Reeds Dig Deep to Carve Out Ugly Win

OLD COLFEIANS 22 REEDS WEYBRIDGE 32

Both home and away games last season were hotly contested affairs and this clash, heavily supported by a vociferous partisan crowd, was no exception. It was Reeds who collected the first points of the afternoon when young Rhys Day, the front row forward and a real presence in the loose, broke through the midfield following an over thrown Colfeians line out and just managed to get a pass away to No 10 Jack Jesty who beat the cover on a swerving run to touch down under the sticks for a seven pointer. Any notion this would mark the start of a series of Reeds scores was mistaken and indeed it was a short-lived lead. Colfeians attacked from deep following a penalty award, Reeds defence shut down the movement, but a stray kick ended up in the arms of Adi Lipede the winger, he is seriously quick, and elusive as well, he touched down way out for an unconverted try to make it 7-5. Perhaps the hot conditions together with a series of penalties from an over-zealous referee, injuries, and handling errors from both sides combined to produce an uncompelling spectacle for the spectators, or the players for that matter during that first half, and it certainly was a game of endless stoppages.

Jack Jesty slotted another penalty to put Reeds in front by five points but then on the stroke of half time Colfeians hit back with a Will Smith penalty and they were just two points adrift at the change round at 10 – 8. It was an impressive forward rumble from Colfeians heavy pack that put them in front after the restart and it was further trouble for Reeds as the referee decided that the rolling maul had been stopped illegally, a penalty try followed, Colfeians had a five-point lead at 15 -10 with Michael Wasko also spending ten minutes in the bin. Colfeians were on a roll, but it was Reeds who soon hit back by way of Jack Jesty and his huge touch-finder kicks saw him control play with georgeford-esque ease – indeed he secured at least three 50/22’s during the course of the game – one of which forced a lineout, ten metres from the Colfeians whitewash. Some controlled play by Reeds saw them string a strong series of plays together only for Jesty to again swerve through the defence on a nice line to score under the sticks. It was just a two-point lead at 17- 15. There was now a sense that Reeds were starting to seize control of affairs sensing they were perhaps a shade fitter and had more firepower out wide. It was Billy Maddock Reeds centre who is such an abrasive carrier that was at the heart of Reeds next try, the defence couldn’t stop his full-on charge, but instead of taking contact he off-loaded to Josh Clark who cut back on great reverse line to tear through Colfeians defence, and offload to Joe Wastie to allow him to touch down for a converted try, and an unlikely, nine-point lead at 24 – 15. It was a frantic last quarter in which Colfeians came back with another converted try from Adi Lipede that got them with a couple of points of Reeds at 24 – 22, but Jesty banged over a long-range penalty for a five-point cushion at 27 – 22. Reeds were now after the bonus point score and it came from a well worked 5m catch and drive from Rhys Day, and another touchline conversion from Jesty that secured the win courtesy of a four try haul.

Joe Wastie earned his Man of the Match award, for another uncompromising defensive performance together with a dynamic attacking contribution but he was pushed hard by Jack Jesty who scored two tries and twenty-two of Reeds points on the day.

Man of the Match Joe Wastie

This wasn’t a rugby spectacular but the baking hot conditions along with injuries, quarter time drinks breaks and more than the usual number of penalties played a part. Reeds did so well to come away with maximum league points.

Team:

Lennon Day, Rhys Day, Riley Milsom, Harry Ring, Cameron Goodwin, Will Scott, Lewis Jones, Joe Wastie, Alex Corner (Capt), Michael Wasko, Ollie Palmer, Jack Jesty, Will Relfe, Jack Grady, Josh Clark (Vice Captain), Billy Maddock, Pete Daverns, Brad Robbins.

Next week is going to attract a huge crowd down at Whiteley as Reeds entertain local rivals Cobham – Kick Off 3:00pm

GS – Your man on the touchline

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