Wimbledon 18 -10 Westcombe Park

Having so nearly beaten each of the league’s top four teams this season Wimbledon
finally succeeded through an accomplished 18-10 victory over fourth-placed
Westcombe Park. And on the adjacent pitch Wimbledon 2nd XV closed out a very
tight league semi-final against Sutton & Epsom with a dramatic last minute penalty
conversion by Dan Cheers, to snatch a deserved two point win.

The 1st XV match was a nail-biter too, with Wimbledon spending almost the entire
first period in the opposition half, but against a defence nearly as strong as their own
they just could not get over Park’s line and had to settle with a three point lead at half
time, courtesy of a Bryan Croke penalty five minutes after kick-off.

In the second half it was the visitor’s turn to dominate territory, until a lineout after
fifteen minutes that is, from which lock Dylan Flashman made a great break and
covered 35m before neatly offloading to the supporting James Hunt, and the no.8 had
just 5m to reach the goal line and score. Neil Hallett put over an excellent conversion
from near touch – and it was 10-0.

But Park came right back and after ten minutes of almost continuous pressure their
pacey wing crossed in the corner. to make it 10-5. Then a lovely run by replacement
prop Roy Godfrey yielded a penalty on Park’s 22 and Croke stretched Dons’ lead
once more to 13-5. Park weren’t finished however, and a good drive by their pack in
Dons’ 22, then quick ball out wide, saw their fullback cross in the corner for a try. For
the second time though, the conversion was missed and Wimbledon still led, albeit by
only three points. Not for long though…….Wimbledon wing Tommy Moore touching
down a very neat chip through by Croke after another strong run by Godfrey.

Although the conversion was missed, the final whistle soon sealed a good win for
Wimbledon.

They’ve got another tough challenge next week away to Shelford in the last fixture of
the season.