Writtle Wanderers RUFC

Writtle Wanderers RUFC
(Founded 2002)

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Ilford Wanderers 2nd XV v Writtle Wanderers 2nd XV
(John Adler Trophy - Quarter Final)

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There was plenty to play for at Fox Burrows Lane with both sides in desperate need of points and sitting in the lower regions of the league. A sodden pitch coupled with persistent rain meant a flowing game for the purist was never going to be on the cards, but both sides still managed to put up an admirable display.

It was Millwall, playing with the wind and slope in the first half, who had the better of the opening exchanges. Their fly-half tested the Writtle backs with several tricky high balls into the 22 but could not force an error. Slightly against the run of the game, it was the Wanderers who scored first. Scrum-half Tim Janes broke free from the back of a scrum, releasing wing Will Fitzgerald who showed good pace to cover 30 metres to the try line.

Millwall came straight back at the home side and continued to utilise the services of their strong running No. 13 who was proving to be a real threat. It was the centre that equalled the score with a powerful run through the Writtle defence to touch down under the posts. With the kick converted the visitors edged into the lead 7 -5.

Despite having more territory, Millwall were struggling to add to their points tally and the Wanderers made the most of it. In a repeat of their first try, Fitzgerald, this time fed by centre Adam Jones, showed a clean pair of heels to score again in the corner.

Turning round at half time with a slender 3 point lead, the Wanderers enjoyed more of the ball in the second 40 minutes. The front three of John Smillie, Glen Richards and Mark Cleary were performing superbly in terrible conditions and continued to retain the ball for the home side. Despite the possession, converting this into points was proving difficult for Writtle with a combination of spoiled chances with ball in hand and kicker Steve Clark struggling with the conditions to add to the score with the boot.

More good work from the forwards, in particular Man of the Match Gary Hall and Wayne Symons, forced another penalty. This time, Clark found his range and took the score to 13 – 7. Millwall were not to go down without a fight and lifted their game to ensure a tense final 10 minutes. The home side found themselves camped in their own 22 as the clock ticked down, but their defence managed to see out the storm to secure the Wanderers a much needed win.

The Wanderers now face a tough challenge against Ilford next week but will take heart from this win and look for a strong second half of the season.

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A disappointing display saw the Wanderers draw a blank on Saturday. With their opponents sitting 5 places above them in the table this was always going to be a tough challenge for the home side and that proved to be the case.

Ilford played with the wind & slope in the first half & used this to their benefit, pinning Writtle in their own 22 for long periods. The pressure soon turned into points with a converted try. Writtle were struggling to deal with what was a simple but effective game plan from Ilford, combining a kicking game to the corner along with utilising their strong running forwards. Unable to win much ball, Writtle were drawn into committing too many penalties in the contact areas. Finally the referee lost his patience and sent Richard to the sin bin. Ilford made the most of their additional man and added second converted try to their tally before half time.

Writtle started the second period in a more positive manner and did initially ask some questions of the visitors defence. However, frustratingly the ball continued to be turned over with the Ilford side often showing more desire and speed to get to the breakdown. Unable to secure any clean ball, Writtle seemed to run out of ideas and Ilford went back on the offensive. Following a long period of Ilford pressure, another 2 tries were scored to see the visitors run out winners by 24- 0.

Writtle must now pick themselves up for a Presidents Shield quarter final next week against Millwall. They go into this game with a recent league win against their opponents and will hope for a repeat result in the Cup.

"A big thank you to everyone in the cup squad on Saturday! Despite the defeat we all gave our best to a man and gave it everything we had. Sadly we were beaten by the better side on the day; I would however like to give one name a mention and that's Cookie, who had the unenviable task of picking the final team with a little input from myself! Thanks also to those who didn't quite make the squad for coming to support. There's always next year!

Cheers,