben Mullineux took advantage of good ball to crash over. An other Dan Wellden kick added the extras and with time running out, Luke Dones completed Vandals victory with his side’s final try, a fitting reward for his commitment and endevour.

Written by John Farrow