Wells Rugby Football Club

Saturday 2 February 2008.

Wells 16 – Keynsham 25

A vastly improved performance by Wells was not enough to beat promotion challengers Keynsham in this enthralling game, but without player/coach Wayne Stiling they can take heart and although they could not dominate up front, there was enough ball for the backs to look dangerous at times.

Wells had made a number of changes for this match, their first at home since December. Back came Robbie Wiseman and Steve Owen, Rich Hickman dropped to the bench but it was notable that in the backs Wells chose to rest Aaron Cook in readiness for the Somerset Vase match, although he did make an appearance late on. New recruit, Jake White  played at outside half.  As it was, it was a personal triumph for the newcomer, as he scored all of Wells sixteen points.

The early exchanges were fairly even, but following a fine penalty kick from the visitors No. 8, Keynsham used a catch and drive at the lineout to open the scoring after ten minutes. Wells then took the lead, Jake White chipped over the top, caught the ball to run in and then added the two points for the conversion.. Fifteen minutes later the lead changed again, more than a hint of obstruction allowed the Keynsham left wing a run at the line. He broke a couple of tackles to score in the corner. Right on half time Jake White kicked a penalty to level the scores.

Keynsham went ahead again ten minutes into the second half. A simple try from the left wing following a solid scrumage. Back came Wells with two more Jake White penalties to give the home side a one point advantage, but the lead was short lived. Two further tries in the last ten minutes wrapped up the match for Keynsham and send them to the top of the league table.

This Saturday Wells are home to Winscombe, currently second in the league, kick off 2.30.