Warminster too good for Amesbury

OVERVIEW

Early on in the season the Amber and blues travelled to Amesbury and were involved in a closely fought back and forth contest that ended 24-24.

Warminster however were keen to extend their recent run of good form. Even after last weeks disappointing 12-12 draw, the 1st XV have not suffered defeat since November. First half tries from Jamie Verden, Joe Wildman and Jack McIntyre helped the home side build a half time 19-7 lead. Verden completed his hatrick in the second half with two more scores and a second from McIntyre helped the hosts secure another bonus point 40-7 win.

1st HALF

The game started with a quick tempo, the Warminster forwards working hard to keep the ball fast. Verden was first to score under the posts after a good strong run from Kirk Warr broke the defensive line before passing to Verden to rush clear of all the defenders and score. Warminster immediately conceded after some bad luck. A missed judged pass from winger Elliot Amidulla bounced a few times before ending up in the grateful hands of the Amesbury player to score under the posts. Warminster came back into the game and began to assert some dominance with good carries from Pablo Bautista, Joe Wildman and Jack McIntyre all making good yards and putting defence on the back foot, combining that with the ball being moved around the field nicely, skipper Dean Priestman leading the way with some greatly timed passes. Warminster went on to score two further tries in the first half; Wildman and McIntyre getting over the whitewash after some strong carries from close range. Flyhalf ‘Jumper’ Collins on hand to dispatch 2 of the 3 conversions.

2nd HALF

Second half saw the Amber and blues continue their dominance on the fixture with some good interplay on show. Amidulla looking to make amends for earlier, smashed through a tackle and had looked like he had run clear of all the back-pedalling defenders, but he was stopped just short of the line after an last ditch tackle. Fly half Jumper was pulling the strings creating space for his outside backs. Verden added two scores in the second half to get his hatrick. McIntyre was also on hand to get his second of the day, after Haydn Tryhorn selling a great dummy to break the line and draw the last defender before releasing McIntyre to cross the line. ‘Jumper’ is as on hand to convert the extras. The second half was stopped short after 62 minutes due to a serious injury to an Amesbury player. All at Warminster wish him a speedy and full recovery.

It was exactly what was needed after the disappointing draw last week. The Amber and blues came out and asserted themselves. ‘It was good to see us play with confidence and patience! We have sometimes this season reverted to playing as individuals but it was very pleasing to see us playing as a team and for each other. This was demonstrated in the amount of passes we were purring together’ commented Jimmy Rees after the fixture. With only three league fixtures left for the 1st XV this season, they find themselves second in the league just ahead of Melksham. The aim is now finishing the season as strong as possible.

It’s worth noting that Corsham beating North Dorset II on Saturday saw them secured the league title. We would like congratulates Corsham on this achievement as they have (to date) won every game this season. This weekend (18/2/23) 1st XV travel to local rivals Bradford on Avon and looking to back up the victory over Amesbury with another good performance. Writes Jimmy Rees.