Wasps win thriller by single point

A full squad with no injuries, Duke of Edinburgh, Sevens, or detention commitments showed up full of vim and vigour following the snow fest of the previous weak.

The game summary is simple: we played almost to our best. The pack were outstanding. The backs tackled manfully and made great decisions. The final score reflected the play: just enough for a win against an excellent team.

Wasps started as badly as they often do by letting in Chess Valley for a simple midfield try and conversion. Although the disappointment was palpable, the pack manfully took their game plan back to Chess Valley and maintained possession for a solid forwards try. Bojan was the last man with hands on the ball. A second try followed after a long, hard-fought half; the pack once again took the ball on, and after wave after wave of bone crunching collisions, the pack again managed to get the ball over line through Bojan. David converted.

The second half was a fantastic affair. Chess Valley's excellent full-back got more into the game and a quick try followed. Wasps realised the danger and started playing with the wind in the opposition half. David took the penalty kick options and scored two out of two giving Wasps a buffer of six points going into the final 10 minutes. Chess Valley were not going to give up and scored again. The difficult missed conversion was the difference between the sides.

Although not usual practice, this week each player receives their own short match report.

George B: Excellent marshaling of the pack, including having to go into rucks when needed. Kept the game plan going excellently. 8.

Hugo F: Truly excellent midfield tackling. Was bounced a couple of times by their #15, but got up again to have another go. 8.

Will J: Followed up last week's MotM performance with more excellent control. Always keep to the game plan. 8.

Ehize E: Confrontational and energetic. Sometimes too high in the tackle, but made many yards! 8

Archie T: Another improved tackling performance. Needs to add better decision-making to his armoury, but overall one of the more improved players in the squad. 8

Zico Al-G: Storming in the scrum and loose. Never goes backwards. 9.

Ben W: Amazing scrummaging and great leaching. Now needs to show a little more in the loose - sprint training sessions would be great! 8.

Bojan C: Kept going ... and going... and going. A great match in the loose. Also their very strong scrum kept going backwards. 10.

Celton B-L: Stuttering start, but then got it together. Silky skills. Midfield still needs to keep closer together in defence. 8.

Matthew D: Some great tackles and took the ball on well, particularly in the second half. Needs to focus on releasing the outside runner earlier. 8.

Omari D: Did everything that he needed to: took the ball on well, made all his tackles and was frustrated by lack of attacking ball. 8.

Jae K: Another good defensive display, with some very nice continuity with ball in hand. 8.

George D: Also one of the most improved players. Very good in securing loose ball. 8.

David B: Excellent decision making and great kicks under pressure. Needs to learn to release the outside player sooner. 9.

Simran M: This man's conversion to wing is complete. He hunted fantastically and kept it together in defence. 9.

Chris B: Smooth operator. Always kept the team on the front foot with runs, kicks and quick ball. 9.

Sam T: Highest number of tackles. Never stopped. 10.

James C: Good continuity. Needs to keep his focus on hitting rucks more quickly and less hanging back. 8.

Benedict W: Amazing ball snaffling and carrying. 10.

Jack H: Conversion to hooker has finally been completed. Even more hooks against the head and great play in the rucks. 8.

Tries: Cecaric (2)
Conversions: Bull (1)
Penalties Bull (2)

Man of the Match: Bojan Cecaric