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London Welsh Festival 13th November

London Welsh Festival 13th November

Lachlan 'Jok' Dunbar13 Nov 2011 - 08:37
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by Rupert 'Hacker' Such and James 'the Hound' Illingworth

London Welsh Festival Match Report 13th November 2011

B’s
Wasps B's had an excellent day of rugby with all players showing immense
commitment, determination, teamwork and character that was not fairly
reflected in final scores. Throughout the tournament, Wasps B's tackled,
mauled, rucked and ran their hearts out. It was particularly impressive that
the boys were never discouraged when key decisions or the score board went
against them. In all four matches, the boys came out with the will to win
and all battled away to the very last second. Most importantly, we all had
great fun and Wasps B's proved to be a sparky and plucky squad, clearly
enjoying each others company on and off the pitch.

Wasps B's vs London Welsh Dragons (0-15)

This match was characterised by a high standard of tackling and excellent
rucking and mauling. Dylan, Yamato, Tom and Kieran, Max and Charlie tackled
bravely and Theo made a good start in his new position at scrum half. The
forwards, Drew, Adrien, Mattieu, Max and Sam all worked hard with Mathieu
playing prop very effectively for the first time. The whole team, forwards
and backs, committed to break downs that sometimes left holes in our line
which was exploited by the Dragons.

Wasps B's vs London Welsh Druids (15-0)

The boys came out to face the Druids determined to put the previous
disappointing result behind them. Matthieu and Kieran stood out by winning
the ball with some fine mauling that enabled Max Webber to make three epic
runs and scoring two tries by half time. Really playing as a team, Wasps B's
scored one of their best tries of the season. Max W made a penetrating run
up the right wing and was tackled, Dylan ripped the ball out of the ruck and
made a fine run, off loading to Kieran who also gained vital territory.
Kieran off loaded to Nate who scored his first try for Wasps in the left
corner. A fantastic team effort and an excellent win.

Wasps B's vs Salisbury (10-10)

In the first half, Salisbury scored two early tries and despite good
tackling and rucking, we were two down at half time. Yet again, Wasps B's
showed their team work and determination with an excellent run from Nate who
passed to Max Webber, scoring the first reply. Salisbury's defence was
tested by a good run up the right wing by Theo, off loading to Max W who
then passed to Thibaud who levelled the score with an excellent diving try.

Wasps B's vs Bank of England (0-5)

In this final match, Wasps B's really showed what they were made of when
decisions went against them. After the Bank of England scored from a
penalty, the whole team pulled together with great spirit. Max Keenleyside
made an excellent run along the right wing and Tom Korn confounded their
defence with a wonderful side stepping foray deep into Bank of England
territory. In the second half, we had most of the possession and the boys
really piled on the pressure, determined to score. In the last two minutes,
after a concerted driving maul over the try line, Wasps were awarded a
penalty and then crossed the try line twice but sadly without the decision
going their way. A discouraging result which in no way reflected the skill
and hard work the whole team put in.

Man of the B tournament goes to Max Webber for scoring three tries.

Top players of the B tournament are:
Forwards: Mathieu
Backs: Nate
Top Individual Tackler: Dylan

Honourable mentions also for Charlie at Full Back and Adrien, Drew and Sam K
in the forwards.


A’s
We played four very tough matches against high quality opposition and with a squad weakened by absences and with only two substitute players. It was a beautiful day and perfect conditions for rugby.

Wasps A’s vs London Welsh (0-5)
In the first match against London Welsh we played some excellent rugby especially amongst  the forwards. We were caught cold by a good London Welsh move early in the game but then really stepped up our intensity and finished the stronger team in the first half. Allegra had a try disallowed and we came close to scoring on several other occasions. Sam Aslam also had a storming game and Eden Theide-Palmer was also prominent.
The second half was similarly frustrating with our pack of forwards dominant but we were unable to convert our possession into points.The 5-0 loss did not do justice to a very good performance. 

Wasps A’s vs Llanishen (5-0)
The second game was against eventual tournament winners Llanishen who had travelled up from Cardiff for the day. Llanishen had lost just two of 18 matches this season and are one of the best sides we will face all year. The match was similar to the London Welsh game with one lapse of concentration allowing an early try to the opposition. Then our impressive forwards held solid for the remaining half. Our tackling in this match was exceptional with special mention  to James Skinner, Eddie Bannister and Leggie. Our two centres Alex Gibbs and Ales Sharp-Neale often received the ball and the tackler at the same time and we just could not quite force our way over the line even though we exerted great pressure for the final five minutes. Llanishen's coaches were generous in their praise of our play and were relieved to win 5-0.

Wasps A’s vs Salisbury (0-20)
The next game was against Salisbury and was our only disappointing display. The Salisbury backs were full of running and passed the ball with speed and accuracy. We tried valiantly to counter attack with Rhys LLewellyn, Fergus Williams, Oscar Paterson and Tom Blackler all making good runs but again we were unable to score. Our heads never dropped but we lost 20-0.

Wasp A’s vs London Irish (0-5)
Finally we played London Irish who had a strong pack of forwards. Our pack were tired by now as we had no substitutes but again they played with huge spirit and determination. Irish scored a very good try just before the interval in another tight game. Thereafter our defence held firm and Tom Illingworth showed great commitment to keep the side moving forward. Angus Baker was moved back into the scrum in this game and he continued to tackle with relish. Leo Currie was particularly strong at full back. The game was brought to an early conclusion (with Irish 5-0 up) due to an injury at a scrum to our prop Sam Aslam. It was a shame as he was one of our strongest players all day. We all hope he will be fit for the weekend.
    Ultimately it was a frustrating day as all the strides we have made this season were apparent but we were not able to turn it into points.
    

Players of the match awards:
      Allegra Young
      Tom Blackler
       Sam Aslam
       Leo Currie
 
     Best tackling:
      Eddie Bannister
      James Skinner      

Further reading