Winchester 25pts - Weybridge Vandals 7pts

Vandals were first into their stride gaining two penalties and a turnover but after Winchester had got their hands on the ball they demonstrated their flair in the backs with a glowing movement. Vandals managed to force a line out but the first of several wayward kicks allowed Winchester to attack from deep and after a break in midfield good support work saw them score their first try.
Through the pack Vandals stormed back putting tremendous pressure on their opponents who conceded a number of penalties in quick succession. Confident they could drive over they chose the set piece but were unable to get a vital score. In their frustration they themselves conceded a penalty and Winchester were relieved to clear to the halfway line. This proved to be a turning point in the game and when poor handling in the backs by Vandals led to a loose ball Winchester kicked on and gathered to score their second try. Almost immediately they scored again following quick ball from their forwards and swift movement of the ball in the back line. Vandal’s forwards once again got the measure of their opponents who lost a player to the sin bin for persistent infringing but they were unable to score giving away two penalties close to half time.

An early score in the second half would have given them the confidence to build from this but it was not to be. They conceded a penalty and when they again kicked too long Winchester took full advantage to run the ball back and score their fourth try. 25pts down it was now a desperate position for Vandals and although they still dominated to a large extent in the battle up front they lacked composure and twice were turned over in attacking positions. Full back BOLSTER had a great run but his pass was knocked on and it just seemed Vandals were destined not to score. However, at last their pressure told and CUSHING showed his class as he sliced through a gap to score a try which BRAMHAM-LAW converted. With time running out Vandals remained on the attack and should have scored at the death but another handling error saw the chance spurred.

Vandals now take a break from league fixtures their next game being against Old Blues on 5th January when they will expect to repeat their earlier success they achieved against this opposition.