Guildford 26 - Wimbledon 30

Guildford 26 - 30 Wimbledon

This top of the table encounter exploded into life within 5 minutes of kick off courtesy of an inspirational interception by Wimbledon fly half, Bryan Croke, running in untouched from well within the Wimbledon half. Neil Hallett added the conversion. The significant, vociferous Guildford crowd were calmed but were shortly silenced when 10 minutes later Wimbledon right wing, Pete Scott, celebrated his return to 1st XV duties after absence through ham string injury, by using his scintillating pace to outflank the Guildford defence to score an exceptional try. Again, Neil Hallett added the 2 points.

With the score line at 14 – 0, the sizeable Guildford pack took it upon themselves to get a grip on proceedings and applied sustained pressure on the Wimbledon line resulting in a yellow card for Wimbledon prop, Pete Wallace. Guildford opted to take a scrum for the penalty and secured a push over try. With the try converted the score moved to 14 – 7 and then clicked onto 14 – 12 by way of a Guildford unconverted try after a strong driving maul.

The return of Pete Wallace from the sin bin and the arrival of prop Lorne Ward for his 1st XV debut allowed Wimbledon to re-establish control, the outcome being a very well taken penalty by Neil Hallett followed by another scorching Pete Scott try (converted by Neil Hallett) and just before the half time whistle another Neil Hallett penalty.

At half time with the score Wimbledon 27 - 12 Guildford, the Wimbledon supporters felt relatively confident of a win and were anticipating more tries from Wimbledon and the bonus point. However, Guildford had other thoughts.

About 10 minutes into the 2nd half, very regrettably the Guildford centre was left unconscious after his try saving tackle. There was a 15 minute break whilst the physios undertook all essential attention and the player was eventually stretchered off (Post match we had confirmation that the player was OK) The break ruptured the flow of the match and although Neil Hallett nudged the score line onto 30 – 12 it seemed that Wimbledon’s momentum was lost whilst Guildford found renewed passion, urged on by their touchline support.

The last 15 minutes became increasingly tense for the Wimbledon team and support as the Guildford pack were firstly awarded a penalty try and then followed that up with another try resulting from an emphatic rolling maul.

With the score Wimbledon 30 – 26 Guildford, and 5 minutes until full time….and the outcome of the match possibly deciding which club will secure promotion…….there was clearly much at stake. To Wimbledon’s credit, from the restart composure was maintained and the ball retained until the welcome sound of the referee’s whistle for full time.

This important win was very much a team performance but it deserves mention that Neil Hallett’s 100% kicking performance on a very gusty day was outstanding.

The London 1 South league table now confirms Wimbledon 6 points clear at the top of the table with 64 points, followed by Guildford and by Chobham both with 58 points and then Sutton & Epsom with 57 points. Sidcup with 49 points lead the trailing pack.

Next week we are at home to Hove with a 2.00 kick off.

Do come along and lend your support from the touchline. You won’t be disappointed in the rugby or in Mik’s array of splendid beers in the clubhouse.

Also, if you’d like an excellent 2 course pre match lunch for just £12.00 call the clubhouse and book your place. Lunch is served from 1.00 p.m.