A Team Archived News

Old Wimbledonians A XV 16 - 10 Twickenham XV: Played November 14th 2009

Match report by Steve Lewis

It is safe to say that this game was highly anticipated by all at Old Wimbledonians, the clash of the top of the table titans.

A classic cold and blustery British winters day welcomed both teams to Raynes Park and ultimately the weather dictated the style of rugby that was to be played throughout the game.

The OW's were expecting a fleet footed opposition who liked to spin the ball wide however, possibly due to the weather, Twickenham kept the ball in the tight five and gave our forwards a stern test. Needless to say the pack was up to the challenge which they met head on and showed what they were made of. With the wind behind us, Old Wimbledonians used the boot well and kept pinning the opposition down in their own half, however despite an excellent performance by Tim Sargent at fly-half and the bull dozing running of centres Stu King and Shawn Rosewarne, Old Wimbledonians could only manage 9 points in the first half, all of which came from the reliable boot of Rich Strydom.

It looked like we would take the 9-0 lead into the break until the Twickenham ten cut clean through to score just to the right of posts allowing for an easy conversation, the result being that the lead was cut to just 2 points.

With the wind now against us and injuries affecting the make up of the team, we all knew that we would have to stand up and be counted if we were to top the table. Unfortunately Sarge had to come of at half time as well as John DeBeer who appeared to have broken his nose - meaning that Phil Shaw came onto the wing, with Shawn stepping into sarge's boots at ten and lee coming on in the boiler room.

First blood in the second half went to the OW's as Ieuan Jones burrowed his way over following some impressive driving from the forwards. The following conversion was something of a match defining moment as the difficult conditions dragged Strydoms kick to the right of the upright - however an honest mistake from the OW linesman saw the points awarded to the home side which was the catalyst for the Twickenham lads to see red and become more interested in a fight than the rugby.

Not long after the conversion incident the OW's were reduced to 13 when Lee and Nick Churm were unfairly yellow carded, Nick for over zealous use of the boot despite the receiving Twickenham player clearly being on the wrong side and failing to roll away and Lee apparently being binned for being punched. The OW's battled on and despite some intense pressure in the last fifteen managed to hang on for a well deserved win and top spot in the table.

Worth a mention is the conversation between Stebbo and the opposition physio as he had his gashed eye seen to. The physio enquired as the where abouts of our physio to which Stebbo replied 'Oh no we don't have a physio', slightly taken aback she then asked what happens at training when injuries need treating to which Stebbo, in earshot of a few Twickenham lads, replied 'Oh no, we don't train' which really did rub salt into the Twickenham players wounds!

All in all despite a somewhat scrappy game, the OW's got a well deserved win and remain unbeaten in the league. As momentum builds so does the formation of a formidable squad.

Old Wimbledonian 2nd XV 29pts - Old Paulines 2XV 12pts: Played November 7th 2009

Match report by Richard Strydom

It was a hard fought win on Saturday as the 2XV maintained their unbeaten record this season. But it is no time to start walking around with big heads as Old Pauline confirmed that we are not as good as we think we are. It was the sternest test we've had and should provide a good wake up call for this Saturday's big match against Twickenham. However a win is a win and there was yet more positives to take out of this match.

It was an early kick off due to the Autumn Internationals but it was not too cold as the sun shone brightly in Thames Ditton. The same old debate as to the make up of the front row raged on until finally De Beer was convinced to make his debut at hooker. And what a convincing debut it was. The OW's played against a mild breeze in the first half and struggled to find rhythm. The scrum started slowly and the lineout's were particularly average as Adam was sorely missed. Another problem that was evident was the individualistic play and lack of cohesion between new combinations. That aside, the OW's were awarded the first kickable penalty which was pushed wide. However after setting up a few phases the ball found its way to Stu who was unstoppable and bashed over for the first try. The conversion was successful. It was Old Pauline who were on the scoreboard next as a dubious try was awarded in the corner. The divot in the pitch clearly showed that the Old Pauline player had grazed the line but the "touch judge" trundled over confidently declaring a try despite not having seen a thing as he was too busy chatting up the birds on the side of the field. The ref said he was too far away to see and although the evidence suggested otherwise the try was given. This sparked the heated chat by the OW's players which proved to be a bad idea especially with an over-emotional ref running the game. However the OW's bounced back quickly and scored a second try with the imposing Shawn smashing over in similar fashion to the first try. Strydom stepped up to nail the conversion from 5m inside the touchline. The OW's just could not hold their advantage and found themselves defending their own line not for the first time. Poor defence allowed the Old Pauline centre to find the gap and score the simplest of tries. It became clear that this game was not going to be easy as the opposition were on the scoreboard again a few minutes later with their forwards scoring from the fringe of the ruck. Half time score Old Pauline 2XV 17 - 14 Old Wimbledonians 2XV.

The half time talk pointed out the need to play as a team and secure enough possession. Too many 50/50 passes were being made when taking the ball to ground and working hard at the breakdown was all that was needed. Also not finding touch from penalties was inexcusable.

The second half was a lot more promising as the OW's scrum started to dominate forcing 3 or 4 tightheads. The lineout improved with JH managing to steal some of the opposition throw. The OW's third try came after some great running rugby with the ball moving from end to end. Finally Shawn put JT away, his pace proving too much for the opposition defence. The conversion was pulled wide. The OW's managed to maintain the pressure and forced a penalty in front of the posts. Shawn had to step up and despite his wayward warm-up, he slotted it comfortably. Old Pauline finished the stronger and the 5 point lead started to look very slender indeed. Fortunately Al Parsons was at hand to enforce a great steal at the ruck and then make a break into open space. He had a fair distance to cover and luckily he had enough gas in the tank to make it to the line. An easy conversion was put through the middle. Sadly Old Pauline managed to get a consolation try by taking the ball through the phases and scoring in the forwards. It was to be the last act of the game which was a good thing as it was clear that the OW's forwards were getting tired.

Highlights worth mentioning…Sarge put in a solid performance at flyhalf making some good breaks. The new front row combination gave a sterling display of scrumaging. And there was the massive hits made by Gus and JH fortunately being dismissed by the ref as spear tackles.

It was the kicking to goal that made the difference on the day but the ability to create tries by the OW's is still the main strength of the side. The defence is going to have to tighten up remarkably if we are to replace Twickenham at the top of the table.

Old Wimbledonians 2XV 29 - 12 Battersea Ironsides 2XV: Played October 24th 2009

Match report by Richard Strydom

Four games played and four games won. It's been a great start to the season with the AXV recording a good win over a thus far unbeaten Battersea Ironsides team. The opposition once again rocked up with a full squad (including a coach) and were running drills well before kick-off. A good 15 minutes before the start the AXV assembled to give the ol' legs a stretch and to refresh the line out calls of the forwards and the running lines of the backs.

TinTin, our last minute call up arrived just in time to take his place at hooker and it was Lee, the Kiwi, who manned up to fill in at prop. Joe got the game under way, with the OW's playing against a moderate crosswind. Battersea used the wind advantage to good effect and put in some probing kicks into the OW's 22. As usual the AXV started slowly and this was not helped by the sloppy handling errors and simple mistakes we were making. Battersea managed to play the entire first quarter in our half and if it were not for the OW's tenacious defence we would have found ourselves behind early on. We should well have been if Battersea had managed to slot two easy penalties that resulted from their relentless pressure.

It was when the OW's were able to string together a few phases that the tide started to change and some good rugby was finally being played. Adam Parsons (our answer to Victor Matfield) was once again impeccable in the line out, disrupting 95% of the opposition ball and securing most of our own. The scrum stood their ground manfully and even managed to drive the opposition back on three occasions. Another great aspect of our game was the brilliant off-loading in the tackle. This served to provide good go forward ball and put Battersea on the back foot. It was as if Stu and Scooba had been playing together for years as Stu bashed the ball up with Scooba running great lines to collect the off load.

The first try was engineered by a good turn of pace shown by JH to get the backline going. The ball made its way to JT on the wing who pinned his ears back in an attempt to get to the corner. With two tacklers coming across to shut down the space he managed to loop a pass back infield to the supporting Strydom who had an easy run in to dot down under the posts. It was from the ensuing kick off that the second try came. Joe sent a kick downfield which was responded to by a woeful up-and- under. Our forwards managed to collect and Gus found himself gunning for the line. Unfortunately a desperate tackle held him back but Palmer was at hand to take the pop and sprinted the last 20m to the line throwing in a neat goose step to avoid the chasing defence.

It was then when the AXV went back to sleep and allowed the visitors to attack our try line. After a charge down in the OW's 22, Battersea were close to crossing the line but once again the defence was monumental and a somewhat "against the run of play" try resulted. After a spill near the OW's try line the ball was swung to Joe who ran the whole length of the pitch, weaving through defenders and handing off would be tacklers to score under the sticks. That had ensured that the game was virtually won within the first half. Sadly Battersea managed to find themselves on our try line at the stroke of halftime and managed to bash around the fringes to score a typical forwards try. Halftime score Old Wimbledonians 2XV 21 - 7 Battersea Ironsides 2XV.

The second half was a far more even affair as Battersea tried to keep things tight with the pick and go tactic and the OW's trying to spread the ball as often as possible to the speedy backs. A handful of penalties were awarded to the OW's due to the persistent pressure that was being applied. After taking quick taps and setting up a line out it was decided to settle for the points and Strydom stepped up to extend the lead by 3 points. The killer blow came when Battersea made a clearance kick deep into the OW's half to gain what seemed good field position. However, Stu was back to sweep up and after breaking a tackle or two off-loaded to JT. It was as if Moses himself was at the game because the Battersea defence parted as JT ran untouched from 22 to 22. He then shrugged off an attempt at a tackle by one of the Battersea front rowers to score a scintillating try. The conversion was missed.

It was Battersea, however, who had the last say as they continuously implemented their "black ball" tactic. Although the OW's defended admirably they could not compete with the numerous penalties, some somewhat dubious, that were given against them. Eventually the wall cracked and Battersea were in at the corner after flinging the ball wide subsequent to a quick tapped penalty.

There were three highlights worth mentioning that summed up the game for the OW's. Firstly, when the Battersea prop came around the fringe after another pick and go, only to be met by Gus who unceremoniously dumped him flat on his back. Secondly, when three of the opposition had tried to set up a maul only to be driven back singlehandedly by Nick. And last but not least, when the Battersea front rower unluckily got in the way of Stu's elbow leaving the poor guy with blood streaming from his nose.

No doubt Battersea will be looking for a win on the return fixture but if the AXV can retain their players and maintain their commitment, we'll be a hard team to beat.

Red Boys 1XV 19 - 28 Old Wimbledonians 2XV: Played October 17th 2009

Match Report By James Bull

I think it is fair to state that the 'A's seem to display a remarkable ability to get things together last minute. Usually such examples include scrapping together a starting XV, or more commonly, an experienced front row. This Saturday however I endeavoured to push this theory to the absolute limit.

As the team descended upon Weybridge for their 3rd league fixture of the season it became apparent that for once we may in fact arrive on time and in an orderly fashion - a feat not previously met. However we need not have worried for in truly remarkable, yet befitting circumstances, I had managed to drag 17 of Wimbledonians finest rugby player to the outskirts of our home country for absolutely no reason whatsoever.

It soon transpired that the Red Boys were in fact a 'floating' club - meaning that they no longer played as Weybridge Vandals ground, rather the far more agreeable Wandsworth Common. Simply put, we were 20+ miles away from our opposition with 30 minutes until kick off. Superb. After a few frantic phone calls, humiliating apologies and a hastily arranged 'B' plan we hit the road in convoy back Wandworth where the Red Boys were waiting.

True to form therefore we arrived at the ground 40 minutes late. After some pitch-side changes and a re-shuffle of the squad (honourable mention to Gary, Ed and Roberto for opting to save the team a point and a player by going contested) we were ready to finally play rugby!

Despite a sizable team it soon became evident in the opening exchanges that the Red Boy's backs were the weak link. Our forwards - admirably lead by Stebbings - put in some ferocious hits which ensure we broke the gain line time and time again. It was only a matter of time therefore before first blood was drawn by the Old Wimbledonians and with Tom Harris, making his club debut as flanker, crossing the line after a smart hand-off and a mazy run we were off the mark.

Without so much as drawing breath the Wimbledonians drove forward once again- clearly wanting to make the most of having driven the best part of 50 miles before kick off. In truth however although our dominance with the ball was unquestionable this was yet to be reflected on the score sheet. Some neat breaks by Stebbings, Botha and Scooba lacked the support play they deserved and further chances to extend our lead passed by. Jonesy continued his rallying call to smarten up our act and provide clean ball for the backs but few points followed. Thankfully we managed to fend off any retort from the opposition after some heroic defending on our 5 meter line seconds from half time - going into the break with a hard fought advantage.

The second half proved a far more even affair as the Old Wimbledonians looked to exploit the raw pace in the back line whilst the Red Boys resorted to using their pack with far greater effectiveness.

Fortunately however through the formidable boot of Strydom who took his penalty count to 3 for the game and the dexterity of Botha who's long limbs managed to outstretch the flailing tackles of the Red Boys pack as he reached for the line the Old Wimbledonians started to sense victory as they notched up further points in reply to some concerted pressure from the Red Boys. The win was ours for the taking.

In spite of this timely blow, with the light fading and the toll of the morning's eventful excursion showing the Red Boys managed to force their way back in the game with a try that came after some brave defending by the Old Wimbledonians on their line. However rather than entertain the remote prospect of a Red Boys revival the Old Wimbledonians instead pick up their intensity for the closing stages of the game, and after chasing down a long boot down field from kick-off it soon fell to Ed (debut scrum half - playing as hooker!) to muscle his way over the line to seal Red Boy's fate. Strydom once again stepped up to apply the hammer blow with the conversion.

A monumental effort on all fronts which every Old Wimbledonians player should be pleased with. Undefeated and flying high in the league - final score Red Boys 1XV 19 - 28 Old Wimbledonians 2XV.

After this weeks shenanigans it is relief for all concerned that next week we play Battersea Ironsides...at HOME!

Old Wimbledonian 2nd XV 54-7 Old Freemans 2nd XV: Saturday October 10th 2009

Match Report By John De Beer

The A's found themselves at home to an unknown opposition in the form of Old Freemans 2nd XV, 'old' being the operative word when looking at their reserves.

As per usual our boys spent the warm-up session sitting in the clubhouse looking out at the opposition running drills, practising line outs, and generally looking pretty switched on. Finally with 10mins before kick-off, positions were negotiated, strategies were thrown around and Tom was wrestled into playing hooker again.

As the game got underway we found ourselves guilty of starting slowly and lacking focus which was possibly due to the pre-game loitering in the clubhouse. However as the first quarter drew to a close our backline started to come into their own and work their magic in the openings noticeably created by Scouse.

Our pack managed to successfully negotiate a much heavier and experienced scrum, and it wasn't long before the Freeman forwards were lying scattered around the field in various stages of disrepair. Soon their entire front row was replaced with a very dodgy looking ensemble of probably the oldest rugby players ever to grace the Surrey league. It took a full 10 minutes for the captain to convince the Ref that these old bullets were capable of playing rugby.

Adam was again terrific in the line-out disrupting pretty much every opposition lineout, and JH and Al spent the first half punching holes in the defence, as well as making some crunching tackles.

But it was the OW's backline that poured salt into the Freeman's wounds as Sarge at flyhalf was in fine form and interplay between Stu and Scooba in the midfield had the Freeman's chasing their tails. Some well timed chips and super handling had us heading into the break at 21-0 up.

The large score difference was not enough for our boys as they came out firing in the second half ready to drive the nail into the coffin. The fresh legs of Will and Tanikie in the backline and Damon and Lee on debut in the forwards boosted our boys to score another brace of tries within 10minutes.

Definitely worth mentioning was the powerful running of Stu in the midfield and his vicious hand-offs, one of which left the Freeman's centre whimpering on the ground in Stu's wake.

All in all it was a fantastic team effort with tries scored by Sarge, JT, Strydom, Scooba, Damon and three by Stu. Strydom's almost flawless effort with his boot saw 7 from 8 fly over the cross bar taking his points tally to 19 for the day.

Unfortunately a small slip in concentration allowed the Freemans onto the scorecard.

Final score: 54-7

Next week it's a trip down to Weybridge to play a strong outfit in the form of Red Boys XV. Last year they bossed our pack around and we lost two close encounters. If we continue playing as we have we should have no problem in despatching them and continue an unbeaten league run.

Old Wimbledonian 2nd XV 22 - 3 Old Emanuel: Saturday September 26th 2009

Match Report By Daniel Jukes

The home side's victory was based on dominance at the lineout, the tenacity of the back row and the mercurial guile of three quarters. As the OW 2XV arrived customarily fifteen minutes late, they were greeted by an Old Emanuel squad mid way through their warm up. The news soon broke that without a specialist front row; scrums would have to be uncontested and that this would at the cost of another player. The task of playing with only seven forwards against a physical Old Emanuel pack was certainly very tough but the warm, dry conditions, coupled with a wide pitch, meant that a talented back line would have plenty of space to attack. It was key that the ball was moved quickly from the break down to negate the Old Emanuel's pack advantage.

Almost immediately from the kick off, the opposition open side was harshly sin binned for a dangerous tackle on Fly Half Jo Curtis. Despite the ten minutes of numerical parity, it was not OW's who made use of it as they fell behind to well struck penalty kick. This was the last time that the defence was broken despite long periods of pressure. Adam Parsons and Nick Stebbings outstanding in their refusal to concede ground as Emanuel's pack sought to attack the fringes at rucks. So too must the work at the lineout be praised as Adam Parsons consistently read the hooker's throws to steal the ball at vital times.

James Ripley's opportunistic finish after a mix up in the Emanuel defence gave OW's a 5-3 advantage but it was Jo Curtis's solo effort that gave them control of the game. After a series of intricate kick in behind the backline, the fly half backed his running ability beating four players and scoring in the corner. However, the score line would have subsequently moved in Emanuel's favour but for further impressive tackling displays as half time approached. In truth, a number of OW's players were relieved to hear the referee blow his whistle given the demands of playing in the heat.

James Bull's rousing team talk focused on the importance of continuing to keep the ball moving quickly as Emanuel's physicality would weigh heavily of them as the game wore on. Credit must be given to the tight five, ably led by John deBeer, who completed admirably against their powerful opposition. It was not long before the Captain was on the score sheet. Scrum half Scouse, cleverly switched play to the blindside after spotting Parsons and Bull marked by props. Whilst Bull's searing pace was crucial as he eased past the full back, it was the quick hands Parsons that created the try.

At 15-3, the game was not beyond Old Emanuel. However, the fourth try (which secured a bonus point negating the 1 point punishment of being unable to field a front row) secured the game for OW's. Simon Carter picked up a long pass and took full advantage of the broken field gaining thirty yards before the ball came to Jukesey who was brought down five metres short but was able to pop the ball out of the tackle to allow Nick Stebbings a well deserved try.

Old Emanuel deserve credit for the way that they continued to play after the try had taken the game beyond them. A number of opportunities were created but due to some excellent defending within the 22, no further points were conceded by the home side. A very encouraging display means that the 2XV can nurse their 'first game' aches with the belief that this is to be a thoroughly enjoyable and successful season.