Reeds Taste Defeat for Third Week in a Row
REGIONAL 2 SOUTH EAST
REEDS WEYBRIDGE 16 TIFFINIANS 22
This local derby attracted one of the largest crowds to Whiteley this season, they saw a game that was full of passion and enthusiasm, but lacking structure to make for a classic encounter. Pre-kick-off, Reeds feared that they were up against it with a backline that was bereft of several players due to a number of injuries which meant two players make their first appearance of the season for the side and a number of U22 players were called up to fill the ranks. Unsurprisingly, Reeds back play lacked its usual sharpness not that there was any lack of effort or endeavour.
Although Reeds had the benefit of the slope in the first half, it was Tiffinians who had the best of the territory in the early stages and the possession as well, Reeds strayed offside in defence and the visitors opened their account with an easy three pointer. Indeed, they missed at least two relatively simple chances to extend their lead and Pete Cole Reeds fly half was able to put Reeds back on level terms with his penalty shot. Reeds then went ahead when George Corner, the predatory Reeds flanker, drove over the line after Reeds had secured a penalty from an earlier five metre Tiffinians scrum for a converted try. 10 -3 to Reeds. Neither side was able to dominate the lineouts albeit Reeds had the edge in the scrums throughout the game. Conditions were not ideal with the blustery wind and driving rain in the second half making handling difficult for both sides but for the middle period of the first half it looked like it was Reeds who were going to get another score but a failure to offload at the right time and stout defence that saw Reeds held up over the line meant that they could not increase their scoreboard lead. It was Tiffinians who managed to unlock the Reeds defence next when quick hands put Dan Blackman into space and he crossed the line for a seven pointer and shortly after that fullback Max Talman beat the cover, after Reeds had failed to number off effectively on the open side, to touch down for an unconverted try just seconds before the change round. That score proved to be vital in the final reckoning. Tiffs now had two tries on the board, the hill in their favour, and a five-point lead at 10 – 15.
There weren’t too many scoring chances for either side, but it was the visitors who collected the crucial score early in the second half, it was Tosin Segun who is a seriously quick winger who had caused Reeds defensive problems throughout, he hoisted a speculative kick up field, the ball bobbled, as only a rugby ball can, the Reeds full back kicked the ball back only for it to ricochet and land in Segun hands who gratefully accepted his early Christmas gift and score under the sticks to make it 10 – 22. Reeds are often at their best in adversity, they were twelve points adrift, but led by their indomitable skipper Herbie Finn, they battled their way back into the game. Pete Cole banged over two difficult penalties to make it 16 – 22 and Reeds needed a seven pointer to win the game with around 10 minutes left. Tiffs suddenly seemed to go into themselves and made several unforced errors which helped Reeds gain field position. Reeds duly set up camp in the Tiffs half but stout defence prevailed despite a series of strong Reeds rucks and mauls, allowing Tiffs to hold on and secure the win. Unfortunately, Reeds had to be satisfied with a losing bonus point for the third game in a row. Man of the match went to Pet Cole for his all round assured display at ten coupled with a perfect kicking performance.
Man of the Match, Peter Cole
Match day squad: Lennan Day (VC) / Rhys Day / Harry Ring / Jacob Howe / Cameron Goodwin / Herbie Finn (Captain) / Ben Ewington / George Corner / Alex Corner / Joe Waste / Ieuan Schofield / Pete Cole / Seb Correia / Ollie Maitland / Matt Stevenson / Cian Barry / Rhys Homfrey / Billy Maddock
Reeds Weybridge next league game is away, against Old Dartfordians, January 4th