Another gutsy performance takes Vandals so close....

LONDON SW3
In this their last game of the season Vandals played some fine rugby and looked likely winners after going into a 21 point to 10 lead shortly after half time, but for the second time in successive weeks the opposition proved stronger in the last quarter, and having levelled the scores at 24 points each, Ironside snatched victory in the dying minutes with their fifth try. A final thrust by Vandals might well have brought an equalising score, but a handling error, one of many by both side, scuppered the chance, and they had to be satisfied with a single bonus point. There were some fine performances from Vandals, notably Andy Howe in the pack and fly half Harry Weatherall who scored a superb try and kicked three conversions and a penalty, and the team’s defence was rock solid for the most part. Ironsides had the edge in the lineouts and their support play always made them a dangerous outfit when on the attack.

After an early threat from Ironsides, Vandals won a turnover and from a line out, lock Anthony Tyrell lead a charge for the line supported by Lewis Rayzey, and it was the hooker who plunged over for the try, which was finely converted from wide out by Weatherall. Ironsides quickly responded from a line out of their own, before Tyrell again finished off a powerful forwards drive with a rare try, which with Wetherall’s conversion gave Vandals a lead of 14 points to 5. The remainder of the half was very much played in Vandals half as Ironsides poured relentlessly forward. Vandals defence remained steadfast with full back Fraser Mills epitomising his team’s efforts as he raced across to put in a crunching tackle on the Ironsides right wing. It looked as if Vandals defensive efforts would see them hang onto their 9 point lead until the interval, but right on the stroke of half time Ironsides continual pressure paid dividends as they drove over in the corner for their second try.

Vandals tore into the attack on the resumption and surely would have scored but for a poor pass with the line begging to be crossed. This Faux-pas was quickly forgotten as Weatherall burst past several defenders to score a brilliant individual try, converting his own try he took Vandals into a 21 point to 10 lad, and seemingly a position from which they could go on and win, but any optimism was soon erased as Ironsides put together a fine movement finishing with a try under the posts and a simple conversion. Stung by this reverse Vandals rallied and, after a clever line out move, set up a chance in a midfield only for a knock-on to frustrate them. They did add three points to their score from a Weatherall penalty, but a further try which would probably have sealed the game, eluded them, and Ironsides sensed they still had a realistic chance of securing a draw, if not a win. The victory became even more of a possibility after they had a drawn level at 24 all. Following a counter attack from deep, there was still time for either side to get the match winning try, but the impetus appeared to be with Ironsides. Storming back onto the attack they pummelled away at Vandals line and eventually drove over for the winning score.

It has been a tough season for Vandals. Not always able to filed their strongest side has been frustrating for coaches Merlin O’Donnell and David Murphy both of whom have shown great commitment and loyalty to the club. Under Adam Bullett’s captaincy the players have worked hard at their game and gained valuable match experience. The squad, which will be boosted by a promising group of players from the colts, can look forward to next season with optimism and a determination to succeed.