MORE TO COME FROM WISE

MORE TO COME FROM WISE Wanderers 29 V Old B’s 5

The Wanderers were at home to Old Bristolians which will always be a contest to savour, with both sides historically possessing threatening backs. There were a crowd of three at the start including myself and seats were therefore readily available in the stand. A quick look at the players as they came out suggested that several changes had taken place during the week, and that the Wanderers had reverted to the more usual faces in the line-up. It was however with some disappointment that I noticed no Allen Williams at 15; I presume he is still “crook” as our colonial friends say and unable to attend the Johnny Wilkinson Clinic this week.
The opening 20 minutes were really a comedy of errors for both sides, with possession swapping from team to team faster than a football card in the playground. There was much effort but precious little endeavour in terms of score or ground. The curtain of Old Bristolians defence was finally opened and enter stage right, Mr Richard Wyse, Carrying the ball, and on a great angle . Some dancing feet, then a good turn of pace take him to the line. And we have our first score; it is converted by Richie Kevern.
This seemed to settle the Chaps and the calamitous first period was history and the performance increased in intensity and commitment. The forwards who had been asked to supply quick ball for the lightning quick backs now started to take control and discovered that they could shunt the Old B’s lumps backwards at will, this changed the plans somewhat and successful rolling mauls commenced, The line out worked well with “Dursley Sam” throwing well and the tail ball working, The unusually hat less Harry Goodfield helped himself to a couple of scores in the latter part of the half from the back of the now fully functioning maul ball as well as putting an energised performance alongside W.D.40 "tackle carry turnover" Levis and Joe "great to play again" Lovell.
The scrums were also going well with young Boot restored to the team and putting in a solid performance on both sides of the scrum and around the field. Jamie Allen was causing mayhem at the Old B’s scrum, and ball aplenty was on offer for the home side, unfortunately there was a little greediness on the ball and passes, That should have been made were not, chief culprit for this was Ally McClaine who despite some fantastic breaks from deep, failed to link up with supporting players, In fact his passes were more limited than the latest post office share issue,and he has decided to accept the “must do better next time” report from his fellow team mates.
The second half saw a couple of changes early on with Boot taking a breather and Leroy coming on to play against the Old B’s version of himself, called Tiny…. Tiny had a torrid time, with Big Leroy showing him who was the daddy in the shoving stakes, in fact following some prompting from the massed spectators [now numbering 6] Leroy demolished one Old B’s scrum on his own! The game took on the characteristics of a chess game, with no score from either side, until Boot was restored; he immediately scored the first of two further tries, Carrying for a good 6 inches to side step, swerve and dodge past the defence. The last try was from the pasty king of Kernow, Ritchie Kevern, adding the 2 points to his try for the last scores of the game.
The Match was played in a good spirit and credit must go to Referee Bob Mole [Bristol society] for his easy control of the game. The chaps have no fixture next week, so I shall take the old Morris 8 for a spin before venturing up the causeway,So to speak, to see the Bournemouth v Clifton 1st xv game. Perhaps I shall meet you there.

Touchline Tarquin