Writtle Wanderers RUFC

Writtle Wanderers RUFC
(Founded 2002)

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3rd March 2007

It was a case of the irresistible force meeting the immoveable object on Saturday as the Writtle Wanderers and league rivals Dagenham played out a scoreless draw at the Writtle College playing fields. With both sides sitting on 18 points in Essex League One and with only points difference splitting the two, it always promised to be a close contest and this very much proved to be the case.

The visitors started the stronger from the kick off and seemed to catch Writtle on the back foot with some aggressive running and clearance from the ruck. Dagenham secured the first scoring opportunity as Writtle conceded a penalty twenty five meters out. Kicking duties fell to the Dagenham scrum-half who found the breeze to much to handle as his effort went well wide.

Writtle managed to get a little more structure into their game as the first half progressed. Their closest try scoring moment came courtesy of a good break from No. 8, Mark Rawlinson, who latched onto an inside pass to break clear. Having stepped his man and homed in on the Dagenham try line, he looked around for support which, sadly for Writtle, failed to arrive and was caught by the Dagenham defence.

Both sides were finding it hard to find space and create any clear scoring opportunities. Forced passes and knocks-on were doing little to help in the quest for points.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first with much endeavour but nothing to show for either side. It was Dagenham who caused the greatest threat to troubling the referee's score card as they embedded themselves in Writtle's twenty-two for some ten minutes. Their best chance came with a scrum straight under the posts. The plan was clear to all with a man dropping back into the pocket for the drop goal attempt but a poor pass resulted in the ball being fumbled and the referee's pencil remaining firmly in his pocket.

A long range penalty attempt from Writtle's fly-half, Will Young and another effort from scrum-half Phil Robinson failed to convert and the game finished with the only winners being the defence of both sides.

Writtle hold on to 4th spot in the table with only four games to play. They now have two friendly weekends before they take up the challenge to become the first team to beat high flying Billericay on their own turf.

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10th March 2007

Scorers:
Tries: Richards 2, Janes, Hariram, Yardley
Convs: Rowan 3
Man of the Match: Entire Team

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17th March 2007

Scorers:
Tries: Clark, Young T
Convs: Clark 2
Man of the Match: John Smillie

Writtle travelled to Billericay tasked with being the first team this season to beat their hosts on their own turf.
With Billericay only a game away from Twickenham in the EDF Energy Vase, the Wanderers could have expected to come up against a side holding back for next week's semi-final, but with Billericay having the added incentive of knowing that a win to secure the Essex One title, this proved not to be the case.

The Wanderers held the advantage of both the slope and breeze in the first half and knew that they needed to build up a decent lead to defend as the game went on. Prop John Smillie was leading by example with some raging bull like runs, constantly gaining yards. Early signs were good for the men in orange with fullback Steve Clark latching on to centre Tim Janes' offload and breaking through a Billericay tackle to score. Clark converted to open up a 7-0 lead.

This early score seemed to give the home side the kick start they needed and they began to force the Wanderers on to the back foot. What ensued was a half with Billericay holding much of the possession and Writtle relying on counter attacking breaks from their own half.

Billericay cut into the Wanderers lead taking 3 points with a penalty kick. They were then further aided as Writtle lost Tommy Young to the sin bin for 10 minutes. During this period the Wanderers found themselves under relentless pressure and despite gutsy defence something had to give, with Billericay being awarded a penalty try for one infringement too many.

With the scores at 10 - 7 at the reverse, the Wanderers always had a steep hill to climb in the second half. Billericay began to show just why they have been sitting pretty at the top of the league since the start of the season and whilst the Wanderers' forwards were showing parity in the scrums and line outs, the Billericay forwards seemed to be hitting the rucks and mauls that bit quicker and as a result securing more ball.

When released, the Billericay backs attacked decisively and with pace, frequently creating overlaps and with them, try scoring opportunities. More scores were inevitable despite Writtle's efforts and 3 further tries came. To their credit, the Wanderers efforts continued right up to the final whistle and Young gained some consolation with a try, converted by Clark.

The Wanderers have two league games left and must win both to stand a chance of reaching their goal of a top four finish.

Scorers:
Tries: Yardley, Jones C, Denenga, Nicolle
Pens: Rowan 2
Man of the Match: Colin Jones

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24th March 2007

Scorers:
Tries: Coyle 3, Janes 2, Haylett, Denenga, Horne, Tripcony
Convs: Rowan 3
Man of the Match: Mike Tripcony

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31st March 2007

Scorers:
Tries: Janes 2, Nicolle 2, Smillie 2, Middleton, Rawlinson, W Young
Convs: Clark 6
Pen: Clark
Man of the Match: Dave Hyett

The Wanderers racked up the points in their final home league game of the season. Their opposition was Upper Clapton, a side who's position at the bottom of the table does not truly reflect their abilities. A ten point deduction was inflicted upon them by the league a few weeks ago and without it they would have been in the top half of the ladder.

A strong wind blowing down the pitch had a heavy influence throughout the game and it was the visitors who had the advantage in the first half. Upper Clapton were the first off the mark as the Wanderers attempted to run the ball from their own twenty two, only to see a pass intercepted by the Upper Clapton wing who ran though to score. Following this wake up call for the men in orange, Writtle began to offer more in attack with hooker Dave Hyett often the catalyst for all things good in offence. The Wanderers were soon back on level terms when wing John Nicolle left two men in his wake to score under the posts.

What then followed was a frantic period of play, helped largely by an apparent lack of desire to tackle by both sides! The game swung from end to end, often resulting in scores. Mark Rawlinson finished off a good move in the corner and skipper Tim Janes finished off a 70 metre run from Steve Clark to score. Wing Neil Middleton then got in on the act with a try of his own. Upper Clapton were keeping their own score ticking over with two further tries to see the half end at 26 - 17 to the Wanderers.

With a half time discussion based largely on cutting out mistakes and keeping the ball in hand, Writtle opened up the second half in a positive manner and edged further ahead with a Clark penalty. With a clear pace advantage in the backs and their opposition tiring, more scores were soon to come. Janes and Nicolle both danced through to double their try tally. Not to be out-done by the flying backs, prop John Smillie grabbed a pair himself, firstly showing good speed to score and then a second following a good catch and drive from a line out. Fly half Young also touched down in the corner to add to the visitors misery. Upper Clapton showed some character to battle right up to the final whistle and ended the game with a consolation try.

With only one game to play, the Wanderers travel to Maldon who currently sit one place above them. With only a point separating the teams, a win for either could secure third place in the league, depending on results below.