The less time spent describing the first half the better, it was about as attractive as a Christmas shopping trip to Asda and was probably even less eventful. A Paul Moss penalty after 3 minutes looked like being the solitary score of the half before Carl Robinson crashed over deep into injury time. The try was, literally, greeted with a collective sigh of relief rather than a cheer and Moss' conversion put a probably undeserved gloss on the half time scoreline, 10-0.
The second half was an entirely different story. Right from the off West showed greater pace, power and precision than in the first forty minutes and the tone was set with a try almost from the kick off. Half-time substitute Rob Thorn almost collected the restart and when West did eventually turn the ball over an astute chip by Moss was collected by Gavin Painter who coasted in for the score.
Cue the opening of the floodgates. Moss was involved again in the next try, his pass releasing Jon Boatman to cut through the middle before the ball was moved out to Colin Cheslin who finished in the corner. With a little over 5 second half minutes played the visitors must have wondered what had changed so drastically at the interval!
Thorn got his name on the score-sheet with an hour played, finishing off a move started by Cheslin, who had a fine game following his promotion from the Stags. The second team players have certainly shown, when required, their capability to step up and do a job for the first team.
The pick of the tries was scored after 66 minutes and was a superb solo effort from Painter. Aldwinians had put together their best attack of the game, gradually moving play into the West 22 and looking threatening. But West managed to turn the ball over and with possession moved quickly wide Painter seized his opportunity and raced away beating several defenders on his way to a fantastic try. Moss converted and suddenly the game had been turned on its head, the scoreline now 34-0.
As the visitors continued to tire, Thorn and Painter both completed deserved hat-tricks – Thorn adding two tries is as many minutes, first hacking on and collecting a loose ball and secondly finishing off a simple overlap following a good break from Davy Tighe. Painter's third score, the final act of the match was another simple finish in the corner following a quick tap penalty.
Ignoring the slow start, perhaps excusable given the two week break since the last game, it was a pleasing afternoon for the league leaders. Completing the victory and adding some important positives into the points difference column (maybe not such good news for Points West members!).
There were no injuries to note so West should have a full squad available for the traditional Boxing Day fixture against Rovers. If the game proves anything as dramatic as the league encounter earlier in December the bumper crowd should be in for a festive treat!
West: Painter, Hare (Thorn), Hodgson, Howe, C Cheslin, Moss, Tighe, Norris (Coates), A Dixon, Robinson, T Dixon, Miller, D Boatman, J Boatman, Garside (Tones).
Tries: Robinson, Painter 3, Cheslin, Thorn 3
Cons: Moss 4
Pen: Moss
Aldwinians: Johnson, Hughes, Worrall, Taylor, Thorley, Mooney, Thorpe, Bradley, Young, Kitchen, Williams, Jennings, Quinn, Palmer, Gidman
Reps: Tilston, Benson, Spivey
Referee: Ray Sutherland [Durham Society]
Related Links:
Aldwinians Preview
|
Author: Roz Prichard
Date: 23-12-07 14:46
What a superb second half!! Played with pride and passion!! Well done West. Great to see a game played with breakneck speed and skill. It was worth every penny of the £5.10 that will go into the Points West coffers. Roll on Boxing Day.
|
|
Reply To This Message
|
|
Author: scrum half
Date: 23-12-07 21:56
Sounds another good result, excellent end to league matches in 2007. Good to see reserves and second team players fitting straight into first 15 can only be good for the future.
Quite a few seasons since we have heard reports questioning parts of games we won 51-0, not that long ago we were happy with a win, shows what great progress the club has made over last few years.
All the best for Christmas and new year.
|
|
Reply To This Message
|
|
Author: grievo3
Date: 24-12-07 09:50
I dont like saying I told you so but look at the date. (I know no one like a smart A***)
Author: grievo3
Date: 30-01-07 18:45
I have said it on another thread even if you don’t go up this year you will next.
If I said this time last year when you were looking at a relegation battle “this time next year you will be safe from relegation and fighting for a playoff place” you would have taken it gladly.
So this year I say:
“This time next year if you are not already in North one you will be in poll position for promotion”
As I said the buzz is back and it appears you have workers in the back rooms not glory seekers. The club is on the up again.
|
|
Reply To This Message
|
|
Author: Dave Picken
Date: 24-12-07 10:22
You would also have been impressed by the buzz at the Players Xmas party yesterday. As well as dozens of West players [from Colts upwards] there were quite a few Hartlepool exiles plus a few of the Rovers lads all having a great time.
Should also have a mention for Aldwinians who got a side together to come across a foggy M62 when they would have preferred to play in the New Year. They played with great spirit and had us all a bit nervous in the first half.
They were also great company after the game
|
|
Reply To This Message
|
|
Author: MikeyBoy
Date: 24-12-07 11:53
another good win. who would have thought we would have a perfect season up to christmas? well done lads. Bring on 2008 (and boxing day, obviously!)
|
|
Reply To This Message
|
|
Contact SportNetwork.net | Join Us: Official | Join Us: Unofficial | Advertise on SportNetwork.net | Complain | Our Links
