WELLS U/16’s MATCH REPORT

DATE         SUNDAY 04/11/2007.

VENUE      ST MARY’S RFC

ST MARY’S OLD BOYS RFC U/16’s      10      (05)

WELLS RFC U/16’s                                 15      (00)

Wells travelled North of Bristol for this fixture against a side they had never played before, and were solid and secure in every department in a game played at high tempo.

The City side were slow to settle and come to terms with the style of the referee, and were guilty of not listening under instruction. They conceding too many penalties from the outset and were put under early pressure, but responded through their rapid backs when afforded the luxury of getting ball to hand. The pack working tirelessly and began to assert themselves, after stopping the flow of penalties began to make inroads in to the home sides defence. In an evenly contested first half, with play flowing from end to end Wells were unlucky to find themselves 5 – 0 down at half time.

The second half was a story of the Wells pack, securing good phase ball and the backs showing an array of classic moves straight from the training pitch, orchestrated by Fly Half Joe Watson. Wells levelled the game after 40 minutes when Tom White instrumental in the move that saw Joe Watson score in the corner. Captain White led by example and his inspired pack were ruthless in the rucks and mauls, the rolling maul proved too much for the St Mary’s defence, compounded by the battling George Dally who scored after a series of Wells possession. Back came St Mary’s to level the game at 10 – 10, this would have been a fair result in this fixture, but the Wells spirit didn’t give in: the pack set another rolling maul, and “Man of the Match” George Dally, came straight through with ball in hand, with nearly a half pitch sprint to cover scored a memorable try in the corner.

Wells were stout in defence and even after loosing a forward with 8 minutes remaining, managed to close out this fixture for a memorable victory.

Special mention to Ollie Whitehead, Aaron Williams and Finlay Callender-Wood, playing their first games for Wells, are already proving valuable team members.

Wells will train this weekend before taking on Midsomer Norton, then their Quarter final clash with Chew Valley in the Bristol Plate.

Special thanks to all the parents for their support at this fixture.