Westcliff 5 - Wimbledon 50

Westcliff 5 - Wimbledon 50
What a month November has been for the Wimbledon 1st XV, four wins out of four, three bonus points and 158 points scored for 33 conceded. Westcliff have never been played in any league before and although confident, nobody could have expected what unfolded in the match.
Playing with a strong wind on their backs Wimbledon took the lead after five minutes when the Westcliff back division were judged to be offside, Wimbledon captain Neil Hallett made no mistake with the kick. This was followed shortly afterwards with the same offence, this time at a ruck, 6 – 0, a few minutes later on 13 minutes, same offence, same outcome 9 - 0. At this time the Westcliff kick-offs were received by Wimbledon lock Campbell Tait who rose to claim the high balls without mistake each time. After 18 minutes Wimbledon tried their first driving maul from a lineout, the outcome was a 10m gain and when the ball was released scrum half Rhys Morgan darted round the blindside and scored in the corner. Hallett’s conversion attempt was missed.
More pressure resulted in penalties and left wing Kieran Morris being forced into touch just a metre from scoring, but a Westcliff scrum 20m out from their line was collapsed, the penalty was taken by Hallett and the lead increased. At last on 37 minutes Westcliff forced a penalty, they were unable to benefit with their kick and after three phases of attack Morris was able to force his way over the line for a try, this time the conversion was easier and Wimbledon were 24 – 0 ahead.
Half time saw Wimbledon no.8 Gary Crowe being replaced by James Hunt making his debut, by this time the Wimbledon scrum and line-out were both well on top of the home team and six minutes after kick-off a try for Wimbledon right wing Sam Codling increased the lead, another conversion was missed, this time into the teeth of a strong wind. The Westcliff kick-off was received and Wimbledon went through a spell of switching the attack after a dart down the left from Morris, first right then left and finally right again for Hunt to score. A conversion followed and at 36 – 0 Westcliff were down, but to their credit they stormed forward with pick and go drives from their tight forwards for their lock Rupert Edwards to force himself over in the corner, the try could not be converted.
Wimbledon’s response was immediate, more phases of play resulted in loosehead Roy Godfrey finding himself 10 metres from the line with no opposition in front, the conversion was made and as Westcliff tired Wimbledon centre James Gill kicked through and chased regaining possession resulting in a try under the posts, this was easily converted to make the final score 50 – 5.
The match was well refereed by Mr Sam Brown with no yellow cards being given.
Wimbledon 2nd team travelled to Hammersmith & Fulham and secured a good victory 36 – 0.
Next Saturday Wimbledon will be at home to East Grinstead with a 2.00pm kick-off.