Rugby: Sluggish start does not stop Wessex

Last Wednesday, Gloucestershire was the venue for Wessex to pit their skills against another strong opponent.

Playing in to a strong breeze in the first half, the boys had to stick to a game-plan based on keeping the ball in hand as much as possible. After a more than shaky start, the effort put in to turn the match around arguably translated into the best performance of the season to date.

Blooding a new centre combination, there was some early confusion after a slow and quiet start, subsequently allowing Gloucestershire to run in 2 tries. Converting only one in the process, Wessex were 12-0 down after 10 minutes. A quick re-shuffle in the midfield sured the defence up. The overlaps which caught us out cold were a thing of the past, from here the springboard to attack was set. Chances came thick and fast, yet the patience required to complete these chances was yet to be found. Reigning in the offloading game and regaining composure allowed Southampton to fight back.

A stroke of luck 10 minutes before half time saw full-back JC Thompson go in for another try, adding to his ever-growing tally this season. A ‘Gary-Owen’ high ball in to the wind, accompanied by a low sun, made the ball a very difficult one to take. After originally struggling to pick the ball out, a late surge and expert catch allowed JC to take the ball at pace and with that, take the opposing chasers by surprise and essentially running un-opposed over the try line. Converted by captain for the day Adam Davies, the score was reduced to 5 points. With more hard running and fluent play from 1 to 15, a penalty from Davies meant that JC’s snapshot drop-goal 5 minutes after put the boys into the lead at half-time. 13-12 the score.

With the wind on our backs, the momentum swing had undoubtedly been put in motion. Wessex started the second half in a flamboyant mood. Controlled, aggressive play ensued until the final whistle. It didn’t take long for the points to accumulate. Davies struck a 40-meter penalty to add another 3 points before JC got on the scoreboard again. After a lovely diagonal line from centre Kane Alboni cut through the Gloucestershire defence, a composed pass to the full-back allowed him a clean run-in through to score. Wessex were in cruise control. A final try from the speedy Max Hobbs down the left wing rounded off a fine performance. With a late Davies drop goal to rub salt in the wounds, it was job done for the boys.

The best result this season, away from home, has pushed Wessex to second place in the league. A break from the league to commence the BUCS Cup competition starts today with Cardiff and Pontypridd 1st XV the visitors to Wide Lane. Support, as ever, is appreciated.