Match Report - Surrey 1 - Vandals v Reeds Weybridge

REEDS WEYBRIDGE 27 WEYBRIDGE VANDALS 3

The score line suggests a comfortable win for Reeds in this local Derby and top of the table clash, but in essence this could not have been further from the truth. Had Vandals scored in the minutes leading to halftime as they threatened to do so, they would have felt they could have built on this lead and gone on to win, but Reeds defended well in this period as they did throughout the game, and having scored a try in the early part of the second half, they virtually sewed up the game with an interception try. A penalty and a late score added to their total, but Vandals fought back with great determination and commitment and deserved at least one try for their whole hearted efforts.

With the distinctive slope in their favour Vandals were first on the attack and with a couple of turn overs and penalties, they were very much on the front foot, but they could not take advantage of Reeds losing a man to the sin bin, and it was the home side who struck first, after a break from deep. A clear forward pass was missed by the official as the old boys raced away to score in the corner. From the restart they were quickly on the attack again, but a handling error allowed Vandals to gain possession and move up field, under pressure Reeds conceded a penalty and Joe Spencer slotted over from distance. He had a chance to give Vandals a lead with a second penalty but this time the kick was wide. Nevertheless, they continued to take the game to Reeds with flanker Luke Dones making good ground and scrum half Dave Loubser making a fine break, kicking a penalty to the corner for an attacking line out, Vandals had a great chance to go into a half-time lead, but they were unable to secure possession, and Reeds moved into the second half knowing they had the considerable slope in their favour.

Vandals got the early ball in this second period, but a knock on gave Reeds possession which they used to breach the attacking twenty two. Vandals tackled aggressively and won a turn over to launch a counter attack. Reeds had to defend desperately and were relieved to be awarded a penalty for a Vandals crossing infringement. However, despite losing a second player with a yellow card Reeds pressed forward, and after a lively attack up the left flank they won a penalty. Choosing to go for the scrum, they drove over, and with the conversion, opened up a nine point lead. Determined to get back into contention, Vandals poured back on the attack, but a wayward pass was intercepted, and Reeds sprinted down field to score under the posts for an easy conversion. A penalty, as Vandals were penalised at the breakdown, took Reeds total to 22, and they increased this to 27 with a clever kick from a line out to give them the victory, albeit somewhat flattering. Vandals threw everything into the attack in the last few minutes of the game, but they were unable to break through a solid and resilient defence.

This was a tough assignment for Vandals, but they came out of it with their heads held high knowing they brought the best out of their local rivals. Vandals will feel confident and optimistic against Old Freemans who they meet Saturday 8th December, the last game before the Christmas break.

Written By - John Farrow