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Sat 22 Nov 2014 · Freshlet Division 4 South
Whitchurch 3
2nd XV
14
22
Gritty Win at Whitchurch for Bedes
Ryan Keyes24 Nov 2014 - 13:20
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Bedians overcome tough opposition in first part of double-header.
Having secured a big win against Trafford MV the previous week, Bedians kicked off the first leg of an away league and cup double encounter against Whitchurch looking to leapfrog their opponents in the table. However preparations were hampered by a combination of injuries and apparent record numbers of international tickets sold by tickets secretary Jonathan Swift. With both captain James Hennigan and his vice-captains unavailable, 3rd XV captain Tom Fuller stepped up to lead the team as a lack of numbers forced the 3s fixture to be cancelled. With players called up who were due to play 3s, numbers were still short in certain positions, with the square peg that is flanker Pat Doherty filling in the round hole of winger.
After the long journey to Whitchurch, limited time was available in the warm up for the likes of James Gaffney to prepare for his first match as fly-half and debutant hooker Mike to practice lineout moves. As a result the Bedes were slow to start off, with the home team applying plenty of pressure as they patiently marched forward. However Bedes defended resolutely and made Whitchurch work hard before they were eventually stretched too much and the ball was shipped to the pacey left winger to run in under the posts and give the hosts a 7-0 lead.
Whitchurch continued to attack after taking the lead, however the boys in blue repelled the onslaught before eventually clearing their lines, from which point the forwards started to build up some good phase play. With the pack providing good ball, Joe Waller was able to release the backs to put the Bedes into the visitors’ 22. Continuing pressure from the forwards eventually put James Gibbs in possession to cross the whitewash, bringing the score to 5-7. From this point Whitchurch continued to make inroads into Bedians territory and could have scored again but for a couple of dropped catches, and some excellent work at the breakdown in particular from Pat, Paddy and Drew. The visitors capitalised on this mistake and worked their way back up into the opposition 22. After forcing an attacking lineout, the pack set up a great drive before unleashing James Gaffney to run in under the posts and give Joe Powell a simple conversion to make the score 7-12 at half time.
The talk at half-time focussed on maintaining our discipline as we had been guilty of piggy-backing Whitchurch up the pitch on certain occasions, and maintaining the composure that had put us in the lead. The second half started well, but with both teams seeming happy to play the ball in the opponents’ half rather than build from the midfield, clear chances were at a premium. Bedes eventually managed to apply some consistent pressure, and eventually the ball was shipped wide to Doherty who fulfilled his promise to score. Once the players had shaken off their disbelief at these incredible scenes, they tried to stretch their lead, and could have made victory certain but for Doherty getting in front of Powell in an overlap out wide. After this chance was lost, the powerful Whitchurch scrum put them on the front foot, and sustained pressure eventually led to the right winger scoring to close the gap to 14-17.
Bedians were beginning to look very tired by this point, and had to dig deep in defence, using every ounce of energy they had. They calmly managed to work their way back up the field, before Mike capped off an impressive debut by powering over the line to take the score to 14-22. Although there were two scores in the game, Bedes knew they had a lot of work left to do against a team who aren’t accustomed to losing at home, and continued to defend with all their hearts for the last 10 minutes, including substitute Diego throwing his body on the line in his first taste of playing rugby.
The final play of the game saw Bedes nearly extend their lead after a great break from Tom Seel, however the scoreline finished 14-22. A thoroughly hard-fought and well-earned win for the boys from Millgate Lane, and credit goes to every single player on the pitch from both teams who made for a highly entertaining game, well managed by the referee. Bedes make the same journey again this Saturday, and know they will have to raise their game even further against a team who will be keen to exact revenge in the cup.
After the long journey to Whitchurch, limited time was available in the warm up for the likes of James Gaffney to prepare for his first match as fly-half and debutant hooker Mike to practice lineout moves. As a result the Bedes were slow to start off, with the home team applying plenty of pressure as they patiently marched forward. However Bedes defended resolutely and made Whitchurch work hard before they were eventually stretched too much and the ball was shipped to the pacey left winger to run in under the posts and give the hosts a 7-0 lead.
Whitchurch continued to attack after taking the lead, however the boys in blue repelled the onslaught before eventually clearing their lines, from which point the forwards started to build up some good phase play. With the pack providing good ball, Joe Waller was able to release the backs to put the Bedes into the visitors’ 22. Continuing pressure from the forwards eventually put James Gibbs in possession to cross the whitewash, bringing the score to 5-7. From this point Whitchurch continued to make inroads into Bedians territory and could have scored again but for a couple of dropped catches, and some excellent work at the breakdown in particular from Pat, Paddy and Drew. The visitors capitalised on this mistake and worked their way back up into the opposition 22. After forcing an attacking lineout, the pack set up a great drive before unleashing James Gaffney to run in under the posts and give Joe Powell a simple conversion to make the score 7-12 at half time.
The talk at half-time focussed on maintaining our discipline as we had been guilty of piggy-backing Whitchurch up the pitch on certain occasions, and maintaining the composure that had put us in the lead. The second half started well, but with both teams seeming happy to play the ball in the opponents’ half rather than build from the midfield, clear chances were at a premium. Bedes eventually managed to apply some consistent pressure, and eventually the ball was shipped wide to Doherty who fulfilled his promise to score. Once the players had shaken off their disbelief at these incredible scenes, they tried to stretch their lead, and could have made victory certain but for Doherty getting in front of Powell in an overlap out wide. After this chance was lost, the powerful Whitchurch scrum put them on the front foot, and sustained pressure eventually led to the right winger scoring to close the gap to 14-17.
Bedians were beginning to look very tired by this point, and had to dig deep in defence, using every ounce of energy they had. They calmly managed to work their way back up the field, before Mike capped off an impressive debut by powering over the line to take the score to 14-22. Although there were two scores in the game, Bedes knew they had a lot of work left to do against a team who aren’t accustomed to losing at home, and continued to defend with all their hearts for the last 10 minutes, including substitute Diego throwing his body on the line in his first taste of playing rugby.
The final play of the game saw Bedes nearly extend their lead after a great break from Tom Seel, however the scoreline finished 14-22. A thoroughly hard-fought and well-earned win for the boys from Millgate Lane, and credit goes to every single player on the pitch from both teams who made for a highly entertaining game, well managed by the referee. Bedes make the same journey again this Saturday, and know they will have to raise their game even further against a team who will be keen to exact revenge in the cup.
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