W3 Is the Place to Be

Tense, powerful, glimpses of guile, and much endeavour. This Wasps age group haven't beaten Ealing for a while in the fifteen-a-side game, and with Ealing coming down to Division 2 this year (and Wasps only just missing out on promotion from that division), everyone knew that this was a potential top of the table clash.

The score line only tells half the story, but it is worth noting how the lead passed hands (and how the parents' and coaches' nails were bitten down to the bone):

W v E
5-0
5-7
12-7
12-14
17-14

Half time

17-21
24-21
24-28
31-28
38-28
38-35
Phew.

The game started off at a ferocious pace. Ealing have a very strong scrum-half who ran the game superbly from the scraps that his forwards gave him, but it was clear that Wasps were also going to make scoring opportunities with ball in hand. The wasps pack were once again immense, finally managing to put some of the training in decision making with ball in hand to good effect. Drive after drive, wave after wave of pressure from the pack made room out wide and the backs had a field day.

Early on Celton came off with an ankle injury (get well soon), and so Will Newall got his early chance at inside centre. If anyone wants to figure out how to have a debut, then talk to Will - his tackling was immense and he was solid in all aspects of the game. Later on in the half there was a very nasty injury to Greg - we wish him well as he recovers from his broken arm. (Note to self: make sure you thank all those who helped - the support from our first aider and the ambulance staff was outstanding and very fast.)

The U15s graciously gave their pitch over while we waited for the ambulance, so the game got underway again after only a few minutes. The score was 12:14 and suddenly Wasps started to pull it together. The second half was a nervy affair, but when the 10 point gap was created with some fantastic tries it was clear that Wasps were going to hang on to win. The celebrations at the end spoke of years of heartache now repaired. Both teams played in good spirits; many of the boys go to school together so it was good to see that harmony will resume on Monday in the classroom.

Last year's coach - Nick Lambert - came to watch and confirmed that "we're looking good for the season" (We knew that, didn't we?)

Tries: Will J, Bojan, Matthew, Will N, Benedict, Zico.
Conversions: David (4)

Report Anthony Bull