BackSat 06 Apr 2013
Raynes Park RFC
2XV
15:00
7up Vandals take Promotion through the Park
Chris Brooks8 Apr 2013 - 20:29
Weybridge Vandals 2nd XV 45 Raynes Park 2nd XV 6
Vandals 2nd XV secured promotion to Surrey Conference 1 following a convincing victory versus Raynes Park in the Greg Farrow memorial fixture.
Over the years Raynes Park have always provided stiff opposition but on this occasion they found a well drilled Vandals outfit with the prize of promotion within reach. In ideal rugby conditions, Vandals threatened from the off with the pack gaining the ascendency in the set-piece allowing the backs a front-foot platform. On 10 minutes lock Andy Howe was held up over the line and from the five meter scrum Vandals marched forward allowing number eight Phil Garrett the simplest of tries. Mike O’Neill converted, 7-0 to Vandals. Raynes Park responded, profiting from Vandals inaccuracy with ball in hand to gain a penalty in front of the posts which was converted, 7-3 to Vandals. Vandals pressed forward but too often were over-turned at the breakdown as Raynes Park fought gamely. On 25 minutes Ryan ‘Chip’ Humphries lived up to his nickname by delivering a beautifully weighted kick over the opposition defence which was gathered by replacement winger James Filmer to score in the corner with his first touch, 12-3 to Vandals. Vandals now started to relax and with Sam Hall marshalling the power runners to great effect it wasn’t long before Howe burst through the defence to score unopposed under the posts. Another Raynes Park penalty kept Vandals honest and the half-time score was 19-6 to Vandals.
The message at half-time was about earning the right to go wide through phases. From the off, Vandals were rampant, and with Raynes Park visibly tiring, it was a case of maintaining discipline and allowing the skills to shine through. Howe scored again, benefiting from a great burst from Matt Dukoff-Gordon, and another well-executed catch-and-drive from a lineout was finished off by Adam Sedgewick. The try of the day belonged to James Filmer who notched his second and Vandals’ sixth following a flowing backs move which resulted in him outpacing his opposite number and beating the cover defence to score. Vandals’ final try belonged to Guy Holvey-Clark who smashed through the opposition from close range for his first try of the season. Final score 45-6 to Vandals.
With a record of Won 14 and Lost 4, Vandals have had a very successful and enjoyable league campaign. With a strong squad and a blend of power, pace, wisdom and youth, Vandals look forward to next season and improving further.
Over the years Raynes Park have always provided stiff opposition but on this occasion they found a well drilled Vandals outfit with the prize of promotion within reach. In ideal rugby conditions, Vandals threatened from the off with the pack gaining the ascendency in the set-piece allowing the backs a front-foot platform. On 10 minutes lock Andy Howe was held up over the line and from the five meter scrum Vandals marched forward allowing number eight Phil Garrett the simplest of tries. Mike O’Neill converted, 7-0 to Vandals. Raynes Park responded, profiting from Vandals inaccuracy with ball in hand to gain a penalty in front of the posts which was converted, 7-3 to Vandals. Vandals pressed forward but too often were over-turned at the breakdown as Raynes Park fought gamely. On 25 minutes Ryan ‘Chip’ Humphries lived up to his nickname by delivering a beautifully weighted kick over the opposition defence which was gathered by replacement winger James Filmer to score in the corner with his first touch, 12-3 to Vandals. Vandals now started to relax and with Sam Hall marshalling the power runners to great effect it wasn’t long before Howe burst through the defence to score unopposed under the posts. Another Raynes Park penalty kept Vandals honest and the half-time score was 19-6 to Vandals.
The message at half-time was about earning the right to go wide through phases. From the off, Vandals were rampant, and with Raynes Park visibly tiring, it was a case of maintaining discipline and allowing the skills to shine through. Howe scored again, benefiting from a great burst from Matt Dukoff-Gordon, and another well-executed catch-and-drive from a lineout was finished off by Adam Sedgewick. The try of the day belonged to James Filmer who notched his second and Vandals’ sixth following a flowing backs move which resulted in him outpacing his opposite number and beating the cover defence to score. Vandals’ final try belonged to Guy Holvey-Clark who smashed through the opposition from close range for his first try of the season. Final score 45-6 to Vandals.
With a record of Won 14 and Lost 4, Vandals have had a very successful and enjoyable league campaign. With a strong squad and a blend of power, pace, wisdom and youth, Vandals look forward to next season and improving further.
Further reading