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Welsh defeat St Andrews in hard fought local derby
michael james3 Mar - 12:08
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Superb team performance secures Welsh bonus point victory over local rivals
Rugby Welsh 24 Rugby St Andrews 18
Welsh produced a passionate and determined performance to overcome a strong and previously unbeaten St Andrews outfit in a hard fought local derby game, which was a credit to both sides. With their home pitch unplayable, Welsh wish to express their gratitude to Rugby Lions for allowing the fixture to take place at their ground.
St Andrews began brightly and were ahead within five minutes when good creative play enabled them to score a well taken converted try. However Welsh responded well with their forwards securing possession and their backs looking dangerous with the ball in hand. James McGill was at the heart of the attacking moves and he beat a couple of defenders before linking up with full back Lloyd Pulford who finished off the move expertly for an unconverted try. Shortly afterwards from a five metre lineout the ball was fed to fly half Adam Frost who showed power and strength to crash through the opposition for a try , which he converted.
At this stage, with Simon Smith and Andy Higham winning plenty of lineout ball, the Welsh backs had plenty of possession to work with. Midway through the half McGill spotted a gap in midfield , kicked ahead and when he was tackled without the ball as he was about to regather possession a penalty try was awarded to give Welsh a 19-7 lead.
To St Andrews credit they regathered themselves, their large pack gradually winning more possession and territory, with Welsh conceding a number of penalties. They reduced the gap with a penalty and shortly before half time their hooker scored an unconverted try following a five metre catch and drive move.
In the second half, St Andrews had plenty of possession but Welsh defended superbly, with the back row including Hughes- Woods and Jake Fletcher outstanding. St Andrews narrowed the gap with a penalty but with Adam Frost kicking well out of hand Welsh gradually began to work their way back up the field. After a couple of five metre lineouts and strong defence fly half Adam Frost used the wide pitch to his advantage kicking expertly across field where James McGill gathered the ball and dived over in the corner for an unconverted try.
The final fifteen minutes saw St Andrews throw everything at the Welsh to secure victory. Welsh fitness levels remained strong, despite the worsening conditions. St Andrews spurned a couple of attacking chances but the Welsh defence was immense in the final minutes ,and they held out for an impressive victory, enjoyed by their match day sponsors Roland and Roger Robinson, as well as their many VP’S at the game.
This week Welsh travel to Northampton Men’s Own Kick off 3pm
Welsh produced a passionate and determined performance to overcome a strong and previously unbeaten St Andrews outfit in a hard fought local derby game, which was a credit to both sides. With their home pitch unplayable, Welsh wish to express their gratitude to Rugby Lions for allowing the fixture to take place at their ground.
St Andrews began brightly and were ahead within five minutes when good creative play enabled them to score a well taken converted try. However Welsh responded well with their forwards securing possession and their backs looking dangerous with the ball in hand. James McGill was at the heart of the attacking moves and he beat a couple of defenders before linking up with full back Lloyd Pulford who finished off the move expertly for an unconverted try. Shortly afterwards from a five metre lineout the ball was fed to fly half Adam Frost who showed power and strength to crash through the opposition for a try , which he converted.
At this stage, with Simon Smith and Andy Higham winning plenty of lineout ball, the Welsh backs had plenty of possession to work with. Midway through the half McGill spotted a gap in midfield , kicked ahead and when he was tackled without the ball as he was about to regather possession a penalty try was awarded to give Welsh a 19-7 lead.
To St Andrews credit they regathered themselves, their large pack gradually winning more possession and territory, with Welsh conceding a number of penalties. They reduced the gap with a penalty and shortly before half time their hooker scored an unconverted try following a five metre catch and drive move.
In the second half, St Andrews had plenty of possession but Welsh defended superbly, with the back row including Hughes- Woods and Jake Fletcher outstanding. St Andrews narrowed the gap with a penalty but with Adam Frost kicking well out of hand Welsh gradually began to work their way back up the field. After a couple of five metre lineouts and strong defence fly half Adam Frost used the wide pitch to his advantage kicking expertly across field where James McGill gathered the ball and dived over in the corner for an unconverted try.
The final fifteen minutes saw St Andrews throw everything at the Welsh to secure victory. Welsh fitness levels remained strong, despite the worsening conditions. St Andrews spurned a couple of attacking chances but the Welsh defence was immense in the final minutes ,and they held out for an impressive victory, enjoyed by their match day sponsors Roland and Roger Robinson, as well as their many VP’S at the game.
This week Welsh travel to Northampton Men’s Own Kick off 3pm
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