Wimbledon 34 - Hertford 27

Wimbledon RFC 34- Hertford RFC 27

Saturday’s fixture brought Hertford to Barham Road and another strong test of Wimbledon’s promotion credentials. Hertford have been playing at National 3 level or higher for 15 years and came to SW20 undefeated this season after wins against Westcliff and Amersham. Of course Wimbledon have also started the season well with impressive wins against Dorking and Sutton so a keenly fought contest was anticipated.

The visitors started well and controlled the first 10 minutes resulting in two penalties converted by their excellent full-back Sean Taylor. This was followed by Wimbledon’s first excursion into Hertford’s half which led to a penalty offence converted by Bryan Croke, score 3-6. There was then no score for a while; however Wimbledon’s ball retention and breakdown speed was improving, leading to greater possession and territory. Just before the half hour mark Wimbledon put together an excellent series of phases with well worked pick and drives eventually over stretching the Hertford defence to allow No 8 Dylan Thomas through to ground the ball under the posts. Croke converted 10-6.

Wimbledon were midway through their best phase in the match and their high line speed and aggressive defence were forcing a stream of errors from Hertford. Possession regained Wimbledon again moved up the field with fast ball recycling and excellent handling from all 15 players creating pressure that Hertford couldn’t handle resulting in a try by winger Josh Charles converted by Croke 17-6. Wimbledon were in the ascendancy however as a sign of things to come some poor concentration and good work by Hertford created a chance for full back Taylor which he scored in the corner and then converted with great skill. 17-13. Half Time.

The 2nd half started with Wimbledon again in the ascendency and a yellow card for the Hertford 15 for a dangerous tackle gave the Don’s numerical advantage as well. This they exploited with a quick tap penalty and break by scrum half Rhys Morgan being fed to Noah Jarvis to score near the posts. Croke added the extras and a further penalty to take the score to 27-13 and it looked like Wimbledon might run away with the game.

To Hertford’s great credit they did not allow this to happen and with the introduction of the giant prop Najee Mundicha came back into the game with much greater purpose. Hertford gained field position from a long clearing kick, regained the ball and made good ground through the centre before the ball was spread wide where flanker Dave Archer finished. Conversion Taylor 27-20.
During this period Wimbledon lost some of their line-speed and aggression in defence and this combined with good Hertford play allowed Hertford to gain territory and confidence.
With 5 minutes to go Hertford gained line-out possession on Wimbledon’s 22 and Mundicha created space for wing Ben Creasey to score in the corner. Taylor easily converted from a very difficult angle. 27-27.

With scores even and 5 minutes to play either side could have won the game and it is to Wimbledon’s credit that they showed the greater composure. The winning score came from a Hertford knock on at the restart which led to an attacking scrum and then a series of drives where possession was retained. Hertford infringed at the breakdown and during the advantage period for that (kickable) penalty Croke put through a grubber kick to the line with Tommy Moore just winning the footrace to touch down. Bonus point try converted by Croke 34-27.

Hertford had time to restart the match but Wimbledon successfully regained possession and ran the clock down to win the match.

Final Score Wimbledon RFC 34 Hertford RFC 27

With a few players missing from the side that beat Sutton this was always going to be a difficult match and the players and coaches will be very pleased with the performance and result.

Next week Wimbledon play away at Southend Saxons