Writtle Wanderers RUFC

Writtle Wanderers RUFC
(Founded 2002)

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Writtle Wanderers 1st XV v Pegasus/Palmerians I
(Essex 3 Shadow Fixture)
by Scott Taylor

Scorers:
Tries: Rawlinson, Janes, Brown
Convs: Bull 2, Janes
Pens: Bull 3
Man of the Match: Jerome Manson

The Wanderers are shadowing the Essex 3 season this year in preparation for League Rugby in 2004/2005. On recent showings, they are not destined to be in Essex 3 for long! Already having beaten Millwall, league leaders, in the President's shield, and turning over Witham and Old Cooperians, the Writtle side faced up to Pegasus/Palmerians this weekend.

Without the mercurial Masuda at 10 and missing a raft of backline talent, this was a mixed side at best. Dotted throughout the team were steady second team boys who made up for in enthusiasm what they lacked in pace and fitness. The steady front row Theobald, Richards and Wallbank had a fantastic game, stealing ball at will, twisting and turning the visiting scrum on a sixpence and generally providing great ball for the backs to play with. Well supported by the powerhouse of Manson and your correspondent, the front 8 rumbled all day long and dominated the tight play.

The opening half hour was scoreless, unusual for the Wanderers who normally concede the early score and then chase the game. The visiting kicker was unable to capitalise on several chances, much to the delight of the home support.. Likewise Bull erred with the boot in the 8th minute. A first half littered with error and offence looked to end scoreless until the Pegasus 9 dummied all at the scrum to rampage towards the Home line. With only Compo Dempsey to beat he must surely score. The robust Orange fullback, an ex League Man, put in a shoulder high tackle, more at home in the wilds of Dewsbury than in genteel Mid-Essex. Nonetheless the referee played on despite the dazed Pegasus 9, and the lines were cleared.

3 Minutes later and step up Dempsey once more. This time the rangy 13 for Pegasus breaks with the Home backs floundering in his wake. Again the fullback saved the day with a sublime tap tackle that took both the legs and breath away from the Pegasus man. Dempsey's victim departed the field shortly after, the day saved yet again by Compo. Neither side looked able to exert their dominance on the scorecard, but with Pegasus looking unlikely to break the home defence the match turned on a runaway score.

In the 34th minute Bull was isolated deep in the Pegasus 22 and the ball was hacked through by the defending backs. The chase was on with several careering Clementines chasing the unstoppable Yellow and Blue fullback. He was to win the chase and take the lead 0-5. The riposte was swift and deadly. The Tangerine Tight 5 turned up the pressure to take clean ball against the head at the Pegasus scrum 30 metres out. The scrum was turned expertly opening the field for Rawlinson. He rolled back the years and streaked in from 30 yards out with McKenna following. Bull coverts to take an 7-5 lead to half time.

The second half saw the mighty Morgan Barrett, returned from long term injury, take the field. Sotriades also slipped in for the ever improving Swain. This was to signal a period of dominance in scrum and lineout unparalleled in Wanderers' history. With McKenna and Manson performing so well at the line, and with the visiting scrum already broken, the ball seemed to gravitate towards the Orange forwards at every opportunity.

Sadly so much so that they were often caught handling on the floor. 48 Minutes in and Pegasus capitalise on this taking an 7-8 lead. The Pegasus kicker slotting the most difficult kick of the day. It was the last time the Essex 3 side were to see the lead. The next score coming only 7 minutes later. Again the scrum ball was taken off Pegasus with Rawlinson popping to Bull. He chips through for Janes on the charge to chase to the line. The Pegasus fullback overran the ball leaving the channel open for Janes to capitalise, Bull stepping off to finish his handiwork and take the lead to 14-8.

From then on it was a story of pressure. Messo took the field but failed to capitalise and honours fell to Bull in the 57th, 68th and 74th minute to add three further penalties, 23-8 the score. The penalties coming from relentless pressure exerted by the Orange Olympians in the tight.

The match was beautifully rounded off on the stroke of full time with Bull, Janes and Brown linking in midfield. Brown ended up with the ball streaking down the far side. With the chasing man gaining on him Brown stood up his man superbly and cut in to score under the posts. Bull's conversion sealed the win, the 30-8 score line not reflective of the effort and commitment shown by the visitors.

The ability to grind out a win with the boot is a facet of the Wanderers' game not seen before. It is refreshing to know that the ability is there in time of need and this will be vital with competitive league games to play for. The pack in the meantime must now work on their fitness. The skill and strength are there in abundance, all that is needed to make this a class outfit is stamina. Meanwhile it is important that as many of the boys as possible train. The Wanderers game is becoming more and more technical as their game develops and those who don't make Mondays miss out.

Ongar I v Writtle Wanderers 1st XV
(Essex 3 Shadow Fixture)
by Scott Taylor

Scorers:
Tries: Messo 4, Arnold, Cooknell, Battye, Dempsey, Janes, Sizer
Convs: Battye 7
Man of the Match: Mark Dempsey

The men in Orange continued their Essex 3 shadow games this week in emphatic style with a 10 try romp over an out of sorts Ongar. Despite a number of enforced changes, and new faces to include in the pack, the visitors were quickly into their stride from the kick off.

The windy conditions let the kick drop into the path of the rampaging Janes on the 22. The lay off to Rowan saw the Turgid Tangerine break more tackles and drive neatly into midfield. Bringing up the rear was Howarth, with a rare start at 8, who took the offload beautifully. The ball came back to Janes for a scorcher of a try. With less than a minute on the clock, and your correspondent still making his way to the pitch from his car, Battye stepped up for the extras.

The early score seemed to galvanise the Ongar side, who threw everything at the Luminous Legends for the next 17 minutes. It was to no avail with the defence under the marshalling of the experienced Battye and Dempsey, holding firm and cutting out the try scoring passes to the dismay of the home support. 18 minutes in and the Wanderers had ascendancy in the scrummage - a nice feature of recent games. With Theobald and Wallbank cementing their relationship with Richards in the front row it was no loss to see the two swapped at half time for Dawson and debutante Darryl Newport. Back to play and the visiting front row took superb ball against the head, catching the Ongar defence flat footed and too shallow, the ball was spun to Janes who slipped it wide to Messo. With three men to beat the Turbocharged Tangerine slipped up a gear and tightened the throttle to scorch around the three defenders leaving them awestruck and flailing. Battye added the 2.

A fantastic try from Battye 4 minutes later saw him power through 4 defenders and convert his own try whilst 8 minutes later Paul "Florence Nightingale" Arnold opened his account when another scrum ball against the feed was spun wide with him the beneficiary. At half time with the scores at 0-26 the axe was wielded and several forwards changes were made. 4 of the front 5 were changes with only Richards missing the drop. Arnold also rested with Hyscock stepping into position. What Wallbank and Theobald offered in speed, grace and tackling, Newport and Dawson compensated for in power and command. 4 very different props and yet each bringing so much to the table. Morris and Slaughter also stepped into the second row in favour of Manson and Kennie "G" Wilson, power and experience replaced with keenness and athleticism.

Slaughter was right into his stride with tight ball won at the line out 5 minutes into the second half. The maul formed superbly with Cooknell popping up in Neil Back's shoes to go over for his first of the season. The only truck and trailer in sight rattled along the nearby A414.

Move onto the 54th minute and what can only be described as a Messo Fest kicked off. A total of 19 points added in the space of 4 minutes must have been the dagger in the heart to the home players. His second of the game saw a 40m solo effort with a gather from Janes in midfield. He ghosted through and around tackles for a sublime score. Next Rowan slipped Messo the finest of passes, the ball having worked through the hands with the easiest of scores to make. The try flurry finished with the traditional cross field Messo Crab. His ears pinned back and legs like Roadrunner he saw the gap where there was none and made it through for his 4th of the game, the scores now at 0-50.

Perhaps encouraged by his back 3 partner David "The Eel" Rowan embarked on the sort of folly one expects from Victorian adventurers deep in the jungle. The deep kick gathered he threw the ball in to himself with a full 50 yards between himself and the closing defence/his own side. With his whole team offside the Eel had some work to do and gratefully (and
breathlessly) met opposition in midfield. Dodging through first one, then two and three tackles he managed to conjure the ball into the hands of Janes who streaked for the try line. Held up short with a magnificent cover tackle he looked to have injured his shoulder, happily he will be fit for the next clash. A classic demonstration from the Club President, of triumph through adversity - surely the Club motto.

Moving into the last 10 minutes and forward domination showed again. Great harrying from Szyczak and his back row caused chaos in the Ongar ranks. Mark "Marky Mark" Sizer being rewarded for his support efforts with his first of the season. Battye back on song with the conversion. This was followed by a sad event with Redfern, on the field for no more than 15 minutes, penalised for a late tackle and subsequently yellow carded for fighting when the opposing second row took offence. On the plus side he got more chance to rest his damaged calf. Both players left the field all smiles and laughter.

In the closing seconds Mark "Portly Northern Gent" Dempsey was to capitalise on a strong charge from Newport. The Silvery Prop was cruelly held up short just in front of the posts but the quick ruck ball let Dempsey, in at stand off, over for the score.

A strong performance again, but the Writtle side must make sure that complacency does not creep into their game. January and February see some stronger tests where structure and sheer bloody mindedness are more likely to be match winners than pace and invention. If this side are serious about moving up through the Essex Leagues, they must start to train as a unit. This will result in them playing and winning like one.

The only ray of sunshine on this bleak and bleary day was the morning's staggering result down under. That and the fumes of beer and spirits emanating from the touchline and most of the Wanderers players who bravely and selflessly turned out on the wettest day of 2003.

It was always going to be a difficult game under normal circumstances, but when one spends the morning celebrating deliriously any thoughts of taking the field for a tough contest such as this will surely take a backseat. So three cheers to the men who donned the orange a black to enable this game to go ahead. Needless to say a number of key players were notable by their absence but the strength that the Wanderers show in depth meant that 19 players rolled out for the match.

In the game within a game the front 5 performed excellently against the feisty home pack. With any number of balls taken against the head in the scrum by the combative captain, Glenn Richards, and with Morris and Blunt towering at the lineout the Wanderers backline had more ball than they knew what to do with. Unfortunately the usual blend of pace and handling deserted the visiting side in these hideous conditions. Each time the ball was won the forwards seemed to trundle back to yet another scrum, giving away yardage every time. Writing as a forward it is a heartbreaking sight to win so much possession and yet lose ground at every turn. Still - the makeshift backline must be congratulated, firstly for turning up, and secondly for their commitment to the club and the game in general.

It started well with Rowan slotting 3 on the stroke of 15 minutes. Sadly these were to be the last points of the game and as the Chelmsford backline realised the game was there for the taking the pressure was turned on. Gaps opened in midfield where previously there had been none. The sorcerer drafted in by Chelmsford worked his magic and unlocked the Writtle defence at every turn. With 25 unanswered points in the second half this game ran away from the Writtle side with time to spare. Chelmsford oozed quality in defence and attack and many players in this strong second team must surely be knocking on the door of a first team squad position. If not, why not?

Now - time for a confession. Your correspondent suffered a double blow on Saturday. Turning 32 on the day of the world cup final, and a match day, is not to be recommended. Owing to the volume of ale and port hammered down his neck before 10.00am it is somewhat difficult to give a lucid account of the game.

What was clear to all watching however, was the commitment of the Writtle men. Without them there would have been no game and more would have succumbed to the lure of all day drinking and being home in bed by 7.00pm. Happily they did not. They competed well for the first 50 minutes despite a depleted backline. Their forwards taught the Chelmsford pack a lesson they should learn from and all in all the watching millions (well, tens) had a good day out.

It is true that the Wanderers crashed to their first defeat of the season and it is a bitter pill to swallow. Those players who made themselves unavailable must look at this result and ask themselves some searching questions. The sheer commitment of their team-mates meant that a game went ahead after all, but the men from Writtle were always up against it. Next week sees Canvey Island visiting Lordship Lane. The Orange men must put on a show next week and exorcise the ghosts of this hideous defeat. A black cloud descended over Writtle on Saturday, it must be lifted next weekend.

Writtle Wanderers 1st XV v Canvey Island II
(BL Merit Table - Div 3)
by Scott Taylor

Scorers:
Tries: Clark 2, Szyczak, Morris, Brown
Con: Battye
Pen: Battye
Man of the Match: Matt Morris

The men in Tangerine got back to winning ways, with a fully sober side and the bitter memory of drunken defeat to local arch-nemeses still fresh in their minds.

Sadly your correspondent was busily overseeing the 2nd XV in their game against Stortford, however word of mouth reports confirm that this was vintage Wanderers.

With Redfern guesting at inside centre, with the ever present Brown outside him, the backline had a solid feel to it. Clark fully returned from injury and Iles, back from his World Cup layoff, ignited the backs early with Clark pinching 2 for his efforts.

It was the pack that dominated, a wonderful spectacle of late. This side has traditionally been a back line outfit. This season has seen the pack step up to the plate with a new found faith in their own ability. Man of the Match Morris mixed it marvellously in the middle of the melee with Manson, majestic and magnificent, at his side throughout the match. The result? Morris stormed over for his first try since Noah started knocking up the Ark and his first in the Writtle colours to be met with rapturous applause from the watching dozens.

Also worthy of note were Szyczak who becomes more abrasive week on week, both on and off the field. In going over for his poached score he brought the crowd to it's feet and the Canvey men to their knees. Battye had a traditionally solid game at 10 with his partner in crime, Redfern, protecting him well from inside centre. Battye will wish to take his outside man to task next week over the weak drop kick attempt. It is worth noting that there have been no drop goals scored by the Orangemen all season, a trend that looks likely to continue on Redfern's showing. The Chairman, for one, pledges the sum of £5.00 to the first player to score a winning drop goal for the side. The money must be safe where it is for some time to come.

As ever the front row were solid, with Richards getting under his opposite man's skin enough to warrant the Canvey hooker taking a 10 minute rest in the final quarter of the match. Neil "The Housewife's Choice" Theobald is taking his rugby seriously this year, and it shows. There is nothing to say about Wallbank that hasn't been said already. His Bald Cockermouth Pate could be seen bobbing around the field like a balloon in the wind. He is at every breakdown and puts in a tremendous amount of work in the loose and tight.

Finally a warm welcome back to the club for JJ Bosman, Writtle Wednesday captain. In his past two outings he has suffered injury in the orange shirt. This week he waltzed through unscathed, and had a fantastic game to boot. His dark and unseen work at the breakdown securing fast and useful ball for his fellow back row, Hall (who stepped into the 8 shirt as though he was born in it) and Jim "Bendy" Cooknell who improves on the open side every weekend.

The club celebrated this victory, and rightly so. They are right back in the winning habit after an aberration last week. March 6th must be a red letter day in every Wanderer's diary, and if the players don't know why they should be checking their fixture cards.

The first outing of the season for the second string was a happy sight in itself. With Dawson, the hooker captain, leading from the front it was always going to be a gutsy encounter. He had a great game and was well supported in his work by Sullivan and Howarth, no longer a front row virgin.

Dawson rallied his troops from the off, with Sizer, Swain and Wilson tackling their well drilled opponents like dervishes. New imports. Albert, Hamish and Grant, Zim students from over the road, played excellently and what's more really enjoyed themselves despite the score line. If these boys want to commit to Saturdays a bright future and a very warm welcome awaits them.

Simon Cook stepped into the 10 shirt this week with often inspirational results. His back injury is a concern for the club, as well as for him, as when this boy cuts loose he leaves defenders in his wake line a speedboat. Also returning from a long vacation was Matt Challinor, the combative tackler and straight runner. How this side has missed his talent and aggression in the tackle and he is a welcome return. Completing the home backline was a relative stranger to the game. Adrian Blythe taking the field in his first full game in home colours impressed. By his own admission he saw less ball than he would have liked, but this soccer convert has talent and pace and it can surely only be a matter of time before he adjusts to the game.

The Orangemen were blessed this week by the kindness of their visitors. 2 Storts men selflessly pulled on the Orange shirts to complete a full 15 for the hosts 2nd team. And what a game they both had. Playing fast and loose, in a tour rugby style, they did their level best to upset the applecart and their Storts colleagues to boot. Sadly it was not to be.

Blunt turned up at the crucial moment. The home side had leaked 4 tries to the Storts outfit and needed a stopgap. Blunt provided this well and stepped in with his forward colleagues to take his place in the defensive line. For virtually the whole of the first half the Wanderers were pinned in the sloping corner of the pitch, victims to both topography and weather. Despite conceding 5 tries during the first half their courage and self belief must be applauded and they came away from the game with credit in that the second half was a 5-5 draw.

Kenny "Songbird" Wilson scored a fantastic bullocking try from 10 yards out. By the end of his night shift the distance was likely to have swelled to nearer 50, but no-one would begrudge this giant of a man such a popular score.

Now - onto the most important man on the pitch, the guardian of fair play and the arbiter of justice. Who could this caped hero be? Surely not - could this be your correspondent taking the field with whistle and card?

It's fair to say that the referee played an absolute blinder. He was at every ruck, often in the way and on one occasion got carried away and became involved. His defensive work was outstanding, finding himself pole position in the defensive line at every opportunity. The ref cannot be accused of bias - he hindered each team equally with is excellent positional awareness. Awarding only 5 penalties in the whole 80 minutes (in fact it was nearer 70) he must surely be in mind for a Super 12 ref's berth. Any representatives from the IRB watching must have noticed his talent and the iron grip of discipline he exerted over the game.

The game was played in excellent spirits and Storts IV must be welcome visitors to any club. They have an excellent blend of youth, skill and experience. The handling skills on display from both sides must be applauded. On a day when the rain ploughed into the field some of the bootstrap pickups from both teams were beyond belief.

For a referee's first game one could not ask for better teams. I certainly had a good day out and I hope both sides did, apart from the Storts blind side and his mystery try!