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Page Last Updated: 30/09/2008
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Wandsworthians 20 - 25 Pelhamians
If ever there was a game of two halves, this one qualified. The ‘local derby’ against Pelhamians did not result in the outcome we wanted but the resilience shown by the team promises much more.
A Dubs side, without many first team regulars, turned up on a hot day to put in a stern performance against the old rivals. Some moving around of personnel with forwards saw a number playing out of position but also showed our willingness to win from anywhere. Kick off was delayed by Pelhamian latecomers which dented the, now traditional, warm up routine. No excuses though, we didn’t get started until half time.
After winning the ball off our own kick off, we gave the ball away and did not see it back for a large part of the first quarter. Pelhamians strong forward focus and hard-running backs put us under lots of early pressure and our inability to secure set piece ball gave them lots of possession to attack down the slope with. They got an early break and went over our line through the backs. The Dubs had a period of pressure in their half that was unrewarded, again due to set piece frailty. Pelhamians built on their lead with further tries in the half. Darren Baker pulled back three points before half time to leave us trailing 22 points to 3.
Half time talks called for heads up, to rally around and allow our superior running game to take effect. With the slope, this proved to be the case.
A solid piece of pressure from Pelhamians was well refuted by a solid wall of Wandsworthians. This success propelled forward the dominance of the second half we would enjoy.
A visionary kick gave Ross Haddow the opportunity to chase. Dedicated support saw the ball pass through hands and return to Ross to score in the corner. We continued in this vein with 20 minutes of sustained pressure as a result of more stable set piece ball. Fitness was telling and we were able to play the game we have trained for. Consistent pressure and good running by the forwards enabled Ben Phillip to score the first of two tries, a more impressive feat given his illness on the day. The backs continued to apply pressure to the wavering Pelhamians defence and gave superb field territory with notabl;e kicking by substitute Phul Waugh and Rob Tindall.
Territory secured, we challenged a lineout and Ben Phillip showed a typical quickness of mind to steal through the defence and score. This saw the score reduced to 20-22. A skewed restart bounced straight into dubs hands with acres of space in front to score the winner, however the whistle was incorrectly blown and the chance was lost. Thoughts of drop goals and were put to pay by a 3 pointer from Pelhamians, with four on the clock. We continued to pressure until the last but the final whistle saw the end result Wandsworthians 20-25 Pelhamians.
The passion and pride displayed in the second half are what we take forward to the game against Lightwater. If you are a player reading this make yourself available and I want to see you at training tonight. As a social member or supporter, come down and watch us turn things around on Saturday at home to Lightwater.
Match Verdict: Dubs could have won but probably a fair result in the end. Let us learn from it.
Ash Ali
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