Disappointment in the Drizzle

This must-win match was played at high intensity from the start. With only a few first-team regulars missing Wasps put out a good side that on paper was going to compete well.

The opposition had well-worked moves throughout as evidenced in the first minute with a well-executed switch move inside allowing their scorer to run through untouched. The following few minutes were very tentative with some loose play in the backs in our own 22, weak tackling, and poor handling giving Hertford chances to extend their lead.

This period seemed to galvanise Wasps and when the forwards starting clicking and the backs playing it a little tighter we started to get into the game. A nice quick ball gave Omari Davies a chance on the outside resulting in a good try to bring the scores level.

Our defence was still lacking, particularly around the fringes, and our lack of front-on tackling meant that Hertford just had too much time on the ball. They looked in danger of running away with the game and Wasps went in to half-time with a 12-24 deficit after another Omari try (blistering pace) and Alfie Studd conversion.

Having re-affirmed the tactics for the game at half-time, the forwards spent the first 15 minutes of the second half picking and driving. This was highly successful. Wasps won virtually every single lineout, had a strong scrum after an initial wobble, but still didn't manage to get the ball over the line. Knock-ons abounded; much of this was due to the ball carrier taking one or two steps too far and becoming isolated. The killer blow came when Will Jones was injured diving for a try, falling six inches short having supported Ehize's Ehizode barnstorming run and taking the offload with safe hands. Within a minute or two Hertford scored and converted to go to a 31 12 lead and thus Wasps were beaten with five minutes to go. A startling weaving solo try for David Bull, duly converted by Alfie gave some gloss to the scoreline. First half 24:12, second half 7:7.

With one more league match to go the team will be playing for pride prior to returning to Division 2 for next season. As a club we are committed to helping the boys become more successful and continue to enjoy their rugby next year.

It has been a good experience for the boys playing in Div 1. Scoring trys in all but 1 of the games to date the team certainly has no shortage of skill or effort but maybe a lack of drilled technique, a consequence of the limited training time the boys have as a squad.

Match Report Anthong Bull