Tony Mann's match report - a win for the first XV and promotion for the 2nds

This hard-fought 20-9 away win for Wimbledon against another of the better sides in
the league was a very satisfying finale to their first season in National 3 which fully
justified their place there. Such was the determination and effort from both sides it
was hard to believe there was nothing really riding on the result and the outcome was
a most enjoyable and well-refereed match.

And to round off a fine day for Wimbledon the 2nd XV drew 15-15 with Richmond in
the final of Zoo league 3 to secure promotion on points difference.
Although the majority of the first half was played at Shelford’s end there was little
between the two sides until a fine drive from a line out on Shelford’s 22 culminated in
a try for Dons’ prop James Gillespie (on his second attempt that is, having been held
up on the first two minutes earlier.) Neil Hallett’s conversion and a penalty
conversion five minutes later gave Dons a 0-10 lead.

Strong running from Wimbledon forwards and backs alike kept up the pressure
forcing a series penalties – most unusually, in Dons’ favour. But in the dying
moments of the half during a rare Shelford visit deep into Dons territory, their fly-half
Cracknell reduced the deficit by three points from a penalty. He reduced it by three
more soon after the re-start and another three ten minutes in, after his side had secured
possession in Dons’ half through phase after phase.

But shrewd positional kicking from Hallett and fly-half Bryan Croke moved the game
back deep into Shelford’s half where the pack won a scrum against the head, scrum
half Charlie Morgan passed out to the blind side where the waiting Roy Godfrey, gave
the ball to Aaron Lowe who passed on to the flying Kieran Morris who did well to
evade the clutches of two defenders and squeeze in the corner for a try. Hallett did
well too, converting from touch into a swirling wind, making it 9-17 and ten minutes
to go.

With both sides throwing everything they had into it, it became a slightly scrappy but
gripping last period. Then with just three minutes left, a penalty against Shelford
almost on half way brought forth Hallett to take what had been reported to be his final
kick before retirement, but as the ball sailed between the posts many wondered if he
might not re-think his decision.

Hopefully Wimbledon’s current excellent squad of players and top-rate coaching team
can stay together and achieve even greater things next season.