Reeds do the double over Local Rivals, Chobham
CHOBHAM 20 REEDS WEYBRIDGE 39
Although Reeds finally won by a comfortable margin it was a score line that didn’t reflect how close Chobham had been to clocking up a notable comeback. The hosts had fielded a strong mauling pack and that enabled them to set up camp in Reeds 22, it can be difficult to avoid penalties wrestling for possession and Sam Davies the Chobham full back collected three points after Reeds had strayed offside. It was a short-lived lead as Reeds launched a series of running attacks from all parts of the pitch that led to centre Tom McLean collecting the first try of the day. Out on the wing Joe Moriarty was causing no end of problems for the Chobham defence with his powerful surges, that led to gaps in the midfield.
Arguably the best try of the day was initiated by fly half Pete Davidge, the cover had fanned out to shut down an attack wide out, however, a sublime inside pass to skipper Billy Maddock and he was past a soft shoulder and under the sticks unopposed. Up front, Reeds were in charge with Josh Brown and Kerran Beavis the two props shunting the scrums around, it didn’t earn them any penalties but it made life very uncomfortable for Robbie Kennard the veteran Chobham No 9. Lineouts were also going Reeds’ way providing the ammunition for Reeds backs, a series of sweeping moves finished with Joe Moriarty and Joe Wastie crossing for two more tries before the interval making it 26 – 3. It was a twenty-three-point lead and a four try bonus point in the bag at the change round.
But it all started to go wrong after the restart, perhaps that comfortable lead took the edge off Reeds’ endeavour, by contrast the Chobham side, roared on by a partisan crowd tore into Reeds and penned them deep in their territory. Chobham have a big set of forwards who can move up the park with the possession under control, they rolled forward and rumbled over for two tries in quick succession. It got worse for Reeds with two successive yellows that reduced them to fourteen men for a twenty minute period. Reeds just couldn’t get out of their 22 or get their hands on the ball, and when they conceded try No 3, Reeds twenty-three-point lead had been reduced to a six-point lead, a converted try would give the home side a one-point lead. It was a crucial time in the game and it was pack leader Josh Brown who led the fight back with a display of controlled aggression that drove play out of the Reeds half and put them back in attack mode, it earned him the Man of the Match award.
Reeds held on to that tenuous six-point lead but were seriously concerned that a Chobham breakaway try under the sticks could cost them the game. Having been under the cosh for the third quarter, Reeds fought back with two stolen line outs courtesy of Joe Wastie and Herbie Finn and when the back row broke out, Alex Corner the No 8 led the charge, flanker Joe Wastie being there in support. Chobham however prevented quick release and gave Pete Davidge a long-range penalty opportunity, he banged it over and Reeds had a two-score lead. Perhaps fitness was a factor in that last quarter when a tiring stretched defence had to cover a succession of Reeds back row attacks from Alex Corner, young Joe Wastie, and Luke Edwards. It led to two quick-fire breakaway tries, a second for both Joe Wastie and Joe Moriarty with centre Tom McClean heavily involved in the lead up to Moriarty’s try.
Nigel Connell, Reeds Weybridge Director of rugby commented afterwards how pleased he was that the side had battled their way out of a difficult period in a game that at one point could have gone either way.
Reeds next league game is at home on November 27th against Tottonians who have lost just the one league game this season.
Reeds’ 2nd XV capped off a great day for the Club beating Chobham 25-22 in a closely contested match.
GS Nov 13th 21