Writtle Wanderers RUFC

Writtle Wanderers RUFC
(Founded 2002)

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August 2003 Match Reports

And it begins again. Say goodbye to those seemingly endless summer afternoons of shopping, domestic bliss and pointless BBQ related entertainment. The 2003/2004 season began with a vengeance for the Wanderers this weekend.

With a scattering of new signings on show and a host of old faces (supplemented by some even older ones) the Wanderers turned out for this pre-season warm up tournament with both the hosts and Pegasus fielding their 1st and 2nd XVs. The Wanderers, with 20 players all told, looked set for a lot of running about, and so it proved.

The Wanderers start the new season with an exciting looking back line and pace to burn. The back 3 of perennial favourite Ben Messo, Steve Clarke returned from a season down under, and new 'Bok full back in Gareth Bull, perform wonderfully together. Rumour has it that Ben is thinking of moving in with Steve and Sophie just so he can be near him all the time and not just Saturday afternoons! Nick Iles also looked comfortable in the full back role and looks set to be a key player as the season develops. The same can be said for shock attendee, Calvin, who is close to his best this year. Some lovely runs and a well worked try set his stall out for 2003/2004.

Moving into the three-quarters and Tim Janes is looking strong and keen for this season. Another long lost brother re-appeared in the form of Joe Pins and was straight back to his best working well outside Tim. Donal Staunton impressed on his debut with some solid work in defence and attack. With more depth to come in the centres it's looking like a competitive season for the 12 and 13 shirts.

Battye was a welcome return at 10. He's clearly been working out during the break and has certainly bulked up. His silky running opened gaps all over the field which were well exploited in attack. In defence he was solid as ever and is looking keen. Bull deputised well for him and is looking like a good all rounder.

There were steady performances at scrum half from Cooknell and Rowan. Early season jitters are still evident despite both players having been involved in extensive summer training. The return of Cronin will bring consistency to this role and new blood in the form of an ex-Millwall captain and number 9 is eagerly anticipated.

In the forwards things were less settled. Horne and Arnold played out of position in the pack and did themselves great credit. A new look Warren Edwards also made his comeback and is looking as quick and keen as ever. His raw talent need to be harnessed and directed this season. A challenge for any coach.

Also making a long overdue return is the new slimline Gary Hall. At 4st lighter he is mobile and still happy to pack down in the engine room despite being dwarfed even by Sean Culleton. Hall had a good day and if this was a sign of things to come a triumphant season must be on the cards for him.

In the front Row the evergreen Culleton took control. Sporting new (and very expensive) footwear he led from the front. As captain of the day he will be keen to set his mark on the season early and make the 2 shirt his own. He is no doubt looking forward to competition here from the returning Glenn Richards. He was ably flanked by Dawson and Wallbank. Both had strong games and did well to look after the tight game despite those behind them lacking in the weight department.

This season sees even more players recruited to the cause. With over 50 regular names to add to the returning Writtle students this promises to be some season. Good wins over both Pegasus sides and one of the Rayleigh teams set down a marker for the rest of the year. The Wanderers' Defence was breached only once, compared with 3 tries for the men in black and tangerine. With the season proper starting on September 13th, a tough home encounter with Westcliff 2nds, there is a lot to look forward to and much to do with the pack.