Reeds Despatch Darts with Dominant Display
REGIONAL 2 SOUTH EAST
REEDS WEYBRIDGE 52 DARTFORDIANS 17
Town sides can always be relied on to field a big set of forwards and newly promoted Dartfordians did not disappoint, however, the down side of a heavy pack, is they are likely to be a touch slower around the park. In the early stages of the game, it was Reeds runners that fired the ball around, dominating the possession and the territory as well. Pre match, Reeds feared that their scrum would come under pressure from Dartfordians huge front row and experienced front five but their own front row including young Jacob Howe, at tight head, coped admirably with their scrum throughout the game. The architect of Reeds attacks was Jack Jesty the fly half, he has gas in buckets, fine footballing skills and always looking for the counter attack. His decision making, was crucial to Reeds success and earned him the Man of the Match award. Reeds clocked up their first try with less than five minutes on the clock, quick hands spun the ball out wide and it was Rhys Day the front row forward who hit the defensive wall and touched down for a seven pointer. Dartfordians big men began to produce some quality possession driving play deep into Reeds 22, a clever chip downfield was on the button for the winger, it looked a certain try, however, full back Pete Cole managed to intercept the high ball and send it back fifty metres in the opposite direction, it was a morale sapping moment for the visitors. Reeds set up camp in the Darts 22, a lineout, followed by a rumbling maul and it was Michael Wasko who powered his way over, for another seven-pointer. Perhaps there was a slice of good fortune that allowed Reeds to collect their third try, Pete Cole hoisted the ball up-field, but the ball bounced away from the defence, as only a rugby ball can, it allowed winger Nick Brown to kick the ball onward in mid-flight, collect it, round the last defender, and run in under the posts. Just before the break, Jack Jesty took a quick pass from debutant scrum half Jack Bennett in his own half, feinted to pass and zipped through a gap in the defensive line and proceeded to side step 3 or 4 players to score under the sticks for Reeds fourth try of the day and a bonus point at 28 – 0. Darts however still had time lay siege to the Reeds line and a well worked short oblique run saw them score a try to break their duck and go into half time at 28 – 7.
Now Reeds had the slope in their favour, and those big Darts forwards were going to have to work hard to contain Reeds quick men and it was all too much for their defence. Pete Cole was on the end of another slick passing movement that gave him just enough space to squeeze in by the flag. The Darts defence was being stretched as Reeds switched play from one side of the park to the other, gaps appeared in the midfield and it points soon followed scored by skipper Herbie Finn, such a strong ball carrier, who charged over the line from about 20 metres out to make it 40 – 7. There was no way back for the visitors in that last quarter and although the result was not in doubt Darts showed huge resilience in coming back at Reeds to collect their second try of the day when prop forward Ted Rackley bashed his way over in the corner. Rhys Day, Reeds front row man collected his second try of the afternoon, and Nick Brown Reeds winger crossed the line late on but it was Darts flanker Kieran Clark who had the last word when he touched down for the visitors third try to make the final score 52 -17.
Nigel Connell, Reeds Weybridge DOR, commented afterwards that ‘three bonus point wins in this hotly contested league is down to the effort that has gone into the midweek training sessions’.
Man of the Match – Jack Jesty
Team: Lennon Day / Rhys Day / Jacob Howe / Herbie Finn (Captain) / Michael Wasko / Chuggs Wallis / Joe Wastie / Alex Corner / Jack Bennett / Jack Jesty / Nick Brown / Josh Clark / Marcus Clark / Aaron Endersley / Pete Cole / Ben Ewington / Robbie Adam / Ollie Maitland.
Reeds do not have a league fixture this coming weekend. The next league fixture is against Gravesend, away, October 12th.
Second team result
Reeds Weybridge 2nd XV 43 Old Haileyburians 2nd XV 40
George Spinks
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