The wind was howling, temperature cold and dropping but the quality of play and commitment by both sides was high keeping the spectators keen to watch the whole game! The first try was set up from a superb interception by Jordan Spittle who had the measure of the Guildford 10 from the off. Quick thinking, he put so much pressure on him. The second try was started by a superb rip from the Captain but Guildford offside. Quick thinking by Jack Blackmore to Jordan Spittle, Dan Bamford joined the line out wide to Jack Reville and try time. Excellent finishing but the hands and thinking was fast. Dan Bamford's pass was of the highest quality. Please note James Hunt during his stint was exceptional but others are to be mentioned this time. The forwards and what a mighty pack they are becoming. Either ruck turnover, recycling at speed or great hands in open play. All forwards stepped up including the bench replacements and foot to the pedal, relentless. The mind-set focused team, exemplified by Ellis Morgan.

Firstly the game was dictated by the Wimbledon halfbacks Jordan Spittle at 10 and Jack Blackmore at 9. Jordan Spittle, ran the show. Interceptions, passing, kicking with precision and chasing all kicks putting Guildford under intense pressure and forcing a number of excellent turnovers or short pass to the outstanding Jack Reville. The Jack Reville hat trick, culminated in a try that was memorable and pure class. The quick recycle by the forwards, fast pass by Jack Blackmore, Dan quality pass to Jack Reville who dummied the 13,14 and stepped inside the 15 under the posts, pure class! Wimbledon, dominant in all phases of play with or without the ball.

Wimbledon hard fought possession, ruck physicality and excellent use of the wind in both half’s ensured Guildford played the game in their 22 and in their half for over 70 minutes. The Richmond maul so well used against Wimbledon several weeks earlier appeared but this time by Wimbledon and lessons learned in the dark arts with Jack Blackmore at the back controlling and the forwards going forward for the line. This was not easy just well executed but well used and all forwards doing their bit. The try did not come in part to an excellent referee but Wimbledon crossed the line the team going forward in the right direction and many times. I lost count of names on every page of my notes.

Wimbledon scrum half, Jack Blackmore dominated the Guildford 9. Inviting the Wimbledon forwards to the ball, crashing into the opposition but quick flat passing and Wimbledon recycling at speed and the game flowed. But to allow your half backs to run the game comes through the hard work of the forwards. At no time was the smile off their faces. Ellis Morgan was at last an angry young man and stepped up to every scrum, lineout ruck and maul or getting back in defence wanting to dominate that position.

Dave Roberts taking the ball in and making the ball available time and time again and pin point arrows in the lineout. Ben Brooks who stepped up to convert from hooker to tight head. Boy did the forwards play hard and fast allowing backs the opportunity to run lines all over the place no wonder. The Wimbledon Back row of Dan Bamford, James Hunt and Dave Wayman, were imposing but their breakdown work was impressive and the replacements more than played their part, Lyle Mewton and Harry Blackmore. Ball passing no longer an exception for the back row but an expected and they delivered with handling skills of basketball players. Locks Phil Wood and Dan Osbourne, the engine of the forwards!

Inspirational moment of the match was for Guildford whose replacement for the tighthead was the classic 10 stuck in a props body. His rugby brain was huge and he stepped up to the 10 position, short passes for the crash followed by long pass out wide followed by a superb well set up try in the corner. Guildford are a classy side and as the result of their first game in the league showed they ran London Irish close losing by one point.

The score margin does not reflect the game but the wind was prevalent and precision will need to be worked on but in freezing cold conditions and excellent quality opposition the score is a fair reflection.

Unbeaten London Irish are looming, clinical precision and finishing will be needed!