Attacking Intent and Dominant Scrum Too Much for Visitors
Rugby Result: Wimbledon 29 - 7 Maidenhead
The Wimbledon scrum about to win a penalty try. Picture: Wimbledon Rugby
Given that this convincing 29-7 victory over Maidenhead was only this squad’s second league match the future looks bright for the forthcoming season. Their attacking play is exciting to watch and can only get even better as the season progresses.
But for a number of unforced errors, particularly in the second half, plus the referee penalising Don’s increasingly dominant set scrum (a big improvement on last week) the winning margin would have been far greater. But the try-bonus point win will do for now.
It took just two minutes for Wimbledon to open the scoring; signalling their intention to play attacking rugby, they opted for a kick to touch instead of a certain three points from a penalty in front of the posts, and the pack drove over from the ensuing lineout, hooker Dave Wayman touching down for the five points.
They looked to be on the point of scoring for most of the next 20 minutes, with the pack – faster and more efficient at the breakdown than Maidstone - constantly gaining ground before putting the backs away, but they failed to capitalise on their wealth of possession. Then the visitors had a good ten minute period, testing Dons’ defence, which held up well. The last ten of the half was all Wimbledon again, a fine turnover on half-way gave wing Ollie Kitto the ball and before anyone could shout “Go Ollie” he’d gone and was scoring in the corner 50m upfield. In the final minute successive driving mauls eventually secured a penalty try and the half closed with Wimbledon leading 17-0.
The second half started like the first with a try for wing Tom Milner just three minutes in following a nice half-break by scrum half Owen Davies after half a dozen of his forwards, led by no.8 Mark Scott, had powered their way deep into Maidenhead’s half. But after several near misses by Wimbledon the visitors had a strong ten minute period and running a good line their no.8 was able to run in under the posts. The simple conversion brought the score line to an unrepresentative 22-7. But Dons’ fullback Charlie Maskrey then nearly rounded of a flowing backs move only to be tackled 2m short, though still able to flick the ball over the tackler’s head to give Milner his second try. James Moffat, on for the limping Steve Boatman put over a fine conversion from near the touchline and it was 29-7.
Next week Wimbledon travel away to Hertford, who have also had two wins out of two.
Wimbledon Squad v Maidenhead: 1. Nathaniel Opedo, 2. Dave Wayman. 3. Josh Bayford (C). 4. Tom Edwards. 5. Jack Cooke (VC). 6. Ted Bunn. 7. Joey Goldsmith. 8. Mark Scott. 9.Owen Davies. 10. Steve Boatman. 11.Tom Milner. 12. Alex Pickersgill. 13. Paul Hendry. 14. Ollie Kitto. 15.Charlie Maskrey. 16. Bradley Ugodulunwa. 17 Tom Gulland. 18. James Moffat.
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September 13, 2021