Sep 18 - Bury (A)

A total of 26 players, as well as the usual collection of long travelling and loudshouting spectators, went down to Bury on Sunday morning.  Considering another full squad was sent to Norwich, this was a fantastic turnout.  The squad was thrown together, including a number of players making their debut and we knew we were going to be up against it, playing a consistent and well drilled side like Bury.

The game got off to a robust start with Bury throwing all they had at Wymondham during the first quarter.  We discovered they had some strong runners in both backs and forwards and Wymondham found themselves 4 tries down in a relatively short time.  Many sides would have collapsed at this stage but in true Wymondham style, they began to work themselves back into the game.  Wymondham managed to break out of the Bury half a number of times and started to apply pressure of their own. They were unlucky not to score on a number of occasions and also saved a number of tries with some brave defence.  One further try was scored by Bury at the end of the half to leave the score at half time 26-0.

In the second half Wymondham continued to claw their way back into the game and a long period enschewed with no score- both teams applying pressure and both defences holding out.  Noteable were some good breaks from Miles White in the centre and some strong tackling from Alex Tonnison on the wing. There was also some strong forward play from, amongst others, Oli Coleman  and Liam Potter.  Christian Knopp also had a good debut at full-back.

The second half deadlock was eventually broken by a try by Bury after Wymondham came close to scoring again a number of times, including Jack Masters being tackled into touch just short of the line.

A few minutes from the end there was an unfortunate injury to Harry Jennings which required the anbulance to be called.  At this point it was decided to finish the game early and retire for refreshment and post match analysis.

For his valuable forward play particularly in securing much ball and territory in rucks and mauls, Toby Craven was awarded MVP.  All in all, after a slow start, a very creditable performance.  The final score was 31-0 to Bury.