Wellingborough R.F.C.

Firstly apologies to those who look to the website for match reports (I know we have some readers who reside abroad) but I have had a bad case of writers block (or busy-ness).

The lads went there knowing that a performance of the highest order was required to win. A couple of changes saw Darrell Raynard move to the wing and Adam Lambert start on the flank.

Currently it would seem that any good weather occurs when I’m at work in the week but at the weekend we have high winds and rain. This Saturday was no different with Boro having the strong gale at their backs for the first half.

1st Half
Boro kicked off knowing that a good lead was required and straight away a penalty was awarded to Boro which Pete Vickers converted (Old Scouts 0v3 Boro). From the kick off Boro managed to get back into the Old Scouts half and again another penalty was awarded which again was converted (Old Scouts 0v6).

There was a sense of urgency in the Boro defence which meant that any Old Scouts possession was stifled and soon Boro were rewarded with another penalty which again was converted (Old Scouts 0v9 Boro). An injury to Adam Lambert meant that Joel Smith came onto the field and quite soon he was disrupting Old Scouts as they started to get a small foothold. Sustained pressure from Old Scouts only yielded a penalty (Old Scouts 3v9 Boro) with strong Boro defence preventing a try.

Boro were soon in control of the ball from the kick off and swift hands from the backs saw Andy Seaton released into space, he sped through the defence and dotted the ball down which was converted (Old Scouts 3v16 Boro). I must admit though I couldn’t tell you how far out Andy was when he sped through the defence as I as too pre-occupied watching the wrestling match occurring on the other side of the field!

With the half drawing to a close Boro were awarded with a further penalty which again was converted (Old Scouts 3v19 Boro).
(Also, I forgot to mention Darrell’s try saving tackle!)

Half Time Score
Old Scouts 3v19 Wellingborough

2nd Half
The wind had proved to be an advantage in the first half and with Boro now facing the wind the half time chat had been around keeping possession of the ball i.e. not kicking it away or losing support when making a half break or taking the ball into contact.
Straight away Boro went on the attack and after a series of phases Darrell Raynard shot through the Old Scouts defence only to be stopped on the Old Scouts try line. However, this positive play was soon rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts which saw Boro extend their lead (Old Scouts 3v22 Boro). Inevitably, Old Scouts were going to take advantage of the wind but strong defensive play saw the ball turned over and some good attacking play from forwards and backs saw Steven Gall released into space on the right hand side and he dotted down in the corner (Old Scouts 3v27 Boro).

Old Scouts realising that they needed to get back into the game started to up the intensity of their play but Boro with strong defensive play around the breakdown saw off any attacking play. Old Scouts were eventually awarded a penalty which was converted (Old Scouts 6v27 Boro) but this would be their final score of the game.

Another turnover from Boro saw space open up on the blindside, Matt Ellson stepped into the scrum half spot and passed to Ryan Mackie who drew in two defenders before offloading to veteran centre Steven Gall who ghosted over for another try which was converted (Old Scouts 6v34 Boro). The final throes of the game saw Old Scouts camped on the Boro line but attack after attack was thwarted with strong defence.

Final Score
Old Scouts 6 v 34 Wellingborough

Scorers
Andy Seaton 1 try
Steven Gall 2 tries
Pete Vickers 5 pens, 2 cons

This was by far the best performance by a Wellingborough team this season, a game plan that was well executed and underpinned by a strong work ethic saw Wellingborough win convincingly against the league winners.

With the final whistle blown results elsewhere meant that Wellingborough crept back into 2nd place on points difference. This brings us nicely to the last game against Biggleswade away in a winner takes all encounter in two weeks’ time with the winner getting the opportunity to take part in the play-offs. We hope to see you all there!

Written by Matt Armstrong