Andover 10 pts Weybridge Vandals 17 pts ,

London SW 3 ,
Andover 10 pts Weybridge Vandals 17 pts ,
This was not a classic rugby match by any stretch of the imagination but for sheer commitment passion and spirit from the beginning, made for compelling viewing. Vandals certainly expressed all these elements and they had to show this tremendous endeavour throughout because for most of the game they were struggling in the set piece against Andover's powerful and well organised pack of forwards.
Vandals were repeatedly penalised at the scrum and in open play and if Andover had any flare in that back line they surely would have won. There was a little creativity and their handling was suspect and whenever they threatened, they were cut down by some superb Vandals tackling. It was very much a case of the home side's forwards against Vandals backs with the latter showing great enterprise and ambition running the ball from deep and this tactic was one of the main reasons which brought them a deservedly victory.
Andover were first out of the blocks but a timely interception by fly half Harry Weatherall repelled this early thrust by the home side, but they were soon exercising their strength up front again winning 2 scrum penalties and then driving to within 5 metres of Vandals line from a line out. Vandals defended this attack resolutely and turned this defensive effort into attack with a thrilling movement. Scrum half Dan Wellden initiated the move with a tap and go penalty which was well supported by a lively back row, which then linked up with the three quarters whose speed and swift inter passing led to a brilliant try. Full back George Bolster was in his element as he ripped through Andover's defence before offloading to winger Greg Lynch and he sprinted towards the try line only to spill the ball inches away from scoring, but opposite winger Ollie Day was on hand to gather and touchdown for the try which was which Wellden converted for a 7 point lead. Andover resumed back in Vandals half driving forward from the line out and being awarded 2 penalties in quick succession. The second of which they opted to go for goal. The kick was successful but although now on the scoreboard Andover must have felt the three points were scant reward for the possession they were winning, but nevertheless they remained on top in the scrum, forcing Vandals to make changes.
Initially these changes made little difference as Andover took the lead when they drove over for a converted try. A good run by Ollie Day took Vandals within striking distance, but they lost a vital line out allowing Andover to clear and they moved into half time with a 3 point lead at 10 points to 7.
After early home side pressure on the resumption Vandals responded with a penetrating run by flanker Karl Hoade and this play set up good second phase ball and surely would have bought a score if the overlap had been used, but they continued to press and their continued control forced Andover to concede penalties, resulting in the first of the yellow cards. Darren Lockyer, one of the changes made earlier was adding ballast to Vandals and he was instrumental in a great driving maul which saw Andover conceding a penalty try for collapsing and also losing a second man to the sin bin. Now leading by 14 pts to 10 and with the extra man Vandals could have been expected to find the gaps and score again, particularly as they were now finding parity up front. The penalty count was now favouring Vandals and when Andover was penalised for a high tackle, Wellden stretched his side lead to 17 pts to 10, a score which remained until the final whistle despite Andovers efforts to get back on terms.
This victory for Vandals was just the tonic they needed before next Saturday's clash with League leaders and so far, unbeaten Reeds Weybridge who had a titanic battle against second placed Old Tiffinians just coming out on top by 2 points. Vandals rattled a few Tiffans and cages when they played them recently and they will feel they can take Reeds all the way. It promises to be a great game .