Sarries2009 1stXV Match Report

Seniors 1st XV - Match Report (League Fixture)
(23/01/10) Wellington 1stXV - Away (Lost 15-10)

This was essentially a match dominated by well organised defences and fierce competition at every breakdown. The opening exchanges showed that both teams were committed to a competitive match and after some bruising early tackling, the Exeter team were able force a penalty inside the Wellington half. Full back Dean Chisling converted from a long distance to open the scoring for the visitors. Both teams missed a couple of kickable opportunities as the breakdown became more an more physical.
Bizarrely, Sarries couldn't find touch with their clearance kicks while Wellington did the opposite, finding touch regularly when outside of their 22, when handling looked the better option to the partisan home crowd.
After 25 minutes Sarries overcommitted at a break down and welling spotted a shortage of defending numbers on Exeter's blind side and exploited the number shortage to score a well worked try which was converted skilfully from the touchline.
The remainder of the first half remained scoreless despite some excellent high ball chasing, notably from wing Aled Gamble and the Wellington full back.

The opening 2nd half encounters were equally uncompromising but it was Wellington who were the more cohesive and they managed an excellent driving maul, which progressed slowly and effectively from just outside of Sarries 22 to cross the try line only to be held up. The resulting scrum pressed even more pressure and after three concerted drives, Wellington were correctly awarded the try to extend their lead to 12-3.
Sarries regrouped well and began to dominate both possession and territory. This time Sarries won a clean lineout and drove effectively. Ben Williams who had been a thorn in Wellington's side all afternoon emerged from the bottom with the ball to claim the hard won score.
Close encounters now reached fever pitch. For no other reason than to replace tiring limbs, Alex Moore replaced Ben Williams and Shane Padbury replaced debut player Nick Reed who had enjoyed a fine match. Both oncoming players stepped up to the pace comfortably, as the match became even more fractious, with all of the forwards working tirelessly and fearlessly.
With only four minutes left, Sarries three quarters finally managed an excellent flowing move. Kieran Bromell broke through and the interchange to Matt Hilton and Sam Gooch was straight from training with a smooth transfer of the ball. Bryan Logan, on for Darren Light made an excellent 30 metre sprint, cutting back inside to find number eight Rob Hilton in support. Rob was tackled less than a metre from the line but still managed to offload to his brother Matt. Again the scramble defence worked stopping him a metre out. Still the move flowed as Aled gamble made the next charge, again to be stopped just short. Disappointing Wellington forwards retreated and joined the ruck from Sarries side, easily picking up the ball for what looked a clear penalty or maybe more. However nothing was given and the match winning opportunity had sadly passed.

This was an excellent all round performance and the team have set themselves individual and team goals to maintain this level of intensity for the remainder of the season, where, with the backlog, there are still many games to be played.