Our 1XV Match Reports kindly produced and written by Jon Hood
Saturday 13th December - London Anglia 2
Rochford Hundred 26 - Wymondham 29
In last season’s corresponding fixture Wymondham squeaked a last gasp victory and on Saturday they repeated the feat, ice cool Charlie Delaney kicking the winning penalty with the last play of the game.
Wymondham made the livelier start and took an early lead, Jordan Mustard out pacing his opposite number to race in at the corner after a slick three quarter move, with Delaney slotting an excellent conversion. However Rochford, looking to avenge their opening day defeat, were soon back on terms, their pack driving over from close range and quickly adding a second following a clever grubber kick. Momentum continued to swing and Wymondham replied directly from the restart, a series of forceful drives sucking in the defence before a long Delaney miss pass put wing Elliot Foley in at the corner, Delaney again converting. They extended their lead to nine points when centre Joe Stace jinked and dodged his way over following a powerful John Camara surge, but the topsy turvey nature of the half continued and before the break Rochford replicated their first try to turn around at 19 - 21.
The third quarter belonged to the hosts, dominating possession and finally finding a way through after a neat lineout peel. Rochford then worked hard to defend their lead but with five minutes left Wymondham scored an absolute cracker. It was started by fullback Joe Graves running out a kick from his own 5 meter line, taken on by Camara who somehow passed out of a double tackle to Stace and his well timed pass sent Mustard motoring in at the corner. With the teams locked at 26 - 26 it looked like honours even however Wymondham wanted more, mounting one last concerted attack, and when skipper Jamie Boggan’s forceful drive was stopped illegally Delaney did his stuff from wide right, sending the sizeable travelling support into raptures and getting their promotion push at the top of the table back on track.
Andy Emms posted the following on Facebook which captures the post match mood to perfection
“Hope Veo was recording the celebrations after CDs kick went over.... it was something to see - it turned in at the last minute to go over off the post - we all said dear old John Mackay blew it over!! The lads really dug in - great result!!
The Ensor man of the match went to Mr reliable, scrum half Auden Airdrie, for his excellent service and brave defence.
TEAM
1 Jamie Boggan(C) - The Farm Cafe
2 Ben Adams - Farmacy
3 Henley Brightman
4 Dom Broadhead
5 Blake Collings - Lake Accountancy
6 John Camara
7 Chris Rodger - Swish.Works
8 George Wadham - Waveney Campers
9 Auden Airdrie - KBP Plant Hire
10 Charlie Delaney - ROARR!!!
11 Jordan Mustard
12 Josh Cousens - Forcrete
13 Joe Stace - Charlie Wootton
14 Elliot Foley - Yellow Brick Mortgages
15 Joe Graves - Developing Solutions Limited
16 Dom Atkins
17 Henry Wootton - Norwich Family Golf Centre
18 Connor Jermyn - CJB Scaffolding Ltd
Saturday 6th December - London Anglia 2
Eton Manor 47 - Wymondham 17
The hosts showed why they are league leaders and title favourites with an accomplished display of power and pace, handing Wymondham their heaviest defeat since last season’s corresponding fixture.
Wymondham made a lively start with ball in hand however it soon became clear that Manor were the more comfortable under lights on their artificial 4g surface, executing a well practiced game plan. They used their weighty pack to good effect, dominating the scrums and spoiling the visitors line out possession meaning Wymondham had to largely rely on scraps and turnovers. Manor scored seven tries with Wymondham managing three of their own and pushing hard for a fourth to secure a bonus point at the final whistle. These came from Joe Graves, powering between the opposition centres after an excellent Elliot Foley break, wing Jordan Mustard using dogged determination to burst through his opposite numbers attempted tackle and Sam Head finishing off a series of short range forward drives.
Wymondham were clearly second best on the day but also know that they are quite capable of turning the tables when they host the return fixture on grass in March. Although very far from their best they never gave up with honourable mention going to stand in prop Blake Collings who shared loose head duties,packing down against Cypriot international captain George Costas, with youngster Dom Atkin, At the halfway stage of the season the lads are still very much in the hunt for promotion and hope to return to winning ways when they visit a resurgent Rochford.
The Ensor Man of the Match was teenage prop Dom Atkin who showed grit and determination.
TEAM
1 Blake Collings (Lake Accountancy)
2 Kit Brodie (K.Foley Ltd)
3 Jamie Boggan(C) (The Farm Cafe)
4 Dom Broadhead
5 John Camara
6 Sam Head (Enviro-Fix)
7 Chris Rodger (Swish.Works)
8 George Wadham (Waveney Campers)
9 Auden Airdrie (KBP Plant Hire)
10 Charlie Delaney (ROAR!!!!)
11 Jordan Mustard
12 Josh Cousens (Forcrete)
13 Joe Stace (Charlie Wootton)
14 Elliot Foley (Yellow Brick Mortgages)
15 Joe Graves (Developing Solutions)
16 Dom Atkin
17 Paul Townend
18 Connor Jermyn (CJB Scaffolding)
In other matches Wymondham seconds beat a heavily depleted Lakenham Union 76 - 0 in Eastern Counties 2 while Wymondham thirds travelled to Norwich seconds and came away with a fine 18 - 7 victory in Greene King North 2.
Saturday 29th November - London Anglia 2
Wymondham 29 Norwich 8
Facing off in the league for the first time since 2019 Wymondham claimed the local bragging rights in this hotly contested local derby, played between two sides of predominantly home grown talent. Before kick off the packed balcony observed a minute’s silence for David Everitt, Norwich stalwart and friend of Norfolk rugby, who sadly passed away recently.
The game started at a decent lick, with big tackles coming in as both sides tested their opponents mettle. Wymondham dominated the early territory and on 10 minutes young number 8 George Wadham picked up from the base of a scruffy wheeling scrum and burst over from 10 meters out, Charlie Delaney converting. Wymondham continued to press, working the phases but meeting resolute Norwich defence however on 20 minutes a series of muscular forward drives to the line made room for fullback Elliot Foley to crash over for Wymondham’s second, Delaney’s conversion attempt hitting the post. The visitors reply came straight from the kick off when the home three quarters strayed offside and fly half Jake Christian-Goss kicked an excellent long range penalty. The remainder of the half, played in worsening wet and blustery conditions, saw play seesaw between the 22’s with neither side able to break through and both struggling to stay on the right side of the referee’s whistle. 12 - 3 at the break meant it was all still to play for.
Norwich made a lively start to the second half, attempting to run the ball despite the even heavier rain but unable to decisively break the gain line. By contrast Wymondham were proving lethal in the red zone and when evergreen prop Boggan half charged down an attempted clearance kick it was fielded by Foley, who set Shaun Blyth away on a 40 meter arcing run to score in the corner with Delaney’s conversion attempt again hitting the post. Norwich applied pressure from the restart, forcing the home side into a period of scrambling goal line defence however Delaney was able to break the siege with a clever kick to set winger Jordan Mustard away on a run to the corner. Two quick rucks later and Boggan was unstoppable from 2 meters for the bonus point try, Delaney adding the extras. Wymondham’s fifth came when Wadham took a quick tapped penalty, pinballing his way through a retreating defence to bag his second. Norwich’s most potent attacking option was their driving line out and in the final play of the match they finally secured one 5 meters out allowing second row Mike Batty to bundle over.
The relative reactions of the two teams at the final whistle told their own story, with Wymondham securing their first league win over their visitors since 2012. They now look forward to their trip to North London to play Eton Manor on their 4g pitch.
Wymondhams Ensor man of the match was Charlie Delaney for his intelligent kicking and all round game management.
Team
1 Henley Brightman.
2 Kit Brodie (K.Foley Ltd)
3 Jamie Boggan (The Farm Cafe)
4 Dom Broadhead
5 Blake Collings (Lake Accountancy)
6 Matt Bailey
7 Chris Rodger (Swish.Works)
8 George Wadham (Waveney Campers)
9 Auden Airdrie (KBP Plant Hire)
10 Charlie Delaney (ROAR!!!)
11 Jordan Mustard
12 Josh Cousens (Forcrete)
13 Joe Stace (Charlie Wootton)
14 Shaun Blyth (Wright’s Tiling Solutions)
15 Elliot Foley (Yellow Brick Mortgages)
16 John Camara
17 Sam Head (Enviro-Fix)
18 Connor Jermyn (CJB Scaffolding)
Other results
In Eastern Counties 2 Wymondham Seconds secured an excellent 15 - 12 away win at Mersea Island. In Greene King division 2 north Wymondham Thirds won 41 - 0 at home to Southwold Seconds
Saturday 22nd November - London Anglia 2
Wanstead 13 - Wymondham 10
Wymondham will know they got this game tactically wrong, playing to their opponents strengths rather than their own and ultimately paying a heavy price.
The visitors made a lively start to a game played in almost constant driving rain and when wing Elliott Foley nearly slipped through things looked promising. However Wanstead executed an excellent pared down game plan, perfect for the conditions, using their bulky experienced forward pack to keep Wymondham pinned in their own half for most of the first period. To turn round only one converted try and a penalty down at half time, largely due to a gruelling defensive effort, seemed like a fair return for the visitors.
The second half saw the territory and possession stats gradually turn Wymondham’s way as the home pack started to run out of steam. Frustratingly however for the sizeable travelling support they seemed intent on taking their opponents on through the heart of their pack, making defence relatively simple. A protracted series of 5 meter penalties finally bore fruit when prop Henly Brightman burrowed his way over but the missed conversion left them 10 - 5 in arrears. Wymondham had chances to add to their tally, replacement lock Paul Townend with his first touch tearing 60 meters upfield before being pulled down within sniffing distance of the line and Foley inches away from a skidding Charley Delaney cross kick. When Wanstead potted a superb long range penalty with 10 minutes to go it took them to beyond a score ahead but Wymondham replied immediately, a series of forward drives giving Delaney room to kick pass again for Foley, who gathered successfully this time and dived in at the corner. With time running out one final attack saw the ball slip agonisingly from wing Jordan Mustard’s grasp with the tryline at his mercy, the resulting scrum and hoof into touch proving to be the final action of an absorbing, but for Wymondham frustrating, encounter.
One thing you cannot accuse this team of is giving less than 100%, however the coaches need to address the issue of tactical nativity, especially with the much anticipated visit of Norwich next week.
The Ensors Wymondham man of the match was George Wadham who carried dynamically throughout
TEAM
1 Jamie Boggan (The Farm Cafe)
2 Ben Adams (Farmacy)
3 Henly Brightman
4 Dom Broadhead
5 Blake Collings (Lake Accountancy)
6 Matt Bailey
7 Henry Wootton (Norwich Family Golf Centre)
8 George Wadham (Waveney Campers)
9 Auden Airdrie (KBP Plant Hire & Contracting)
10 Charlie Delaney (ROAR!!!!)
11 Elliot Foley (Yellow Brick Mortgages)
12 Connor Jermyn (CJB Scaffolding)
13 Joe Stace (Charlie Wootton)
14 Jordan Mustard
15 Joe Graves (Developing Solutions Ltd)
16 Paul Townend
17 Henry Charlton
18 Josh Cousens (Forcrete)
At Barnard Fields Wymondham 2XV lost 14 - 13 to Thorney while the 3XV beat Holt thirds 40 - 10
8th November - Wymondham 29 Woodford 15
Although a scrappy performance against a tenacious and committed opposition, this latest bonus point victory maintains Wymondham’s push for honours at the top of London Anglia 2.
Wymondham set the early pace, dominating the set pieces and possession. It was clearly destined to be a physical encounter, with one thunderous tackle from Jamie Boggan rattling the clubhouse. Wymondham were trying to play at pace however time and again they made clumsy mistakes or were penalised at the breakdown, seemingly unable to meet the referees expectations. To add to their woes Woodford were first on the scoreboard with a converted try after a speculative hack through. Wymondham’s response was a rare piece of continuity, with a patient series of forward drives, orchestrated by scrum half Auden Airdrie, allowing Henry Wootton to crash over with Angus Bradley converting. Their second was courtesy of their dominant scrum, now including impressive young tighthead Henley Brightman, with number 8 George Wadham peeling off and piling over from 10 meters, Bradley again adding the extras. Woodford added to their tally with a penalty just before the break making it 14 - 10 and anyone's game
The second period followed a similar pattern to the first with Wymondham making far too many errors and Woodford looking dangerous in broken play. The home forwards were held up twice over the line but they eventually got their third try when a Bradley half break through midfield was taken to the line by Sean Blyth, mobile hooker Kit Brodie on hand to claim the touchdown. Woodford replied with a solo try from their elusive centre to set up a nervy finale with only 4 points in it. It appeared that Wymondham had settled for the win over hunting the try bonus point when Bradley kicked a penalty in front of the posts. However, in a dramatic final twist flanker Matt Bailey found a startling burst of pace, sprinting 60 meters upfield before delivering an outrageous back of the hand pass to Jordan Mustard. Quick hands from Blyth and Elliot Folley and a series of speedy rucks later and Wootton was over for his second, Bradley’s conversion adding the final points of the game.
Ensors Man of the Match – Matt Bailey
Congratulations to Matt Bailey, our Ensors Chartered Accountants Man of the Match.
Coach Aaron Beaumont (Sponsored by TS Financial Planning) said:
“Matt brought great energy to the game, bringing line speed and aggressive tackling, along with a vital 60-metre break towards the end of the match to secure the bonus point.”
Matt is available for Player Sponsorship – a fantastic opportunity to support one of our standout performers.
The squad now has a couple of weeks to prepare for the much anticipated visit of local rivals Norwich to Barnard Fields.
TEAM
1 Shaun Spriddell
2 Kit Brodie (K.Foley Ltd)
3 Jamie Boggan (The Farm Cafe)
4 Dom Broadhead
5 Blake Collings (Lake Accountancy)
6 Jake Girdler (Faces by Alice)
7 Henry Wootton (Norwich Family Golf Centre)
8 George Wadham (Waveney Campers) Click Here for all the Match Day action Courtesy of the amazing Kerry Lake.
9 Auden Airdrie (KBP Plant Hire)
10 Josh Cousens (Forcrete)
11 Jordan Mustard
12 Elliot Foley (Yellow Brick Mortgages)
13 Josh Clark (C) (Aspen Development)
14 Shaun Blyth (Wright’s Tiling Solutions)
15 Angus Bradley (Out of Reach Scaffolding)
16 Henley Brightman
17 Matt Bailey
18 Connor Jermyn (CJB Scaffolding)
Wymondham 2XV secured an excellent 21 - 19 victory away at Wisbech while Wymondham 3XV went down 51 - 32 at the UEA.
Saturday 25th October - Regional 2 - Anglia
Wymondham made the long trip to Chiswick to play in form HAC and had they mastered the blustery conditions and unfamiliar 4G surface sooner they may have returned to Norfolk with more than just 2 losing bonus points.
The game started, as it was destined to continue, at a frenetic pace with Charlie Delaney's early penalty being quickly cancelled out. HAC were a direct and aggressive opponent which brought them two early tries, however thereafter the momentum swung regularly as both sides demonstrated their attacking intent. Wymondham managed three first half tries from Henry Wootton, powering over from 5 meters, George Wadham making the extra man in a slick three-quarters move and an absolute peach from Elliott Foley after a break out from their own 22 from mobile second row Dom Broadhead and Joe Stace. HAC managed a third of their own so at 20 -18 at the break it was their one successful conversion that separated the teams.
Frustratingly HAC scored a well constructed try directly from the kick off, however Wymondham quickly replied when Delaney put an exquisite chip over the rush defence for Joe Graves to gather and weave his way over for the bonus points try. At this point the visitors effectively lost the fixture when HAC scored two quick tries, making the most of their well drilled line out drive to open a 37 - 23 lead half way through the second half. To their credit, and despite their mounting injury list, Wymondham rallied once more and a series of forward drives to the 22 gave Delaney the space to dummy his way over, unfortunately straining his hamstring in the process. As had become the pattern HAC scored directly from the restart, but Wymondham had the final say when a quickly tapped penalty from scrum half Auden Airdrie put Stace over, Graves converting. This proved to be the final score in an exciting, end to end encounter.
Although ultimately disappointed, Wymondham know this was a game they could have won with a bit more composure, defensive organisation and goal kicking ability. They now look forward to the visit of Woodford to Barnard Fields in two weeks time hoping to return to winning ways.
Final Score: HAC 42 Wymondham 35
Congratulations to Shaun Spriddell, our Ensors Man of the Match.
Coach Aaron Beaumont (sponsored by TS Financial Planning) said:
“Shaun has been back to his best over the last few weeks with brutal ball carries, often taking two or three players to stop him and consistently getting us over the gain line. He’s worked hard at the scrum and earned some crucial penalties.”
Shaun was wearing the number 1 jersey, which is proudly sponsored by Paul Devlin.
Well done, Shaun!
Shaun is available for Player Sponsorship – get in touch to show your support.
TEAMSHEET
1 Shaun Spriddell
2 Kit Brodie (K.Foley Ltd)
3 Jamie Boggan (The Farm Cafe)
4 Dom Broadhead
5 Blake Collings (Lake Accountancy)
6 Matt Bailey
7 Jake Girdler (Faces by Alice)
8 George Wadham (Waveney Campers)
9 Auden Airdrie (KBP Plant Hire)
10 Charlie Delaney (ROARR!!!)
11 Elliot Foley (Yellow Brick Mortgages)
12 Joe Graves (Developing Solutions Ltd)
13 Joe Stace (Charlie Wootton)
14 Shaun Blyth (Wright’s Tiling Solutions)
15 Angus Bradley (Out of Reach Scaffolding)
16 Dom Atkin
17 Henry Wootton (Norwich Family Golf Centre)
18 Jordan Mustard (Anonymous)
18th October - London Anglia 2
Wymondham 24 Harlow 19
Wymondham knew the magnitude of the task facing them against an opponent they had previously never beaten, including being pipped with the final kick of the game in last season's corresponding fixture .
Harlow made a lively start, showing they were adept at retaining possession but without being able to threaten the home line. By contrast Wymondham seemed comfortable containing the visitors' attack, putting in an organised and physical defensive effort then breaking with speed, precision and accuracy. This pattern saw them turn around at the break two tries to the good. The first of these came from snaffled midfield possession, with tighthead prop Sean Spriddell, every bit the modern rugby player, weaving and dummying then threading the perfect pass to winger Elliott Foley who scooted in on the left. The second came from a dominant Wymondham scrum on the visitors 10 meter line, with number 8 George Wadham breaking open but cleverly passing blind giving Charlie Delaney the space to jink his way over then adding the conversion.
12 - 0 at half time was a useful lead but far from a decisive one.
The second period started following a similar pattern to the first, with Harlow having the lion's share of possession and territory. Again Wymondham were able to absorb the pressure then break out with ruthless efficiency, a series of pick and drives taking Kit Brodie up to the line with the supporting Wadham getting the touchdown, Delaney converting. The visitors, however, are seasoned level six campaigners and just when the home supporters were daring to relax they found a way through the previously watertight home defence with a neat pick and drive try. From the kick off Wymondham forced a lineout on the visitors 22, claimed at the front by Dom Broadhead and following some quick hands, with fullback Angus Bradley making the extra man, winger Sean Blyth zipped over in the corner. With time running out Harlow's never say die attitude saw them post two late tries, the first from a quick tapped penalty and the second from a counter ruck in the home 22 to make it 24 - 19. With the anxious home supporters fearing a repeat of last year's last gasp defeat Wymondham at last managed to regain their earlier composure, halting their opponents revival and claiming a very useful try bonus point victory.
This enthralling fixture was a fantastic advert for junior rugby at this level, full of excitement, innovation and physicality. However the coaching team will be concerned that for the second week running performance levels and concentration dropped during the second half. No doubt this will be addressed at training. This Saturday the team will make the long trip to Chiswick to play impressive league newcomers The Honorable Artillery Company, aka HAC. .
THE Ensors Chartered Accountants Man of the Match was our captain, Josh Clark
Coach Aaron Beaumont (sponsored by TS Financial Planning) praised Josh’s all-round display, saying:
“Josh was excellent on Saturday, leading the side in attack and constantly making meters. He also made a number of crucial tackles in defence. As always, Josh led from the front as captain.”
Josh, who is kindly sponsored by Aspen Property Development, wore the number 13 shirt, which is sponsored by Kevin Scott.
A true captain’s performance — well done, Josh!
TEAM
1 Shaun Spriddell
2 Kit Brodie (K.Foley Ltd)
3 Jamie Boggan (The Farm Cafe)
4 Dom Broadhead
5 Blake Collings (Lake Accountancy)
6 Henry Wootton (Norwich Family Golf Centre)
7 Chris Rodger (Swish.Works)
8 George Wadham (Waveney Campers)
9 Auden Airdrie (KBP Plant Hire)
10 Charlie Delaney (ROARR!!!)
11 Elliott Foley (Yellow Brick Mortgages)
12 Joe Stace (Charlie Wootton)
13 Josh Clark (C) (Aspen Property Development)
14 Shaun Blyth (Wright’s Tiling Solutions)
15 Angus Bradley (Out of Reach Scaffolding)
16 Dom Atkins
17 Jake Girdler (Faces by Alice)
18 Jordan Mustard (Anonymous)
In other matches Wymondham 2nds narrowly lost 18 - 17 to Mistley, Wymondham thirds won 48 - 22 against Lowestoft and Yarmouth seconds and the Wasps claimed a superb 47 - 34 away victory at Hitchin Ladies.
Saturday 11th October - London Anglia 2
Holt 33 Wymondham 47
This was a typical local derby between these perennial adversaries, full of thud, blunder and the odd handbag, sympathetically controlled by referee Chris Reid.
Holt were first on the board after 5 minutes when young scrum half Theo Pinhey picked off a wayward pass and sprinted in from halfway. Wymondham’s reply was swift and brutal, with a pair of well constructed 5 meter lineout catch and drives, Chris Rodger and Kit Brodie the beneficiaries. Momentum continued to swing and Holt pulled level when centre Will Gowler found space on the blindside to scamper home. With half time looming Wymondham once again took the lead with a passage of play, started by wing Jordan Mustard cleverly jumping and tapping a Holt touchfinder back infield and, after a series of drives to the line, finished off by Charlie Delaney dummying his way over.
19 - 12 to the visitors at the break and all to play for.
Wymondham resumed in determined fashion and when their scrum dominance won them a penalty, evergreen scrum half Auden Airdrie took a quick tap and wriggled sperm like past the close attentions of the Holt back row to force his way over. Now in full control Wymondham's Blake Collings, relishing playing against his old team, made bullocking run through the middle allowing the supporting Brodie to claim his second. Joe Stace was next on the scoresheet, weaving his way through heavy traffic after a superb Henry Wootton jackal in midfield. To their credit Holt never gave up and Grant McConnell’s score under the sticks gave them the opportunity to push for a try bonus point. Shaun Spriddell’s try under the posts looked to have halted their late surge but they rallied again and with both sides tiring tries from McConnell and Jamie Buckingham gave the score a more respectable look for the home side. Delaney kicked six conversions for Wymondham with Holt's Jackson landing four.
Wymondham should be satisfied with this result against a team motivated to improve on their disappointing league start, but they also know they will need to maintain their performance for the whole 80 minutes if they want to continue their challenge at the top. This week Harlow, a tough opponent who did the double over them last season, are the visitors to Barnard's Field.
Our Ensors Chartered Accountants Man of the Match – Blake Collings!
Blake Collings had a strong game in attack, constantly getting over the gain line and taking it to the opposition. His physical presence and work rate were key to our success.
Blake is kindly sponsored by Lake Accountancy and proudly wore the No. 5 shirt, which is worn in memory of our dear friend John Mackay.
TEAM SHEET
1 Shaun Spriddell
2 Kit Brodie (K.Foley Ltd)
3 Jamie Boggan (The Farm Cafe)
4 Dom Broadhead
5 Blake Collings (Lake Accountancy)
6 Henry Wootton (Norwich Family Golf Centre)
7 Chris Rodger (Swish.Works)
8 George Wadham (Waveney Campers)
9 Auden Airdrie (KBP Plant Hire)
10 Charlie Delaney (ROARR!!)
11 Elliott Foley (Yellow Brick Mortgages)
12 Joe Stace (Charlie Wootton)
13 Josh Clark (C) (Aspen Property Developments)
14 Jordan Mustard (Anonymous)
15 Angus Bradley (Out of Reach Scaffolding)
16 Steve Brinkley
17 Jake Girdler (Faces by Alice)
18 Shaun Blyth (Wright’s Tiling Solutions)
Saturday 4th October - Wymondham 10 Brentwood 27
Wymondham lost their 100% winning record to a quality Brentwood outfit who played to the extremely testing conditions and posted a near perfect first half performance.
With a gale at their backs Wymondham appeared uncertain whether to kick for position or keep the ball in hand. By contrast Brentwood executed a very simple but effective game plan, using short passes and close support runners to monopolise possession and territory.This saw them chalk up four well constructed tries without reply and turn around 24 0 to the good.
After a calm and reasoned discussion with the coaching team at half time the home side came out energised and determined to get back into the game. Playing with ball in hand is better suited to their usual style and the majority of the half was spent in opposition territory, with the forwards starting to dominate the scrums and the backs finding their rhythm. However Wymondham were unable to match their opponents first half precision and all too often frustrating errors halted their progress. They did manage two unconverted tries, the first from rampaging fullback Angus Bradley supporting a Joe Stace half break and the second a jet heeled burst into the corner from winger Elliott Foley, blasting through the winger and fullback, following a scrum on the 22. Pushing hard to at least claim a bonus point Charlie Delaney had a try chalked off for crossing and Stace was pulled down within sniffing distance of the line following some neat strictlyesque footwork.
On balance Brentwood’s first half attacking flair and second half defensive display saw the best team on the day win. However lessons will be learnt, with their habitual slow start and erratic ball retention towards the top of the list and Wymondham can look to put things right starting with this week's much anticipated local derby at Holt.
Our Ensors Chartered Accountants Man of the Match was Kit Brodie. Head Coach Aaron Beaumont (kindly sponsored by TS Financial Planning) said:
"On his first start of the season, Kit brought a high level of work rate and aggression — making a large number of carries and tackles in a physical game, as well as helping the pack dominate the scrum."
Kit is kindly sponsored by K Foley Ltd trading as McDonald's and wore the Number 2 shirt, also sponsored by Ensors, who were our Match Day Sponsors. Thank you for your support!
TEAM (Sponsored by…)
1 Chris Miller
2 Kit Brodie (K.Foley Ltd)
3 Jamie Boggan (The Farm Cafe)
4 Dom Broadhead
5 Blake Collings (Lake Accountancy)
6 Henry Charlton
7 George Wadham (Waveney Campers)
8 Jake Girdler (Faces by Alice)
9 Auden Airdrie (KBP Plant Hire)
10 Charlie Delaney (ROARR!)
11 Elliott Foley (Yellow Brick Mortgages)
12 Joe Stace (Charlie Wootton)
13 Josh Clark (Aspen Property Developments)
14 Jordan Mustard (Anonymous)
15 Angus Bradley (Out of Reach Scaffolding)
16 Shaun Spriddell
17 Henry Wootton (Norwich Family Golf Centre)
18 Josh Cousens (Forcrete)
Wymondham 2nds lost narrowly 24 - 17 to an experienced Sudbury 2nds in Eastern Counties 2 while the thirds got their Greene King 2 North campaign off to a winning start with a 43-5 victory at home to Crusaders 2nds.
Sunday 20th September - Braintree 24 Wymondham 43
Wymondham secured a comfortable bonus-point win in their first away league fixture of the season, coming from behind to defeat newly-promoted Braintree 41-24. However, despite the dominant second-half performance, the visitors will be aware that a sluggish start almost cost them dearly.
The first 20 minutes saw Wymondham looking uncharacteristically lethargic and off the pace with Braintree aggressively dominating the collisions and breakdown. After 20 minutes the hosts had scored three fine tries, the visitors replying with two Charlie Delaney penalties and a Josh Cousens touchdown, following one of their few bits of cohesive play, to trail 17 - 11.
Urged on by their good looking band of loyal travelling supporters Wymondham eventually began to up their tempo and Delaney produced a moment of magic, slicing through the defence with a stunning solo run to score near the posts, adding the conversion to take a slim 18 - 17 lead. Before the break Wymondham added their third when replacement hooker Kit Brodie muscled his way over from close range following a 5 meter line out.
Half time Braintree 17 Wymondham 23
Wymondham came out with renewed focus after the break and as Braintree tired their pack took control, dominating possession and territory. A moment of class from Wymondham’s captain, Josh Clark, capped off a fine width of the pitch move started from a line out on halfway and finished by Clark bludgeoning his way over in the corner.
Although Braintree briefly threatened a comeback with a converted try to reduce the margin to just six points, two Delaney penalties into the wind took the lead back out to beyond two scores and finally broke the home resistance. The icing on the cake came from a dazzling effort by fullback Angus Bradley, receiving the ball inside his own 22 following a skillful offload out of the tackle by John Camara, then outpacing the Braintree defence with a brilliant diagonal run to score in the corner before adding a superb conversion from the touchline.
This victory takes Wymondham to the top of the table however with big games coming up, starting with Brentwood at home in two weeks, they know they must keep working hard if they want to continue to push for promotion..
TEAM
1 Chris Miller
2 George Wadham
3 Jamie Boggan
4 Dom Broadhead
5 John Camara
6 Sam Head
7 Harry Newson
8 Jake Girdler
9 Auden Airdrie
10 Charlie Delaney
11 Ryan Taaffe-Fowle
12 Josh Cousens
13 Josh Clark (capt)
14 Jordan Mustard
15 Angus Bradley
16 Blake Collings
17 Kit Brodie
18 Ed Collinson
Our Ensors Chartered Accountants Man of the Match award goes to Blake "who's a pretty boy" Collings!
Head Coach Aaron Beaumont (sponsored by TS Financial Planning) said:
"Blake made a real difference to the team on Saturday, getting us on the front foot by constantly putting his hand up to carry the ball. It often took two or more players to stop him."
Fantastic work, Blake! - Proudly sponsored by Lake Accountancy
Saturday 13th September - Wymondham 39 Rochford 19
Having secured a last gasp away victory over the same opponents in March, Wymondham knew they would be facing a well motivated side keen to exact their revenge.
The game started at a cracking pace, with the home forwards working through multiple phases and drawing the penalty for Delaney to kick an early 3. However Rochford came roaring back, scoring two quickfire tries through their lively backs. Having clearly done their homework the visitors were flying up in defence, but this blitz was outfoxed when winger Foley stepped his opposite number, raced up the touchline and fed the supporting Wootton for the try.
The visitors were using the wind to kick to the corners and from a 5 meter line-out their hooker forced his way over to open an 11 point lead. Wymondham knew they needed to stay in touch, anticipating having the elements in their favour during the second period, and with their scrum now beginning to dominate number 8 Girdler was able to peel off the back and pinball his way over from 10 meters, Delaney adding the extras.
Half time 15 - 19
The atmosphere around the ground at half time was literally electric, with overhead lightning delaying the restart by 15 minutes and adding to the matchday drama. In what had now become windless conditions Wymondham resumed in determined mood, forcing the mistake straight from the kick off and allowing Girdler to replicate his first half score from the resulting scrum, Delaney converting and adding a penalty shortly after..
Roared on by their vociferous home support they were now beginning to dominate and when skipper Clark bludgeoned his way through the midfield traffic Girdler was on hand to receive the pass and complete his hattrick, Delaney again slotting the conversion. Wymondham were putting in some big defensive tackles with Camara, Rodger and the “Ginger Ninja”
Head leading the charge, and when one such hit spilled the ball the ever alert Foley was able to scoop it up, pin back his ears and bolt in under the posts from inside his own half. Delaney's conversion completed the scoring, making it two out of two in the league but with the first away test of the season next week at newly promoted Braintree.
Our Ensors Chartered Accountants Man of the Match v Rochford is Sam Head
Head Coach Aaron Beaumont (kindly sponsored by TS Financial Planning) said:
"Sam brought energy and aggression to the game to counter the aggressive and physical Rochford forwards. His dominant work at the breakdown allowed us to attack with quick ball and release the back line."
Sam is proudly sponsored by @agaenvirofix and was presented the award by their Managing Director — and fellow back rower — Jake Girdler.
TEAM
1 Chris Miller,
2 George Wadham
3 Jamie Boggan
4 Dom Broadhead
5 Henry Wootton
6 John Camara
7 Chris Rodger
8 Jake Girdler
9 Auden Airdrie
10 Charlie Delaney
11 Elliott Foley
12 Joe Stace
13 Josh Clark (capt)
14 Jordan Mustard
15 Angus Bradley
16 Steve Brinkley
17 Sam Head,
18 Shaun Blyth
The seconds put last week's disappointment behind them with a fine 34 - 15 victory away at Thurston.
Our @crendontimber Man of the Match v Thurston is Dan Graves
Coach John Llewellyn (sponsored by @castlestreetoptometry) said: "Yet another player of the match for one of the club’s young guns — this time Dan Graves, who consistently knocked back bigger opposition and ran elusively against a tiring Thurston.
His clean delivery in the lineout meant that he stood out in an encouraging team performance. Up the 2s!"
Dan is proudly sponsored by Developing Solutions Limited.
The mighty Wymondham thirds lost an entertaining encounter 22 - 10 at home to Thetford firsts.
Saturday 6th September - Wymondham 51 Chelmsford 14
Wymondham have made a fine start to the season, unbeaten in two pre-season trial matches and hoped to continue this form into their league campaign against an experienced Chelmsford side. With twelve of the starting squad coming through their junior ranks it was one of these former youth players, hooker George Wadham aka “the flying mullet”, who lit up the first half with his work rate, tackling and three excellent tries.
Playing into a gusty wind Wymondham soon found themselves a try down as the sizeable visiting pack drove over from close range following a bungled home line out. Despite this early setback Wymondham hit back within five minutes, Wadham popping up in the centres and bisecting the defence to storm over from the 22. From the kick off Wadham got his second, again appearing in the back line following a rampaging run from his 22 by the all action openside Newson and carried on by his fellow back rowers Rodger and Girdler. Wymondham’s forwards were putting in a workmanlike shift, with the front five ensuring their opponents had little possession to use with the elements in their favour. The third try came following a series of midfield rucks with young centre Graves executing a neat show and go to wrong foot his opponent before shooting up the touchline and feeding the supporting Bradley to touch down under the sticks. The next was the result of pressure on the Chelmsford ball carrier, forcing a dropped pass pounced on by the master scavenger Mustard who motored home untouched from his own half. Wadhams third came after a typically rumbustious run by Bradley was continued by Foley and Airdrie deep into enemy territory. A series of quick rucks later and Delany’s hard flat pass picked out Newson who tipped on to The Mullet for his third.
Half time 29 - 7
Despite having the second half wind advantage the red and blacks stuck to the game plan that had served them well up to now and they soon added to their total. After a series of percussive drives from Camera, Boggan and Miller a penalty was awarded and the resulting line out was driven forward with Rodger getting the touch down. Chelmsford were far from finished and a try from their pacey winger showed what they could have done if given the opportunity. But Wymondham were in no mood to entertain a comeback and they were soon back on the scoresheet with Bradley taking the inside scoring pass from winger Foley following a slick three-quarters move from a scrum. The final try followed an arcing run from replacement Blyth with Stace’s intelligent pass putting Foley in at the corner. Delaney added four conversions and a penalty.
There is no time to rest on their laurels with league action now coming thick and fast. Rochford are the next visitors to Barnard Fields, a team Wymondham beat at their ground in the final play of the game last season and who will surely be well motivated to try and exact their revenge.
TEAM
1 Chris Miller
2 George Wadham
3 Jamie Boggan
4 Henry Charlton
5 John Camara
6 Chris Rodger
7 Harry Newson
8 Jake Girdler
9 Auden Airdrie
10 Charlie Delaney,
11 Elliott Foley
12 Joe Graves
13 Joe Stace
14 Jordan Mustard
15 Angus Bradley
Replacements
16 Steve Brinkley
17 Josh Fairman
18 Shaun Blyth
Our Ensors Chartered Accountants Man of the Match v Chelmsford is George Wadham,
Head Coach Aaron Beaumont (sponsored by TS Financial Planning) said:
"George was excellent on Saturday, showing great speed and power on the edge to score a first-half hat-trick. His work rate on kick chase and double efforts around the tackle area were brilliant."
George is proudly sponsored by @waveneycampers_eastanglia and wore the No.2 jersey, kindly sponsored by Ensors Chartered Accountants.
In their own league opener the 2XV bravely went down 42 - 24 to Cantabrigian 1XV while the thirds lost narrowly 31 - 33 to Swaffham 1XV.
Saturday 30th August - Wymondham 60 Peterborough 24 (Pre-season)
This performance was a marked improvement on Wymondham’s first pre-season fixture, played in front of a large, enthusiastic and well imbibed Beer Festival Weekend crowd. The smaller 21 man squad were able to work on building consistency, continuity and positional cohesion.
Peterborough ply their trade in the corresponding level six East Midland leagues and started the match in lively fashion,applying the early pressure following a home fluffed kick off reception. However, Wymondham were able to weather these early attacks and following a couple of clever relieving kicks from Delaney they hit their rhythm, monopolising territory and possession and running in six first half tries. Two of these came from well organised and executed close range line-out drives, with Wadham and Head the beneficiaries. Mobile hooker Wadham claimed his second, appearing outside winger Mustard before slaloming around two defenders and bursting through two more for a remarkable score.With half backs Delaney and Airdrie pulling the strings and the pack providing plenty of go forward possession three quarters Mustard, Graves and Foley completed the first half touchdowns.
Half time 36 - 0
Wymondham’s performance levels noticeably dropped during the third quarter and Peterborough grabbed two early well worked tries. With a possible comeback on the cards Wymondham were eventually able to reassert their first half dominance, and further tries followed from replacement second row Charlton, the rampant Wootton with wingers Mustard and Foley both claiming their second. Delaney's five conversions completed the scoring and saw them run out comfortable winners despite Peterborough's late brace.
There were a lot of positives to be taken from this performance however the coaches will be concerned at the teams inability to maintain performance levels for the whole 80 minutes, allowing the opposition to claim what would have been a try bonus point. No doubt this will be a main focus at training with another challenging league season against quality opposition beckoning.
Ensors Chartered Accountants Man of the Match
Our captain Josh Clark was named Ensors Man of the Match in the 1XV’s 60-24 win over Peterborough.
Head Coach Aaron Beaumont (Sponsored by TS Financial Planning) said:
"Josh had a fantastic all-round game in his first match back after a year out injured. He was a constant threat in attack, carrying hard and linking well with the wingers to create scoring opportunities. Defensively, he led from the front, making vital reads and tackles to shut down Peterborough’s attack."
Josh is proudly sponsored by Aspen Property Development
He wore the number 13 shirt, kindly sponsored by Kevin Scott.
TEAM
1 Chris Miller
2 George Wadham
3 Jamie Boggan
4 Dom Broadhead
5 Sandy Kiddle
6 Henry Wootton
7 Sam Head
8 John Camara
9 Auden Airdrie
10 Charlie Delaney
11 Elliott Foley
12 Joe Stace
13 Josh Clark (capt)
14 Jordan Mustard
15 Joe Graves
16 Shaun Spriddell
17 Steve Brinkley
18 Henry Charlton
19 Jake Girdler
20 George Bunn
21 Josh Cousens
Saturday 16th August - Wymondham 34 Stamford 31 (Pre-Season)
Stamford, like Wymondham, are an ambitious club playing in the equivalent level 6 Midland Leagues and an ideal opponent for the first pre-season trial match. Both sides fielded large squads with players rotated in during the four quarters which gave us an exciting encounter with see-sawing fortunes as new combinations were blooded. The red and blacks were a healthy mixture of regular established senior players plus a good number of emerging young home grown talent and a smattering of new recruits. As the game progressed it quickly became apparent that competition across all three teams in coming season would be fierce.
This was very much a full blooded encounter with some thunderous tackling and it took 15 minutes before Wymondham broke the deadlock when a Girdler break and pass from an attacking scrum was skilfully flicked on by fullback Bradley for winger Blyth to dot down. Stamford replied with three of their own before half time through their lively back division. In response powerful winger Foley bulldozed his way through two defenders to score on the right with Bradley, now at flyhalf, again the provider with a perfectly judged mazey run and pass.
Half Time - Wymondham 10 - 21 Stamford
The second half continued in similar fashion to the first and the introduction of recent colts including Bunn, Davey and Fairman added some youthful energy. Wymondham added four more tries including the winning score on the stroke of full time. The first of these came when a well timed hard flat pass from Rix put Foley in under the posts. The next was from a 5 meter scrum when young number 9 Bunn picked up from the base and dummied his way past two would-be tacklers to score under the posts. The third again showcased Foley's strength and vision as he bounced off three tacklers then picked out the supporting Connor Houghting who sped in untouched. The final and winning try came following a series of patient rucks on the opposition 22 before Taaffe-Fowle’s looping run engaged the defence and Houghting motored home for his second.
This was an entertaining match with the backs tries built on a hard working forward platform. It has undoubtedly given both sets of coaches plenty to ponder on and work with.
For many in the sizeable and enthusiastic crowd the highlight of the match was home prop Beales’ “bellying off” an attempted tackler, a technique reminiscent of Saturday afternoon wrestling in the seventies and proof that rugby is always open to new innovations!
Man of the Match Awards
Our Ensors Chartered Accountants Man of the Match goes to George Wadham (sponsored by @waveneycampers_eastanglia). Playing out of position at Hooker, George’s work rate and physicality were outstanding all game.
Our @crendontimber Man of the Match was awarded to Ryan Taaffe-Fowle, who shone at Wing & Fullback. Ryan put his body on the line with some crucial last-ditch tackles and capped off his performance with a superb run to set up the final try.
Next up: Pre-season home fixtures at the Beer Festival, Saturday 30th August:
1XV v Peterborough 1XV - 3pm
Wasps v Cambridge - 1pm
2XV v Peterborough 2XV - 1pm
3XV v Southwold 2XV - 12:30pm
Head Coach - Aaron Beaumont (sponsored by TS Financial Planning Ltd):
"It was great to see 37 players getting game time on Saturday. Lots of changes throughout the game made continuity difficult, but there were plenty of positives and also areas to sharpen up before the season starts."