Southwold 38-22 Wisbech
27th September 2014
Match Report written by Anthony Bohncke

Southwold welcomed Wisbech to the common this past Saturday looking to make it 3 wins out 3 against one of teams who came down to Eastern Counties 1 this year. Southwold know they needed to be in top form for this test early in the season.

Southwold started the game with intensity and were creating inroads in the Wisbech half. The forwards were working hard to build a good platform for the backs to work off. When the opportunities arose the ball was passed out wide where Ben Balls and Richie Thickitt could attack the space.

The forwards were able to carry the ball forward into the centre off the pitch with conviction. Josh Crick cut a line in the midfield, offloaded to Jonny Stephenson who was snaffled close to the line. Quick ball enabled Chippy Middleditch to dart over for the opening try, 7-0 to Southwold.

From this energetic start from Southwold, Wisbech began to start playing their game. They were able to use their forwards to work up the pitch and starve Southwold of the ball, before a poor kick chase from the home side allowed Wisbech to use their pace out wide to run in a neatly worked try, 7-5 to Southwold.

Southwold were enjoying possession and territory when the ball was turned over, Wisbech were able to attack with pace and exploit an organised defence. Wisbech were able support each other and offload in the tackle before running in another try 7-12 to Wisbech. In quick succession, Wisbech were also able to add a penalty from just outside the Southwold 22 to make the score 7-15 to Wisbech.

This try from Wisbech demanded a response from Southwold and the team knew they needed to come back with the next score. A like for like change in the pack saw Stuart Butler enter the fray and immediately the forwards were on the front foot. Southwold were again playing the rugby in the Wisbech 22 and from a well worked lineout move, James Hall was able to take advantage from an open blindside to pick and go from the ensuing ruck to score in the corner 14-15 to the visitors at the interval.

Southwold started the second half keen to turn their hard work into points. However, frustratingly Wisbech benefitting from a loose pass stole an intercept try as 'wold were pushing forward. It was looking like it was just not going to be Southwold's day. Fortunately this was to be their last points of the game.

Southwold started to show that they were the stronger, fitter side. The forwards were again carrying the ball forwards well and working together to build opportunities.

Josh Crick cut another fantastic line off the shoulder of Rob Owles from 6 meters out, scything through the line, and diving over for the 4th try.

From another sustained period of pressure inside the Wisbech half and excellent forward play, James Hall was able to score his second try off the game from the bottom of a pile of players, 24-22 to Southwold.

With the game nearing its conclusion, Southwold, who were only leading by two, were clearly playing the most of the rugby. Following a series of sustained pressure, Southwold began carrying with intent looking to bust through the line, after multiple phases in 'red zone', Sam Webb forced his way over to score close to the posts, Chippy Middleditch again converting the try, 31-22 to Southwold.

From the resulting restart, Darren Fisher was able to catch the restart unopposed and sprint right through the Wisbech defence. He was able to run up to the 22 before Ben Balls, who was sprinting up in support was able to collect the ball from a lovely switch pass to score, an excellent try to round off a whole team performance. This try concluded the scoring to make the final score, Southwold 38-22 Wisbech.

This makes it three wins out of three for Southwold who have started the season in good from. The summer fitness is clear to see, especially in tale end of this game. Southwold do not have a game next week, but they travel to Ely on the 11th October for an early top of the table clash!

MoM Rob Owles