Feb 26 - Colchester A&B (H)

W 21-19 & L 15-22 Reports attached

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U13 ‘A’ Team –Wymondham 21, Colchester 19

On an unseasonally warm Sunday morning the Wymondham team met Colchester for a return home
fixture at the High School. The last encounter with this quality side was earlier in the season when
a closely fought match played in 80 degrees heat resulted in a win for Wymondham; so one could
sense that there was some ‘unfinished business’ for the Colchester team today.

From the start to the final whistle this was a robust and physical game of rugby. The Colchester
team had some large forwards that included an outsized number eight who resembled a mini Manu
Tualagi! The forwards had one of their best games of the season with powerful scrummaging
and ‘jackeling’ that frequently won the ball against a heavier opposition. Yard by yard the
Wymondham forwards pressed ahead, rucking hard and supporting each other at the breakdown.
Wymondham dominated much of this game against a well-drilled, skilful and determined opposition.
A strong passage of play and pressure from our big centres resulted in a penalty try being awarded in
the first half when Dominic Smith was obstructed as he was about to score a try.

In defence, Wymondham was dogged and determined. The back row was particularly strong
with both flankers, Daniel and Alex Bainbridge, tackling relentlessly and they repeatedly closed
down “Mini Manu” before he could gain any momentum. All members of the team tackled
again and again and a frustrated Colchester struggled to penetrate Wymondham’s defence with
Daniel Wood, Owen Sharpe and Joe Milligan all making strong, try-saving tackles. It was only a
consequence of small mistakes that the Colchester team were able to score their three tries such
was the intensity of this game. Quick hands, agile footwork and powerful strike runs from the
Wymondham backs secured two further tries from Lewis Jennings and Joe Milligan respectively, the
latter of which resulting from an outstanding break of some 60 metres.

This was an excellent game of rugby against a quality opposition. The Wymondham team knew this
was going to be a tough game and they stepped up to the plate, playing rugby to their usual high
standard. The boys were on good form today, showing determination, skill and courage to win a
match that was a pleasure for all to watch. Well done boys!!

Tries: Penalty Try (1), Lewis Jennings (1) & Joe Milligan (1)

Conversions: Joe Milligan (3)

Man of the Match – Daniel Bainbridge

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Wymondham Development Squad 15 - Colchester 22

On a glorious morning ideal for playing rugby, Wymondham entertained Colchester in the return fixture of the
season. Wymondham were at full strength and keen to play some rugby after a disrupted period as a result of the
weather.

Following the opening exchanges where Wymondham appeared to be on top, Colchester ventured into the
Wymondham half and following a mistake close to the Wymondham try line took an early lead (0-5). From the
restart Wymondham again took control of the ball and applied constant pressure, however, the Colchester defence
remained strong and when Ryan eventually cross the try line, the ball was held up. It appeared that Wymondham
would not benefit from their territorial advantage and ball possession but were justly rewarded when Casey broke
through to score a much deserved equalising try (5-5).

Unfortunately, within 2 minutes all the good work was undone with a Colchester breakaway try against the run of
play (5-10).

Despite the setback, the home team continued to control long passages of play by retaining the ball, effective
rucking, strong tackling and by dominating the scrum. However, Colchester stood firm and Wymondham lacked the
cutting edge and pace to take advantage and the first half ended without further score.

At the restart the home team got into their stride and started to exert further pressure but within a few minutes fell
further behind as a result of yet another breakaway try from deep in their own half (5-15).

Heads could have dropped but the home team became even more determined to get value for their work and after
10 minutes on concerted pressure eventually scored a second try (Ryan) and it was unlucky that the attempted
conversion hit the upright (10-15). Wymondham were on the up and Casey quickly scored a further try following a
clever kick and chase to draw level (15-15).

At this stage, it looked like Wymondham could go on to win but Colchester are a determined outfit and started to
play ruby in the Wymondham half for possibly the first time in the match and scored under the posts for a converted
try to retake the lead (15-22).

Wymondham again came back and had several opportunities to draw level but were unlucky not to score again.
Colchester were certainly relieved to hear the final whistle.

This was a committed performance by Wymondham who dominated long passages of play, and was a game we
should of won but were ultimately undone by the odd mistakes at key times. In the post match de-brief the team
recognised that their poor tackling and going into high on big attacking players led to two unnecessary breakaway
tries and an inability to score from the opportunities which were presented.

Things to work on: Low committed tackling

Man of the match: Henry Burton

Tries: Casey 2 Ryan 1