Wessex Dominate in Wales

Wessex kicked off the New Year with an extremely professional win in Swansea last Wednesday.

A sense of surprise in that the match was still to go ahead, we travelled to the South of Wales to take on one of the few opponents who beat us last year. Conditions, as usual whilst visiting Wales, were far from pleasant. Sideways rain and a wind driving straight down the heart of the pitch meant that, whilst attacking against the gust in the first half, Wessex had to keep the ball in hand and defend with the conditions firmly in mind. Although it was undoubtedly tough with such an advantageous wind, we played a wonderful first half.

Bound to be defending in our own 22 for the majority of the first half, we knew that keeping the Welsh side out would play in to our hands for the remainder of the match. Any score for ourselves would be a bonus. The pattern of the opening half was set as the wind allowed Swansea to pin us in our own territory. It was highly unlikely that we were to move up the pitch without keeping the ball in hand. The pack in both the line out and the scrum were again excellent, and have established themselves as one of the most dominant packs in the league.

With resolute defence throughout the first half, led by the back row trio of Ben Flett, Dave Jordan and Stephen Hegarty, Wessex were given the chance to attack. With some lovely running once we escaped our 22, a series of close drives from backs and forwards alike pushed Wessex up the field. Sniffing out a chance, fly half Adam Davies threw a perfect miss out pass to find winger Harry Burn who went over the line. 5-0 to Wessex once the half time whistle blew; job done for the first half.

The second half provided another clear pattern of play, dominated by the turbulent wind and rain. With the wind at our backs, we were given the license to pin the ball deep in to Swansea’s territory. Once we regained possession through high defensive pressure led with an excellent press, the elusive running of the back line was able to thrive off the ideal platform set by the forwards.

With attack upon attack, the second breakthrough came again through winger Burn, who beat numerous defenders with his footwork to go under the posts. With Davies converting, Wessex were firmly in control. A huge effort from the forwards at the scrum then allowed scrum half Sam Cornford to dot down, much to the dismay of Hegarty (a.k.a Hagrid), who would have fancied the score the try himself. A Swansea try late on in to the match, after Wessex received two dubious yellow cards, was a mere blemish on what was a fantastic day out for the visitors.

Next up are UWE 1st XV, who provide the sternest test for Wessex yet. A win will massively boost our chances of promotion, and the boys are confident of getting exactly that. Wide Lane hosts our biggest match of the year. Support, as always, is very appreciated.