They scored (a big bloke on the wing).
We scored (Flynn).
They scored (a bigger bloke, no 8 from a scrum against the head).
We scored. (Flynn, in the right hand corner from a nice cross-field kick from Jack).
Missed penalty by them.
Penalty to them (by a big bloke).
They scored. (an even bigger bloke).
We scored (Dylan).

22-17 to Welwyn. 3 tries each.

Welwyn were (you guessed it) big, fit and well-organised. They were very much a team to be expected from this solid Hertfordshire club, out early for a well-drilled warm-up, hitting the pads and very keen for a match. It was obvious from the start that they wouldn't shy from using a physical approach.

Welwyn had 60% of possesion and slightly more territory. For a period in the second half they were a permanent feature in Wasps' 22. They won numerous scrums against the head, but their dominance in that departmnent waned as the match progressed. The scrum frequently wheeled clockwise well beyond 90 degrees, with the referee re-setting in the host's favour. Their line-out will have disappointed them, but that should be seen in the context of a supreme poaching display by Wasps second row Griff Ferris. Presumably that has something to do with timing and lifters too. Welwyn punched hard up front and in the centres. They deserved their victory and were touchingly apologetic at having ended the Wasps run of 27 wins! They, meanwhile are happy to be winning again and merit a successful season.

The Wasps boys turned-up more or less on time. The warm-up could, and should have been better, but the the hope was that Welwyn might tire themselves out before the kick-off on this warm autumn day. No such luck.

Contrary to many previous matches, this was one where Wasps hoped rather than expected to win. We set ourselves an objective of 4 tries, knowing that a win could be snatched, but a bonus point would be acceptable. This weekend was likely to be a struggle, with a back row made from backs and 10/12/13 playing in that formation for the first time. You can't learn a new position in one match, but in the end, man to man, everyone did themselves proud. The fact that we lost by a conversion and a penalty was testimony to a side who fight whatever the circumstances There was a relative upbeat atmosphere in the changing room afterwards - one of repect for a good opposition but a keeness to meet them again at home for the re-match.

If there was a man of the match, perhaps that should go to the beardless Welwyn no 8, named Beardy (!), who looked normal-sized in the bar but was massive on the pitch, or Griff from Wasps for his efforts as reported. For me, however, it would go to Alex USA, who tackled like a maniac.

Next week, Wasps meet Barnet Elizabethans at home, and your reporter is not only demanding a big win, but will be offering a pint for every try scored, and that includes for the 2nd team who are also at home. More importantly, there will be a free pitcher of beer for anyone who pays their subs, or even half their subs, on Saturday. What a bargain.