Winchester 1XV………………………………..3
Weybridge Vandals 1XV……..…………….26

Although Vandals took some time to break down a spirited Winchester side, the result of this league game was never seriously in doubt. But for a lack of precision and fluency in the back line Vandals could well have won by a greater margin. They were given huge amounts of possession by a pack which dominated both the set pieces and much of the open play and if they had not tried to force the issue could surely have put the game to bed before the final quarter when they scored two fine tries. Vandals forwards were immense with the front row of props Wayne Mason, Guy Holvey-Clark and veteran hooker Matthew Dukoff-Gordon giving their opposite numbers a torrid time.

The early phases of the game were evenly fought but Vandals’ scrum from the outset appeared the stronger unit and where they took the first of several strikes against the head, Winchester were caught offside as they attempted to halt a move in the backs. Cassian Bramham-Law converted what was for him a routine kick and shortly afterwards slotted over a second kick after Winchester were penalised at the breakdown. The home side threatened from the restart, one area of the game where Vandals need to improve, as they broke blind and took play to within five metres of the try line. Vandals defended well and won a vital line out to clear their line. They then thwarted another Winchester effort and the forwards and backs combined to create a try for Bramham-Law. The pack drove a maul forward before releasing the ball and new fly half Dominic Jones, who earlier in the game had split the defence with a mesmerising run, went through a gap to pass to the supporting full back Tom Heppleston who exploded a two to one situation putting Bramham-Law in space for the winger to scorch to the line. The same player converted brilliantly from the touchline to take Vandals into half time lead of 13 points to nil.

They had a great chance to extend this lead minutes into the second half after the forwards’ power in the loose had set up a penalty chance, but they chose to go for line out instead of the kick. When Winchester scored themselves from a penalty to reduce the score line Vandals could well have regretted this decision but they soon regained the upper hand and a third Bramham-Law penalty restored their lead. Winchester put together a couple of good attacks, but a great tackle by Heppleston epitomised Vandals strength in defence and Winchester could find no way through for a try which would have bought them back into contention. Already under the cosh they then had to contend with the fresh legs of flanker Fred Hedger and centre Darren Livett. These two brought some urgency to proceedings and from yet another turnover the ball was moved wide to Jonny Howe, who was enjoying a fine game, and the winger went over in the corner. There was now no way back for Winchester and they conceded a third try minutes from the end after Hedger stole a line out and drove forward to setup good ball for the backs and Livett shook off the effects of an injured knee to canter over for the try.

Vandals take a break from league action next week but will be training hard for their next match away to top of the table Guildford (they’re now third – Ed.) on 10th October.


- John Farrow
Supporter

Man of the Match - (Joint) Wayne Mason, Matt Dukoff-Gordon, Guy Holvey-Clark