1st XV Match Report

Date: 5th December 2009

A dramatic try in the last play of the game from stand-in captain, Robin Wildey clinched an unlikely league victory at home to Harberdashers. With time up on the clock Vees secured line out possession at the half way line and powered forward with a series of surging runs close to the breakdown resulting in Haberdashers killing the ball and conceding the penalty. Vees opted to run and kept it tight again resulting in Wildey crashing over under the posts.

Haberdashers dominated the first half with a controlled kicking game and some incisive running from their backs. Covering tackles from centre Woolley, fullback Westhead and the impressive back row unit of Coyle, Moralee and Morgan, saving Vees from conceding early tries. Haberdashers took the lead with a penalty before extending with three tries in quick concession out wide as Vees struggled to contain the visitors. With time running out in the first half and their backs against the wall, a few substitutions were made with Pugh on at 8, moving Moralee out to the wing and club stalwart Paul McGoohan on in the front row for injured Tromans. Strong running from the Vees back row brought play just short of the line give the opportunity for Wildey to barge over the line for his first try. Viner stepped up to add the extra’s and take Vees into the break only 20-7 down.

A stirring speech from coach Andy Wakeling and Vees took to the field for the second half with a clear game plan. Vees noticeably stronger in the tight would have to show the discipline to keep the ball and play a territory game. Vees got an early chance to get some points on the board, but missed a penalty attempt, only for Haberdashers to go straight down the field and get a penalty of their own. 7-23. But Vees kept the pressure on using the strong ball carriers of Coyle, Pugh, Molyneux, Mashavira and Graham to punch holes close to the break down. Eventually the score came, from a scrum just inside the Haberdashers 22. Ex-Verulam School captain Chris Pugh picked up from 8 and drove straight through three would be tacklers to score - 14-23. Sensing a shift in momentum Vees kept with the same tactics attacking close and it didn’t take long for veteran 9 Trevor Munien to show he’s still devastating from 10 yards with a show of the ball through the gap and under the posts. 21-23 with 5 minutes to play. Vees got up to the Haberdashers try line again but sensing the unlikely victory looked to spread the ball wide, only to be tackled, turned over and find themselves defending their own try line. Stout Vees defence ended up turning over the ball and earning a penalty much to the relief of Harry Grey and the old boys on the side line. Viner kicked for touch earning good field position. Tyler was on target yet again in the line out to find Wildey for a catch and drive up field. With Munien marshalling the forwards, the rest of the Vee backs could only marvel at the controlled, discipline play of the forwards as they worked their way up field. Driving off the mauls, picking from the rucks. Haberdashers inevitably killed the ball ten yards out. With time up on the clock Vees ran again, Pugh taking the crash ball, followed by Coyle and then Morgan. With the backs screaming out wide for a four man overlap, Munien called for the forward drive again. Captain Robin Wildey was on hand to power over under the posts. Viner added the extra’s to cap off one of the greatest come backs in Cotlandswick history. 28-23 

Report by Trevor Munien