Warriors weaken against Mersea Island
Match Report
Eastern Counties 1 league match - Saturday 15 December 2012
Mersea Island 18 v Woodbridge Warriors 3
Woodbridge absorbed some energetic challenges in early skirmishes and clearly intended to play the game in Mersea’s half given they had the slope and wind with them despite heavy going. Mersea mauled from lineouts and their No 8, Brendan Cooke, rampaged from the back of the scrum passing to Mathew Rose who took the ball to the Warriors 22. This forced Josh Kimber to clear from stolen ball but Mersea’s full back, Jordan Day, just ran it back as the tackle count rose, Warriors John Yorke and Jamie Pearson taking some big hits. Woodbridge had the edge on territory and their scrum was working very well which allowed Josh Kimber to take 3 points on the quarter mark.
Although the supply of good ball must have frustrated the Mersea runners their counterparts were finding it equally hard to turn better possession and geography into points. Josh Kimber missed another shot at goal and all too often the Warrior attack ran out of numbers or fumbled a slippery ball and missed a number of opportunities. As the half ended Mersea built a couple of good attacks although Jon Williams failed to take 3 points and they went into the break Woodbridge three points up.
Mersea restarted with a spirited attack on the right and recycled quickly out left for Ed Holland to score wide. The Woodbridge pack responded by repeatedly shoving hard but failed to take possession, Jon Williams distributing well and the front row Cawtheray brothers receiving some serious rucking from Jez Hannon, Dan Bond and Ben Cope. Chasing hard Mersea made Josh Kimber, now at full back, run from deep and won a scrum from which Ed Holland scored again, their backs clearly finding the traction to link well despite the mud.
Woodbridge continued to try and kick for advantage but found all too often the ball returning faster and more threatening than the first half. The pressure yielded a Mersea penalty for Jon Williams and despite a deep attack, led by the tirelessly driving Warrior no8 Jono Cooke, the home team took their breaks more efficiently, Paul Le Marquand at 12 especially, and were rewarded with a try for the hard-working Williams on the whistle for a patient Mersea victory.
Mersea Island 18 Woodbridge Warriors 3
Media contacts
For further information please WRUFC contacts; Simon Ballard on 07766 136554,pressofficer@woodbridgerugby.net
Woodbridge Rugby Union Football Club, Hatchley Barn, Orford Road, Bromeswell, Suffolk, IP12 2PP.
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