Match Reports 2007 - 2008

End of season fun but not in the sun for Woking RFC in West Sussex

Woking 0 points Midhurst 17 points
Friendly

A party of Woking stalwarts travelled down to West Sussex just over the Surrey border on Saturday to take on Midhurst, at their ‘Ruins Ground’ on the Viscount Cowdray Estate in this end of season fixture. In fact the 24 strong squad provided some selection problems which were solved by adopting a roll on roll off approach to the game.

An early casualty was veteran prop Richard Gilbert who had strained his shoulder the previous week and put it out again doing his teeth that morning such that he could not pull his rugby shirt on. Restricted to linesman’s duty he performed well in that role and notably later on in the evening in the club sing song and post match activities.

Faced in the first half with a slope and the wind in their faces Woking were pinned down in their twenty two for 20 minutes or so with Dan Edwards’ strong boot not able to clear Woking up field any great distance. Strong defence and sporadic breakouts were not sufficient for Woking though as they struggled to get sufficient bodies to the breakdown to compete for possession.

After a period of unrelenting pressure, Midhurst broke through the Woking defence on the right, the pacey Midhurst flanker bursting through and outpacing the Woking forward and back defence on the flank.

Good work at the lineout from Tom Bennett and uncle Phil Bennett saw Woking surge down the right wing with skipper Sean Beavis racing down the blindside to threaten the Midhurst line. Woking’s ruck was penalised and the home side cleared their lines.

This was very much the story of the day. Despite a lot of effort from the Woking team they were unable to get to and win those fifty fifty balls that would have provided them with the possession to take the game to the opposition. So at the break Woking were down by 5 points.

Early in the second half Woking were again taken aback when despite good defence a momentary lapse through the forwards let a second try in on the left. Woking wing Rosario Conigliaro was left clutching at pasta straws as the player raced past him.

Woking made some changes as Adam Smith sustained a nasty eye injury, Jamie Giles jarred his elbow and prop Justin Key was shaken when his ankle slid from under his bulk. On raced Ben Jones, Matt Brennan and Joe Bennett to try and make an impact. Meanwhile Woking prop Neil Hamilton in what was likely to be his last game for the club was soldiering on. Hamilton is off to start a fresh chapter in his life down in the West Country ala Hugh Fearnley-Wittingstall of River Cottage fame.

The pace of wing Ben Ratcliffe was called for by Woking, however he was not able to make much of an impact as he was starved of good possession on the wing. Infact the fastest he ran all afternoon was when he had to sprint the length of the rugby pitch to find the shirt he had taken off whilst acting as linesman.

Midhurst continued to attack and veteran Gareth Edwards, Dan Edwards and Chris Axe in the Woking backs were tackling well. Captain Beavis also pulled off a couple of try saving tackles as the weary Woking forward defence flagged. Midhurst’s third try came in similar fashion to their second with a break down their right wing which this time had Ratcliffe bamboozled and full back Bannister embarrassed as he swan dived to make a tackle and was neatly side stepped by the rampaging Midhurst man.

Woking’s Dan Edwards with Sean Beavis then attempted to gain something from the game as they took a series of quick penalties and ran the ball out from deep in the Woking half. The efforts of Marchant and Green to assist in the attacks were not successful as they were snaffled by the Midhurst defence. Late efforts from Woking hooker Matt Edwards and Phil Bennett were unsuccessful and Woking were unable to secure a score on the board before the final whistle was blasted by the referee in bitterly cold wintry showers.
After the game Midhurst were magnificent hosts, putting on a fine curry and real ale and then their captain Sparky leading a series of enjoyable boat races, singing games and old fashioned sing songs. Emerging from the clubhouse at 10pm there was then a Sparky led canter across the Cowdray Estate meadows to the local hostelries to carry on the festivities and then back to the Angel Hotel for a nightcap or two.

Club Captain Richard Grady commented over his big boys cooked breakfast the following morning ‘We’ve had a spiffin time – with so many of our players new and old participating in the weekend and some of the quieter members of the party certainly came out of their shells in the competitive games after the match!! Shame we were not able to compete better in the match but it was a competitive fixture to end the season on. Thanks to Midhurst for entertaining us so well’.

Tour party: Hamilton, Edwards, Key, Bennett, Childs, Bennett, Odgers, Smith, Bennett, Bannister, Beavis, Edwards, Grady, Edwards, Green, Marchant, Axe, Gilbert, Jones, Conigliaro, Ratcliffe, Giles, Brennan, Holmes.

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads looking towards next season so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Step too far for Woking

Woking 14 points Worth Old Boys 25 points
Surrey League 3

It was always going to be a long shot, but Woking had a chance of climbing a place in Surrey League 3 on the last day of the season if they could beat Worth Old Boys and other results went their way. Worth’s pitch in Whiteley village had a firm surface which would allow for some running rugby.

Woking’s pack was largely unchanged, though Nic Franchino was welcomed back on the flank. The back line was a different matter, with Bruce Weston and Chris Axe in the centre, and second row Daren “none shall pass” Steers being forced onto the wing. The game started positively. Woking’s scrummage was to be dominant throughout and the pack was able to cover a lot of ground to rucks and mauls off this. Franchino made an immediate impact charging through Worth’s defences and causing mayhem as usual. Phil Bennett and Bruce Weston were also in on the act. With ball in hand Woking looked threatening. Unfortunately, many of Woking’s moves broke down due to poor handling or individuals going into contact on their own. This played to the Worth game plan who wanted to spin the ball wide and break the game up. Worth’s line out was also effective; securing them needed first phase ball. Worth were to score first from broken play, and almost secured another score save for some last ditch defending from Woking.

The first half was tight, with Woking defending stoutly. After half time, when Jamie Giles was able to instil some pride in his team, Woking took the initiative. The scrum was rampant, and was driving the Worth pack uphill, and Dan Edwards was at his majestic best setting up opportunities for others. A break from Edwards set up Woking’s first try for full back and man-of-the-match James Bannister wide out on the right. Edwards converted, without a kicking tee. The game was on.

Worth were playing down the slope in the second half and used the conditions well, forcing Woking to defend deep in the corners. Their pressure continued to tell in the second half and Worth were able to score two more tries and a penalty before Woking were able to make in-roads into their half. Pressure on the Worth line turned into points, when Bannister was fastest to latch onto a loose ball and score. Edwards was able to convert again.

Mounting pressure from Woking had the Worth defence creaking. Woking’s pack drove over from a scrum, only for Bennett to be held up over the line. James Goodman then tore a calf muscle, which meant that much of the drive was lost from the Woking scrum, and the impetus was lost. The game ended with a fourth try by Worth’s just before the final whistle.

Skipper Jamie Giles was pragmatic in defeat. “There was great commitment from all of the players out there today, but it was not enough. As with many results this season we lost out through a lack of consistency in our team. We have not been able to field the same team twice in succession all season. Having said that, we have given our all, and can hold our heads up at the end of the season. I for one am looking forward to next year’s campaign.”

Woking end their season next week with a tour to Midhurst RFC on 19 April.

Woking: Hamilton, M Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes, Goodman, Childs, Giles, Franchino, Bennett, D’Cruz, D Edwards, Green, Weston, Axe, Steers, Bannister.

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads looking towards next season so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Woking’s light outshone by Beacons

Woking 13 points Beaconsfield 20 points
Friendly

Woking played Beaconsfield away in Buckinghamshire on Saturday. The conditions were not conducive to running rugby from the start, with arctic winds and a steady downpour of rain to last the match. Woking played the first half with the wind and down a considerable slope, which proved to be a good advantage. The game started with much promise as the Woking forwards took control in the set-piece and the loose. Woking’s scrums proved to be a deciding factor in momentum, with hooker Matt Edwards stealing most of the opposition ball against the head.

Woking’s first try came through overwhelming pressure, leading to Dan Edwards mesmerising the defence and scything through the opposition back line to score in the corner. This, followed by a most surprising conversion from far out on the right touch line, brought the score to 7-0. The pressure continued with dominant forwards and organized backs, leading to a penalty just behind the 10 metre line. To the shock of most of the team, Dan Edwards went for a long distance kick at posts and even more shockingly, converted it. Things continued positively with Bruce Weston and the Woking backs continuing to tear apart the opposition whilst the forwards continued winning set piece and rucks. Strong defence, led by Jim McGiven playing at inside centre and stalwart Phil Bennett, led to another penalty kick opportunity from just outside the 22, which was also converted.

Unfortunately, just before half-time Beaconsfield started to fight back with good off-loads in the tackle and good support play. A tiring Woking team began to form ‘dog-legs’ in defence and a quick tap from a penalty in the 22 gave the home team the opportunity to score a try, despite the best efforts of Bruce Weston. 13-5.

The Second Half was now against the elements but Cormac Lewis, introduced at half-time, began with a great run from his try line. Then, undid much of the good work as he threw away a loose pass. More storming runs from Woking’s Jack Gogarty and Sean Beavis were unproductive in the scoring stakes.

Over-confidence and lack of structure led to individual efforts from Woking; their game now losing shape. This, combined with fatigue resulted in missed tackles and Beaconsfield worked their way to another try. The score was now 13-12 and ill-discipline from Woking and good team-work from the home team gave them a penalty to take them into the lead. 13-15. More loose Woking play led to a turnover which Beaconsfield took advantage of by sending a long kick over the top. A communication breakdown at the back had the ball bobbing near Woking’s try line and despite the best efforts of stand-in full-back Evan Marchant, Beaconsfield dived over to score the try. 20-13

The game finished with Woking still looking comfortably the better side but the loss of organisation and failure to secure ball in the letter stages of the game saw them pay a heavy price.

Skipper Jamie Giles said after the game “It was a good first half effort by the team, with impenetrable defense leading and good work in attack. Unfortunately, once in the lead, we decided it was no longer necessary to attack or put any effort into rucks and mauls. Despite much effort from the team it was not enough to prevent the most ridiculous of come-backs by the opposition. We live and we learn.’

Woking: Hamilton-Wilkes, Edwards, Osborn, Goodman, Giles, Gogarty, Weston, Bennett, Jones, DCruz, Edwards, Beavis, McGiven, Lewis, Childs, Green, Marchant.

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads looking towards next season so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Woking round up Stoke Park Bisons

Woking 20 points Stoke Park Bisons 0 points
Surrey Division 3 - League

In weather more reminiscent of mid-winter than spring, Woking played Stoke Park Bisons. Pride was mainly all that was at stake as these two teams prop up Surrey 3, but pride was enough to give us an enthralling match despite the conditions.

Woking were close to full strength and started into the wind. The Bisons initially played the wind well and pressured the Woking line for nearly the whole forty minutes of the first half. Stout defence, led by Dan Edwards from fly-half and Phil Bennett at Number 8 kept the Bisons out, and Woking were able to turn over enough ball to cross the Bisons line twice to be held up, and no score to be allowed. The Bisons had a number of penalty chances close to the Woking line, which they chose to run rather than take the points, and although the Woking line was stretched it was not breached at any time.

At half time the game was still scoreless, but Woking now had the elements behind them. The Woking pack was dominating the set piece play in the game and this would now prove to be decisive. Initially, Woking were able to push play into the Bisons 22 metre area, where the Bisons were penalised for going over the top in a ruck. Dan Edwards converted the kick to give Woking the lead, which proved to be the start Woking needed.

Long kicks from Edwards, using the wind, pushed the Bisons back into the corners and allowed the Woking forwards to execute a strong catch and drive from a lineout close to the Bisons line. Bennett was able to charge over the line for a well deserved score. Edwards was unable to convert, but this did not matter in the long run. Woking now provided most of the attacking threat in the game, with the Bisons given limited possession and poor field position. When the Bisons did attack, Woking’s defence held out.

Centre Sean Beavis was able to dive in at the corner after some slick work by the Woking backs, and Woking were able to pull away. The conditions meant that it was not a day for ambitious handling moves, though it did not stop both sides trying it. This meant that there were a high number of scrums in the match. From one of these scrums, five metres from the Bisons line, Phil Bennett was able to score again from the base of the scrum. Dan Edwards was able to convert this score. This ended the scoring for the game, but not the action, as the game continued to be played in an aggressive and competitive fashion until the fine whistle.

Number 8 Bennett had an outstanding all round game and was ultimately named man-of-the-match. After the game, skipper Jamie Giles, who enjoyed another good game in the second row, said “We put in a great defensive effort in the first half, which then enabled us to turn around level and then make the most of the opportunities we had to score. Phil Bennett stood out today, leading the defence and scoring two excellent tries off phase play. I am very proud of the team as a whole, who put in an excellent effort. We have one league game left and this is winnable, which would give us 10 league points that would be a respectable result for us this season”.

Woking’s last home game this season is against Sutton and Epsom on 4 April at 3pm, their last league game is on 12 April away to Worth Old Boys.

Woking: Hamilton, M Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes, Giles, Goodman, Weston, Gogarty, Bennett, D’Cruz, D Edwards, McGiven, Thomas, Beavis, Green, Bannister.

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads looking towards next season so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Woking Educated by Old Boys

Woking 0 points Old Cranleighians 38 points
Surrey Division 3 - League

Woking entertained the already crowned champions of Surrey 3, Old Cranleighans on Saturday. Blustery conditions meant that it would be a challenging day for handling, kicking and the lineout, but at least this was the same for both sides.

Absences and injuries hit the team. The pack was broadly intact, with Jack Gogarty making his debut on the flank, but the Woking outside backs were reshuffled. Bruce Weston returned to the centre, Chris Axe came in on one wing and Paul Green started on the other. The Woking bench average age was over 40, but the same could be said for OCs.

OCs were always going to be difficult to match, let alone beat, and the tone was set early with a rapidly scored try. Woking seemed to be stung by this and tried to get into the game, driving through the forwards where possible. Woking’s pack more than held their own in the scrum, but for once their lineout failed to function, with the wind disrupting Mat Edwards’ throwing in. The younger Edwards, along with the back row of Jack Gogarty, Phil Bennett and Paul Odgers put in a huge amount of work to try to secure ball and harry the opposition, but it was too often on the back foot.

Woking’s backs did not have much ball to play with all day, and for the most part it was in their own half and with pressure being put on them Dan Edwards and the other backs were forced to kick the ball away to try and restart the match further up field, With Woking’s lineout faltering, this did not yield results. Woking only had two penalty chances at goal in the whole game; neither of which were easy, and unfortunately Edwards was unable to convert either chance. OCs continually applied pressure through their fast moving backs and agile and strong forwards, ultimately winning the game by six tries. It is a testament to the strength of the Woking defence that the score was not higher, and OCs themselves had expected to score 60 or 70 points.

After the game, skipper Jamie Giles said “It’s hard to win a game when you have so little ball, and with our lineout not functioning we lost one of our major sources of possession. I must say that the boys all worked hard to keep the game close for long periods. Our back row were immense in defence and so it was easy for me to name Jack Gogarty as our man of the match. We need to take heart from this and put it into our last two league matches, both of which we can win if we apply ourselves”.

Woking: Hamilton, M Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes, Goodman, Giles, Odgers, Bennett, Gogarty, D’Cruz, D Edwards, Axe, Thomas, Weston, Green, Bannister. Bench: Grady and Key

Woking’s next home match will be on Saturday 29 March against Stoke Park Bisons from Guildford at Byfleet Recreation Ground. Kick off will be at 2.30pm.

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Woking backs Stret their stuff

Woking 27 points Streatham-Croydon 24 points
Surrey Division 3 - League

Terrible traffic on the way through South London was not the best preparation for Woking’s league match against Streatham-Croydon, a must win match for both sides. Thankfully, the referee was also held up so the game kicked off 30 minutes late.

For once, Woking were able to field a close to full strength team, though skipper Jamie Giles was forced into the second row again, not his favourite position. The game started quickly on the broad Streatham pitch, with Dan Edwards launching kicks downfield for Cormac Lewis to chase. Initially this was not successful, but it exposed the Streatham backs to Lewis’s pace, and it was not long before Lewis had the ball in hand again to charge over the line. Such was his pace that he was able to touch down near the posts to make it an easier conversion for Dan Edwards who, as he had a tee this week, slotted the kick.

Woking then went to sleep in the forwards and gave away stupid penalties, at the same time as Streatham-Croydon upped their game. Their Number 8 crossed quickly for a try under the posts, and skipper Giles, Phil Bennett and Paul Thomas rallied the troops.

Both sets of forwards were evenly matched, but the Woking backs held the upper hand. Dan Edwards was in imperious form with ball in hand and was able to slip through the Streatham-Croydon defence to dot down under the posts. Dan then converted his own try. Unfortunately, some lacklustre ball handling and some dodgy footwork meant many other opportunities went unconverted.

Woking were comfortably ahead at half time, with Dan Edwards also able to convert two penalty chances, though they should have been further ahead. The pacy Paul Green had been brought on for the injured Kevin Turner towards the end of the first half, which did not weaken the back line at all.

The change of ends though brought another period of narcolepsy to Woking which allowed Streatham-Croydon’s Number 8 in for another try, even though they were down to 14 men, after one of their props had an altercation with an innocent Alistair Hamilton-Wilkes. Soon after the kick off, Dan Edwards scythed through the defence for his second converted try. Woking were 10 points ahead and should have been cruising at this point, but lacklustre defence and some erratic decisions from the referee increased the penalty count against Woking and pressure was on.

Further erratic action led to a well won Woking scrum being turned over by the Streatham-Croydon back row, snaffling the ball out from between Number 8 Bennett’s feet, which resulted in a try for their fly half. Woking then endured a nervous five minutes, but were able to hold out to secure a much needed win.

Skipper Jamie Giles said “I am pleased with the result, as it was good to come away and get a win, but if it were not for some individual skill and determination by our backs, particularly Dan Edwards, and man of the match Paul Thomas, we might have lost this one. We have three league games to go and we stand a good chance in all of them, but we still need to up our game”.

Woking: Hamilton, M Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes, Goodman, Giles, Odgers, Packer, Bennett, D’Cruz, D Edwards, Lewis, Beavis, Thomas, Turner (Green), Bannister.

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Woking Secure Timely Win

Woking 37 Farnham III 17
Friendly

Woking were able to secure a needed win in a friendly against Farnham IIIs this weekend. The core of the 1st XV were on duty, though Jim McGiven was asked to play on the flank rather than the wing. Jim was well up for this task and put in a man-of-the-match performance. Cormac Lewis was also welcomed back into the team after a long layoff.

Farnham wanted to spin the ball wide, and Woking were keen to develop their phase play. A few early scares for Woking were seen off, then some deft footwork from a healthy Dan Edwards put the Woking lineout close to the Farnham line. Ball was secured, the forwards drove into Farnham, and a stealthy James Goodman charged over the line to touch down. Dan Edwards did not have a kicking tee, and the kick was wide out, so he was unable to convert. Edwards was not to have a great day with the boot for points, though his running and kicking from hand were impeccable. As an attacking force, Edwards, Paul Thomas and Sean Beavis were very impressive, and defensively they controlled the midfield.

For once, Woking’s pack were struggling in the set piece, but were more mobile and able to hit more rucks and mauls than normal. Much of this was down to McGiven playing like a man possessed. Scrum-half Peter D’Cruz was everywhere, chivvying his forwards into play, and engineering the successful gameplan, earning him a joint nomination for man of the match with McGiven.

This was a day for running rugby, with Woking scoring six more tried and Farnham three. Lewis put in a number of powerful runs down the left wing, one of which ended in a try out wide. Beavis also almost scored out left in the first half to be denied by the line, but made amends in the second scoring on the right. Dan Edwards snaffled a number of interceptions capping off a fine performance, and even found time to score twice himself. Paul Green on the right wing was able to score after some great play by Paul Thomas, and Laeton Packer galloped in to score with an un-Kiwi like swan dive.

Defensive lapses from Woking and good play from Farnham kept them in the game, and there were injuries to skipper Jamie Giles, and Nic Franchino, who came on for Giles, meaning that Kev Turner, normally a full back, came onto the blind side flank. Overall though the team played well and deserved the win. After the game, Giles said “there were a lot of positives to take from this game that we should take into our final four league matches. I was pleased with the effort of the team, particularly Jim and Pete”.

Woking: Hamilton, M Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes, Goodman, Giles (Franchino, Turner), McGiven, Packer, Bennett, D’Cruz, D Edwards, Lewis, Thomas, Beavis, Green, Bannister.

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Merton pace too much for tired Woking

Woking 12 points Merton 27 points
Surrey Division 3 - League

On a clear crisp, Saturday, Woking entertained a strong Merton side in the Surrey League. Woking were able to welcome back skipper Jamie Giles and George Osborn to the pack for a match that was going to prove to be difficult from the off. From the kick off, the game was played at a frenetic pace, and Woking initially were able to front up to the Merton side. Merton’s tactic was clearly to move the ball wide and use their swift backs to penetrate the Woking line. Woking’s defence was up to the task, led by man-of-the-match Sean Beavis, holding Merton out for long periods of the first half, though ultimately Merton were able to score in the corner as their pace outstripped Woking’s. Merton’s kicker was able to convert the difficult conversion, he ended up having a very good day with the boot, and Woking were 7:0 down.

Heads did not drop and skipper Giles was able to get the team functioning again and onto the front foot. Woking were to lose George Osborn from the pack, but this only brought Phil Bennett onto the pitch, who set about the match with a will. Woking’s lineout started to snaffle ball through Laeton Packer, Giles and Bennett, and were able to convert this into pressure on Merton, with Franchino taking the direct approach through the Merton team. Strong play from the backs and a kick through allowed Woking’s Mr Versatile, Bruce Weston, playing in the centre, to power over the line and score. Dan Edwards converted and it was game on.

There were no further scores in the first half, and Woking turned around in good heart, knowing that an upset could be on the cards. The next forty minutes though would prove too much for a tiring Woking side. Dale Lovell, who had come into the front row from the second row, injured ribs in a collapsing scrum and had to come off. Paul Green came on into the backs and the ubiquitous Weston stepped up from centre to tight-head, without blinking. The pace of the game and the changes to the team had an effect on Woking as Merton were able to turn the screw and turnover ball to score out wide. Merton were able to score again before great work from some phase play allowed the Woking backs to spin the ball wide themselves and James Bannister was able to get in at the corner to score. Unfortunately Edwards was not able to convert, so Woking were still two scores behind, and that was the closest they were to get from there on in.

Merton were able to score two more tries before the end of the game, as Woking turned over ball, and were not quick enough to stop Merton capitalising through quick hands and offloads in the tackle. In the end it was clear that the better team won. Captain Jamie Giles said at the end of the game “I could not have asked for more in terms of effort from the team, and we were in there for much of the game, but they were simply better than us on the day. Credit must also go to Sean Beavis for leading the line in defence, making him our man-of-the-match”.

Woking: Hamilton, M Edwards, Osborn (Bennett), Lovell (Green), Giles, Packer, Franchino, Odgers, D’Cruz, D Edwards, McGiven, Weston, Beavis, Turner, Bannister.

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Reigate closed on Woking

Woking 11 points Reigate 12 points
Surrey Division 3 - League

In bright and dry conditions Woking started strongly from the kick-off driving deep into Reigate’s 22 metre area pressing for early points. Reigate were a match for this pressure though and defended well and secured possession which allowed them to break from deep through their very useful left wing. Woking found themselves back in their own half.

Regaining possession and impetus Woking then spent sustained periods in the Reigate half as they retained and drove the ball through their strong forwards. Again the Reigate defence held out well and a single 3 pointer from Dan Edwards was all that they had to show for their effort. After a period of too-ing and fro-ing Woking was able to stretch the lead to 6-0 after Reigate indiscipline cost them a penalty in front of their posts which Dan Edwards converted. That’s how the first half ended.

Reigate came out firing in the second half and were intent on running every ball they got, taking tap penalties at any opportunity. This paid off when their scrum half sniped around the fringe to score under the posts for a converted try. That put Reigate in the lead, 7-6 against the run of play. The game was scrappy for much of the second half with a yellow card being shown to Reigate and Woking’s Bruce Weston. Woking gained some composure and pushed into Reigate territory and after some good linkage between forwards and backs, Paul Green finished well in the left corner. The conversion was unsuccessful.
Woking were leading 11-7 with 3 minutes to go however they came under sustained pressure from Reigate and despite committed defence from Woking, Reigate were able to claim a late try with 3 minutes to go. There was a period of confusion as the touch judge was quizzed by the referee who was poorly positioned to award the try. However the try was awarded and there was no time for Woking to mount a last attack.

Captain Jamie Giles sidelined with gout commented after the game ‘This was a league victory within our grasp, it was unfortunate to concede a late try in controversial circumstances – though really we should have been many points ahead if we had taken our chances’

Woking: Hamilton-Wilkes, Edwards, Hamilton, Williams, Lovell, Goodman, Franchino, Weston, Packer, Bannister D’Cruz, Edwards, Marchant, Turner, Green.

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Raynes dampen Woking fire

Woking 5 points Raynes Park 32 points
Surrey Division 3 - League

Woking travelled up to Raynes Park on Saturday to fulfil a rearranged league fixture. The ground was heavy having drained a little in the fortnight since the cancellation and there was a stiff wind – so all in all quite challenging playing conditions.

The pattern of the game was established early on by Raynes Park with bullocking runs from their larger stronger forwards which had Woking scampering around in defence. The power of the Raynes Park forwards was too great for Woking in the first half as they conceded three tries in the first twenty minutes. Woking were committed in defence and accordingly on the back foot. This made attacking very difficult and Dan Edwards was living off scraps as he tried to generate some momentum. His efforts were further hampered by a rampaging Raynes Park back row which did not give him any time and inevitably led to Woking losing ground on their own ball.

The second half saw Woking wake up in the forwards and challenge more at the breakdown holding their own in the line out and the scrum.

But it was the Raynes Park backs who shone in the second half as they demonstrated their worth racing in for a brace of tries one immediately from the restart and the second minutes later. The introduction of Pete D’Cruz at scrum half coincided with the Woking backs getting some cleaner and quicker ball which they began to use. Strong running full back Kevin Turner broke through the Raynes Park line but his good work was not capitalised on as the ball went astray or was snaffled by the competent Raynes Park defence. Woking gained further momentum with the introduction of Dale Lovell in the second row as Rex Williams flagged after a herculean effort. Back row pairing of Bruce Weston and Nick Franchino both returning from injury spent much of their time grafting away at the base of the ruck maul and scrum and Franchino put in some rampaging runs to gain good ground. Captain for the day Laeton Packer carrying a lower back injury cajoled the side along during the adversity and his pressure and chasing was rewarded as he touched down from a kick and chase for Woking’s solitary try late in the game.

Packer commented after the game ‘I was talking to the referee as we were walking off the pitch and he said in no way were Raynes 30 points better that us. I feel we showed in the last 20 minutes how we can play, and we showed in the whole 80 minutes that we are able to hang in and grind it out, even if the scoreline didn’t go our way.’

Woking: Hamilton Wilkes, Edwards, Lee, Williams, Goodman, Franchino, Weston, Packer, Bannister (D’Cruz), Edwards, McGiven, Marchant, Turner, Green. Sub Lovell

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Outpaced Woking left clutching at thin air

Woking RFC 3 points Old Haileyburians 31 points
Surrey Division 3 - League

A fine, dry day at the Byfleet Rec led to Woking RFC’s first fifteen chasing shadows for much of their league match against Old Haileyburians (OH). Woking fielded a strong pack, though without a recognised hooker, and a good set of backs, knowing that there would be stiff opposition. Unfortunately, due to the exceptionally late arrival of scrum half James Bannister without his boots, changes to the backline had to be made even before kick off, with Sean Beavis moving from centre to scrum half, Jim McGiven moving to centre and Paul Green onto the wing from the bench. Added to this was the fact that playmaker Dan Edwards had only recently recovered from serious illness and was not exactly on top form.

The game started well, with Woking scoring the first points through some strong work in the forwards – the pack were to be utterly dominant in the scrum and lineout – causing the OH team to encroach on a ruck in front of the posts. Dan Edwards duly slotted the penalty. That was the last of the Woking scoring for the day however.

OH revelled in the clear conditions and started to use their swift back row and even swifter backline to steal and secure possession and convert this into scoring chances. In the first half, as Woking consistently lost the ball in contact, OH were able to score four tries with relative ease. Each time Woking were out of position or poor in the tackle to allow the OH team in. Frustration was evident in the Woking ranks, with Jim McGiven showing his firey side on a few occasions, culminating in the sin-binning of No. 8 Phil Bennett before half time, for his reaction to a strike from an opponent.

Half time gave skipper Jamie Giles the opportunity to pull the team together and put some steel into the team. The second half proved to be a much better performance from the Woking team, although OH were still able to score again and had a number of further opportunities wiped out through poor handling and stout defence. Some pride was salvaged, but not the result. Woking came close to scoring on a number of occasions both through the forwards and the backs, but did not cross the whitewash.

A disappointed and exhausted Jamie Giles said after the match “We really gave them too much respect, and did not confront them in the way we know how. Too much ball is still being lost as players go into contact without support, and we need to defend better as a team. Having said that there were positives to come from the second half where we showed more of what we are capable of. There are a number of winnable games coming up and we still stand a good chance of staying up this season”.

Woking: Hamilton, Hamilton-Wilkes (Lee), Osborn, Goodman, Williams, Giles (Capt.) Odgers, Bennett, Beavis, Edwards, Marchant, Thomas, McGiven, Green, Turner. Sub: Childs

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Mitch Match at the Rec

Woking RFC 5 points Mitcham RFC 39 points
Surrey Division 3 – League

There was no post Christmas cheer at the recreation ground this weekend as Woking errors made the margin of victory for Mitcham all too easy on Saturday. The early exchanges in the game were concentrated in the forwards with Mitcham gaining the territorial advantage but Woking’s defence holding firm. After a period of intense pressure from Mitcham, Woking were pinned in their twenty two with a lineout which they inextricably called short. Mistiming in the lineout saw the ball go long to a Mitcham flanker who romped over to score the try. Before the break Mitcham stretched Woking in the backs and winning the scrum Mitcham’s no.8 burst from the base of a wheeling scrum to score the try. So at half time Woking were two scores down but in with a shout it appeared.

The second half saw Mitcham up their work rate and Woking slow down as the two week lay off over Christmas began to take its toll. A lack of fitness and poor decision making then led to a series of scores for Mitcham. Two tries were scored when Mitcham sliced through the Woking centres, a third when the Mitcham backs ran in following a cross field clearance kick, and later tired Woking legs could not match the pace in the Mitcham backs. Woking’s players were left grasping at thin air as they tried desperately to make their tackles, as Mitcham scored again.

A consolation try was all that Woking could muster when Sean Beavis finished off on the right following some good work by Dan Edwards.

Woking skipper Jamie Giles commented after the game ‘We did not do ourselves justice today, and the late forced changes to the side were no excuse. We failed in some basic skills notably in the lineout which made life very difficult for us’.

Woking: Lee, Edwards, Lovell, Jones, Goodman, Packer, Giles, Bennett, Bannister, Edwards, Lewis, Beavis, Green, Marchant, Turner.

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Stoked up Woking hit boiling point

Woking RFC 13 points Stoke Park RFC 0 points
Surrey Division 3 – League

Woking travelled to Stoke Park in Guildford on Saturday to try and secure 2 points in a bottom of the league clash. In terrible conditions where the pitch resembled a bog and the wind was biting Woking took the initiative by launching a series of attacks as they were favoured by the slope and the cross-field wind. The first points to be registered on the board came from captain Jamie Giles who battered his way over the try line following a period of concerted forward pressure. Sean Beavis in at No.10 could not convert as the ball skidded wide in the slippery conditions.

The combination of good forward rucking and slick handling in the backs led to a well taken try by new boy Paul Green on the wing who showed great strength by powering over in the corner on the right wing. The conversion was even trickier and equally unsuccessful.

Woking’s forwards equalled the rucking and mauling of the beefy Bisons of Stoke Park, with big Phil Bennett and the confident Dale Lovell playing major roles in the battering of the Bisons in attack and in defence. Rampaging deep into the Bisons last quarter Woking secured a penalty for repeated flopping over the top from the Bisons. Sean Beavis was more successful with this easier opportunity.

In the second half Woking aimed to put more points on the board and despite Sean Beavis going close and the forwards being held up over the line, Woking were unable to register further points on the board. The second half was though extremely exciting with a dashing display from Kevin Turner at full back, strong running and tackling in the centres by Richard Grady and Jim McGiven and effective loose play from Laeton Packer and Rex Williams in the forwards.

Captain Jamie Giles was delighted after the game exclaiming ‘We had to win this game and if was a true team effort in difficult playing conditions, with a few changes in the side – a positive way to end the calendar year but there is lots to do in the second half of the season.’

Woking: Lee, Edwards, Lovell, Williams, Goodman, Packer, Giles, Bennett, Bannister, Beavis, Green, Grady, McGiven, Weston, Turner.

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Wands-worth the trip

Woking RFC 13 points Wandsworthians RFC 3 points

Woking travelled to a windswept New Malden on Saturday in the second round of the Surrey cup competition. In soggy conditions it looked like it would be a forwards game and freezing duty for the backs. Infact this was not far wrong although there was plenty of running for both sets of backs as both sought to take advantage of the wind in the kick and chase. Playing with the wind in the first half Woking powered deep into the Wandsworthians half and secured a penalty on the twenty that Sean Beavis slotted over. It felt like it could be a close game in light of the playing conditions so this was a sensible step to get early points on the board.

Woking no.8 Phil Bennett sparked Woking in the loose and off the base of the scrum and it was Bennett who powered over from close range to score Woking’s first try from a penalty close to the Wandsworthians line. The conversion was taken by the wind and was unsuccessful.

Woking then conceded a series of penalties that culminated in a goal attempt by Wandsworthians that scraped over the posts to register them with three points. With the wind Woking kicked their way downfield and pressed home this advantage received from the elements by scoring a second try. It was the strong running of Woking no. 10 Sean Beavis who jinked his way through the defence and then raced between the posts to score. His fine try was not capped by the conversion as Wandsworthians charged down the kick, Beavis having to take his kick very close to the goal line such was the strength of the wind.

The second half saw Wandsworthians on the offensive but strong committed defence from Woking ensured their line was not breached. Using the wind Wandsworthians peppered the Woking back three of Turner, Ratcliffe and Conigliaro with high balls that were dealt with well, notably by Turner who ran back strongly. This together with powerful offence and defence in the Woking centres and a committed forward performance saw off the Wandsworthians attacks and Woking were unlucky not to score further tries in the second half.

Woking: Osborn, Edwards, Hamilton Wilkes, Jones, Lovell, Giles, Bennett, Packer, Banister, Beavis, Ratcliffe, Grady, Thomas, Conigliaro, Turner. Sub: Marchant

Woking are currently recruiting for all their senior teams. If you would like to join them please contact Richard on 01932 347576

Woking RFC 22 points Worth Old Boys 40 points

Woking entertained Worth Old Boys on Saturday at the Recreation Ground. There was a chill wind blowing across the ground, which made the second half superiority of Worth Old Boys all the more painful to players and spectators alike.

A clumsy passage of play in the opening minutes of the game saw Woking 7 points down before they could settle into the game. A clever kick through from the Worth Old Boys No 10 found Woking’s Chris Macey scampering back in defence to retrieve the ball. However as he fell on it the ball squirted out backwards over the try line for the Worth boys to touch down and then convert.

Worth then secured a penalty and scored wide on the right following some strong back play. Woking worked their way back into the game with a well taken try from scrum half James Bannister who broke off the base of the scrum and dived under the posts. Tit for tat scoring continued with another well taken try through the Worth backs and then Woking struck back with a well taken try from flanker Laeton Packer. Dan Edwards slotted over a good penalty to steer Woking into the lead.

In the second half Woking began to flag, with fitness levels not allowing them to compete effectively for the fifty fifty ball and the Worth backs let rip with a further brace of tries. Woking fought back with a very committed try from Jim McGiven who joined the forwards from full back and burst through the ruck to score. Despite these efforts Woking lost their shape as Worth upped the tempo determined not to lose the game and sliced through Woking with a final brace of tries from their pacey backs.

Woking Captain Jamie Giles commented after the game ‘We were in the game for the majority of the match however the Worth backs were a little tasty and we struggled to cope with their jinking skilful running play’.

Woking: Osborn, Edwards, Lee, Goodman, Lovell, Packer, Giles, Bennett, Bannister, Edwards, Thomas, Turner, McGiven, Marchant, Macey.

Woking 1XV and 2XV are currently recruiting and would welcome players of all standards. If you are interested please call Richard on 01932 347576

Woking RFC 10 points Mitcham RFC 30 points

Woking travelled up the A3 on Saturday to Mitcham to take on a team that has been performing very strongly in the first half of the season. A burnt out car greeted Woking on their arrival at the Mitcham ground, perhaps a sign of the rough ride that they were going to experience on the pitch. Facing a large Mitcham pack it was going to be a big game for the Woking forwards if they were to make any headway in what on paper looked like a very tough fixture.

From the kick off facing into the wind, Woking came under a concerted attack from Mitcham largely through the Mitcham forwards who were surprisingly mobile in the early stages of the game. Mitcham's No.10 just sat in the pocket and planted long kicks deep into the Woking half which caused Woking wing Evan Marchant and Kevin Turner much discomfort. With some dominance in the forwards and missing the tackling of Nick Franchino in the back row Woking were exposed around the edges of the scrum, ruck and maul. This was exploited by Mitcham who broke through their No.8 deep into the Woking twenty two, for the backs to finish off under the posts. Shortly after with a good bit of individual skill Dan Edwards skipped through slack Mitcham defence to touch down under the posts and then slot the conversion for Woking. Edwards was also on target with his kicking boots minutes later when he slotted over a penalty goal.

Mitcham hit back with a drop goal and penalty in turn to take them into the lead. Further pressure from Mitcham through the forwards then saw them spot an opportunity wide out and sneak around the Woking defence.

Under a lot of pressure in the scrum, Woking's front row performed well to hold their own despite a large weight deficit, however the distribution off the base of the scrum was poor leading to static or lateral play form the Woking backs that made little or any headroom against a solid Mitcham defence.

The second half did not fair any better for Woking as they struggled to get to grips with possession and a couple of lapses in defence allowed Mitcham to romp in a couple of tries under the posts. Having broken the first line of defence, poor positional play from the Woking backs provided no cover from the scrum and the ruck, allowing a relatively easy run in for Mitcham.

Woking played their hearts out with some late flourishes however there were several missed chances with knock ons and forward passes that did not help their cause rubbing salt into the wounds.

Woking: Lee, Edwards, Osborn, Goodman, Jones, Packer, Giles, Bennett, Bannister, Edwards, Marchant, Thomas, Suddaby, McGiven, Turner.

Woking RFC are actively recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV if you would like to join call Richard on 01932 347576

Woking RFC 24 points Lightwater 18 RFC points
Surrey Bowl

Woking produced a good fight back on Saturday to defeat local Surrey Heath rivals Lightwater in the Surrey Bowl competition.
With still further changes to the side due to injury and unavailability Woking were stretched by a committed and confident Lightwater side. Lightwater took the initiative as Woking lost possession in the line and at the breakdown scoring a brace of tries that left Woking skipper James Giles flabbergasted.

Woking were nothing but determined and with some good support on the touchline set about hauling themselves back into the game. This relied on solid work in attack and defence from Edwards at No.10 and Grady at No. 12. Their no nonsense approach to the job was latched onto by the forwards who then let rip with some really powerful play as Woking fought back well with tries through the forwards from prop big George Osborn and hooker Matt Edwards in the middle of the second half, which Dan Edwards converted. Lightwater hit back again with a further try through the forwards which stunned Woking and then they added a penalty kick. Woking were not to be outdone and it was full back James Bannister who produced a stunning try just when it was need by Woking. Dan Edwards converted superbly and then slotted a great penalty to take the game beyond Lightwater.

Woking: Osborn, Edwards, Lee, Goodman, Lovell, Franchino, Giles, Jones, Packer, Edwards, Marchant, Grady, Turner, Beavis, Bannister.

Woking are recruiting new players of all standards so if you are interested please contact Richard on 01932 347576

Woking RFC 11 points Raynes Park 27 points
League

Woking faced a big challenge on Saturday and the team on the park tried hard but was not able to match the intensity of the well-drilled Raynes Park team. The strength of Woking’s first team squad was challenged with the withdrawal of both second rows, James Goodman and Dale Lovell due to injury and illness and influential flanker Bruce Weston out with injury too. The backs were light of regular players Kevin Turner, Dave Baigrie and Cormac Lewis too.

So, it was the combination of a less well organised pack and less cohesion in the backs that put Woking under pressure before Raynes Park even stepped on the pitch.

It was not long before Raynes Park were winning Woking’s ball in the lineout and dominant in the ruck as Woking’s technique let them down. Exploiting this turnover ball Raynes Park were able to take Woking’s backs apart twice within the first quarter as attack was turned into stretched defence with tries wide on the Woking right and under the post. The sides then traded penalty goals. Again it was ball lost by Woking in the contact that gifted Raynes Park their third try. The scrums went in favour of Raynes Park in terms of weight and power and scrum half James banister had a torrid time trying to secure the ball as Woking’s eight were shoved backwards and disrupted by the Raynes Park pack and scrum half. Poor Dan Edwards at fly half was receiving atrocious ball and not wishing to hand on hospital passes found himself scragged repeatedly.

In the second half as Raynes Park took their feet off the gas Woking were led onwards by the quick thinking of Dan Edwards who seized the ball from quick penalties and made great strides assisted by powerful Wayne Suddaby in the centre. Such a break eventually led to a score for Woking as the ball made its way to right wing Evan merchant who raced in to score the try. Dane Edwards was unable to convert the try but made a penalty shortly thereafter to bring some sort of respectability to the Woking score.

Raynes Park were not finished and scores a final try wide on the Woking left following a good backs handling move, outstripping the despairing tackles of Jim McGiven and Sean Beavis.

Woking captain Jamie Giles commented after the game ‘We tried hard, but Raynes Park were more committed throughout the team and better drilled which showed in the points tally’.

Woking: Osborn, Edwards, Lee, Jones, Franchino, Bannister, Edwards, merchant, Suddaby, Thomas, McGiven, Beavis.

Woking RFC are recruiting at present and if you would like to join them contact Richard on 01932 347576

Woking RFC 0 Old Haileyburians RFC 24
League

Woking travelled to Tolworth on Saturday to face league leaders Old Haileyburians. In fine conditions the game commenced with Old Haileyburians taking the early initiative and putting Woking under huge amounts of pressure. It was only after considerable defensive effort and last ditch clearance kicks from Dan Edwards that Woking were able to clear their lines and make their way down into the Old Haileyburian half. Good work from flanker Bruce Weston breaking out of defence saw Woking surge towards the Old Haileyburian try line. Good defence in return from Old Haileyburian thwarted Woking’s efforts and the chance went begging.

Soon the strong running Old H backs had Woking at full stretch once again and when they broke through the defence they had sufficient support in numbers to carry them over the line for the try that was converted. Adding a penalty just before half time Old H went into half time with a 10 point lead.

Woking were in with a shout at the break but needed to up their work rate and precision in the lineout and at the ruck where they were losing their own ball all to often. This was putting scrum half Laeton Packer and fly half Dan Edwards under pressure as they were taking the ball on the back foot if not going backwards. This made it difficult for Woking to make anything from the limited possession. Instead Woking’s game was limited to trying to restrict Old Haileyburians and snaffle possession in the loose. Woking centres Wayne Suddaby and Dave Baigrie were magnificent in the effort they put in in defence but their effectiveness in attack was very limited by the excellent Old Haileyburian backs.

As Old Haileyburian piled on the pressure Woking began to wilt, succumbing to two tries early in the second half and one at the death. All three were attributable to good work in the forwards from Old Haileyburians with good finishing in the backs who were both fast and powerful.

Woking: Osborn, Edwards, Lee, Goodman, Lovell, Weston, Odgers, Franchino, Packer, Edwards, Marchant, Suddaby, Baigrie, McGiven, Lewis.

Woking RFC 27 Reigate RFC 14
League

Woking entertained Reigate at home on Saturday in bright but blustery conditions. Stoked up by a powerful team talk before the game from skipper Jamie Giles Woking started the game very strongly with their forwards dominating at the break down, scrum and in the lineout. Minutes into the game, Woking prop George ‘the Abbott’ Osborn crashed over from close following a period of aggressive rucking from Woking. Dan Edwards slotted over the conversion. Feisty scrum half James Bannister was soon on the scorecard as he burrowed his way over from the base of a ruck yards from the Reigate line following good work from flankers Bruce Weston and Nick Franchino.

Woking’s James Goodman was stealing ball at the lineout and the Woking scrum had the Reigate eight reeling which gave Woking the impetus required to forge ahead and secure a third try this time through the backs as Dan Edwards scuttled over around the flailing Reigate defence. At the break, Woking were in the ascendancy.

It was not until mid-way through the second half that Woking secured their fourth try as they again showed dominance through the forwards and good pace in the backs. It was burly second row Dale Lovell who crashed over from short range to again score through the forwards. With sixty minutes under their belts, Woking began to tire and following good work throughout the game even Woking’s pacey centre Dave Baigrie’s legs went to lead as he tried to reach the Reigate line. As the clock wound down Woking lost their shape and Reigate created some momentum as they hounded and harassed their way up field firstly to score a try through the forwards and minutes later as they burst through a stretched Woking defensive line.

Suring up the dams, Woking leaked no more points until the final whistle sounded. An elated captain James Giles gushed after the game ‘A much better performance from the team, there was much more commitment which converted into a good victory, that we must build on for our forthcoming matches.’

Woking: Hamilton-Wilkes, Edwards, Osborn, Goodman, Lovell, Weston, Giles, Franchino, Bannister, Edwards, Baigrie, McGiven, Marchant, Turner, Grady. Sub Jones

Woking 2XV fought hard in their merit table game against a very youthful Egham Hollowegians side populated with Holloway College students going down by a score of 29:5. Woking 2XV Captain for the day Daren Steers commented ‘The team tried very hard and actually all the players enjoyed the game. We are looking to strengthen the squad so if there are guys out there interested in giving rugby a crack get involved’

If you would like to join Woking RFC call Richard on 07960 103841

Injuries hamper brave Woking in attempts to turn Barnes over

Woking RFC 26 Barnes RFC 32
Friendly

On a day when Woking for the first time in many years put out two sides at home, the Woking 1st XV entertained a strong Barnes 3rd XV in a friendly at Byfleet Recreation Ground. Woking’s starting XV was close to full strength, with new member Bruce Weston slotting in at hooker, having made the mistake of saying that he could play anywhere, replacing Mat Edwards. Unfortunately, the subs bench was looking rather thin, with no-one waiting to come on if needed. This would prove to be Woking’s undoing as the game progressed.

Barnes had a powerful set of experienced (old) front five forwards, supported by young and quick backs and back row. They were keen to spread the ball wide and did so with success, pulling the Woking defence all over the place. Barnes scored first, but their kicker was having an off day (lets hope he sends no tips to Mr Wilkinson), and missed the conversion. Further scores from Barnes followed.

Woking decided that it might be a good idea to play some positive rugby themselves and started to put themselves about in tight and loose play. The pack got the bit between its teeth and drove into the Barnes pack, releasing the ever dangerous Woking midfield of Edwards, Suddaby and Baigrie on an unsuspecting Barnes back division. Ultimately this led to Dave Baigrie cruising in for a try on the wide left, which was converted by Dan Edwards, whose kicking boots were in fine form. Further pressure from the pack led to a try for Weston the Woking debutant in the front row, who ended up putting in a man of the match display around the park.

Woking now had some momentum, taking a lead from skipper Jamie Giles and counter rucking their opponents off the park. Further pressure told when a short penalty led to influential Number 8 Phil Bennett driving in for a third converted Woking try, giving Woking the lead. Unfortunately, Bennett was badly stunned during his try-scoring feat and had to be taken from the field to recover. This put Woking down to 14 men.

Further problems befell Woking before the half when top try scorer Dave Baigrie also had to leave the field with a shoulder injury, which cut the team hard, but also strengthened their resolve to get something from the game.

It was not to be. Barnes provided Woking with a player who took up position on the wing, with Richard Grady coming in to the centre, but it would not prove to be enough. Barnes exploited a 5 metre scrum to drive the depleted Woking pack over their own line to score and scored further tries from out wide when the defence was stretched. The poor form of their kicker though, meant Woking were still in touch, even though Barnes ultimately scored 6 tries. Woking were determined to go down fighting and drove up the field, securing good lineout position. A clean catch and drive infield by the seven men of the Woking pack opened up the blind side sufficiently to allow scrum-half James Bannister in for a try, but unfortunately Dan Edwards could not convert.

At the final whistle the game had been lost, but pride had been maintained. Skipper Jamie Giles said “I can’t fault the effort of anyone on this team. We were thoroughly committed throughout this game and showed real fight. We will need to take this now and put it into our league matches”.

Woking like many clubs are recruiting actively at present as part of the nationwide initiative to get those players back into the game who have fallen away from rugby and attract new players. If you would like to join Woking contact Richard on 07960 103841 or visit them at www.wokingrubgy.com – we welcome players of all ages, shapes and sizes and non-playing members too who want to put something back into the community GO FOR IT.

Woking: Hamilton, Weston, Osborn, Goodman, Lovell, Franchino, Bennett, Giles, Bannister, Edwards, Baigrie, Suddaby, Grady, McGiven, Turner. Subs: None.

Woking RFC 12 Egham Hollowegians RFC 5
Friendly

Woking travelled to Egham on Saturday to face the town-come-Holloway College side. With much injury and unavailability, both sides had new faces in the side. Notably Woking prop Alistair Hamilton-Wilkes reverted to the wing, a position he often played in his less rotund youth. This assignment earned Hammy-Wilkes the joint man of the match award with double try scoring Dave Baigrie as he put in a number of surging runs and crunching tackles.

It was a brace of tries from centre Dave Baigrie one in either half that won the game for Woking and as the score suggests the game was pretty even and hard fought. Both defences were tested on numerous occasions with last-ditch tackles preventing more scores from both sides. Woking backrows Steve Stillwell and Phil Bennett stood out too for their powerful play in the loose game. Woking Captain Jamie Giles commented after the game ‘We dug deep to rescue this result. This proved trickier than I would have liked largely because of the early kick off required in order to be able to watch the England Australia match! Egham wanted to avenge the recent run of defeats they had suffered at our hands and hats off to them.’

Woking like many clubs are recruiting actively at present as part of the nationwide initiative to get players back into the game who have fallen away from rugby and attract new players into the game. If you would like to join Woking contact Richard on 07960 103841 or visit them at www.wokingrubgy.com – we welcome players of all ages, shapes and sizes and non-playing members too who want to put something back into the community GO FOR IT.

Woking: Hamilton, Edwards, Osborn, Goodman, Lovell, Stilwell, Bennett, Giles, Bannister, Edwards, Baigrie, Macmillan, Hamilton-Wilkes, Gilmour, Grady. Subs: Childs, Power, Williams.

Woking RFC 12 Streatham-Croydon RFC 18
League

An eye off the ball costs Woking dearly

Woking had their first home league game of the season, entertaining Streatham-Croydon RFC, one of the oldest clubs in the country. After a difficult start to the season at Old Cranleighans, there was more cause for optimism in the Woking ranks as they were able to field a nearly full strength first fifteen, bolstered by the returns of Dave Baigrie and Wayne Suddaby in the centre, and Dan Edwards declaring himself fit to start the game at fly-half.

The game was played at a high tempo, with Streatham-Croydon using their impact runners to great effect, bursting through Woking tackles, and using quick front ball off the lineout to restart play. Woking defended hard, keeping the opposition out, until a quick lineout ball and a peel around the front allowed Streatham-Croydon in at the corner. The try was unconverted, but Woking were again under pressure, defending as a unit, but creaking at the seams, as the Woking forwards lacked some of the pace and fitness of their opponents in the loose and in the ruck. Woking conceded a kickable penalty which made the score 8-0.

Skipper Jamie Giles rallied the team under the posts, and Woking began to believe in themselves. Woking’s scrum was strong, as was their mauling game, which gave the backs more ball to play with. Ultimately Woking struck back through a great individual effort from Dave Baigrie who ran in from fifty metres and touched down under the posts. Dan Edwards was still not fully fit, so Wayne Suddaby was asked to take up the kicking duties and duly converted the try.

At half time it was all to play for and Woking were again under pressure on their own line, but some indiscipline on the part of Streatham-Croydon and some great interplay between the Woking backs, allowed Woking to score first in the second half. Wayne Suddaby scored in the corner after blasting through the Streatham-Croydon defence and exchanging deft passes with Dan Edwards. Sadly, Suddaby was unable to convert his own score.

Woking were now ahead and held on grimly for 20 minutes, defending in depth and smashing through the Streatham-Croydon lines. As the game wore on, and the team tired, gaps began to open up that the Streatham half backs exploited, kicking and racing through to score an unconverted try. This proved to be a turning point and as Woking chased the game they conceded two kickable penalties both of which were converted. Ultimately Woking were not able to regain the initiative and the match ended 18-12 to Streatham-Croydon.

After this hard and some time fractious match, where even Genial George Osborn was yellow carded, Woking skipper Jamie Giles said he was pleased with the performance of the Woking team, particularly as they had not played as a unit before this season. “This was a winnable game for us, but our rucking and counter-rucking need more work so that we can compete and win more ball around the park. We will learn from this and develop our game at training this week”.

Woking: Hamilton, Edwards, Osborn, Goodman, Lovell, Giles, Franchino, Jones, Bannister, Edwards, Baigrie, Suddaby, McGiven, Lewis, Turner.

Woking like many clubs are recruiting actively at present as part of the nationwide initiative to get players back into the game who have fallen away from rugby and attract new players into the game. If you would like to join Woking contact Richard on 07960 103 841 – we welcome players of all ages, shapes and sizes and non-playing members too who want to put something back into the community GO FOR IT.

Woking 2XV 10 Old Suttonians 1XV 17
Friendly

It was the new and the old who ran out for the Woking RFC 2XV (The Saxons) on Saturday in scorching conditions that tested the resilience of Woking’s second string.
Woking’s good start was interrupted by an unfortunate injury to veteran flanker Andy Woods who sustained a badly sprained ankle that was beyond simply being strapped up. Tries from hooker Richard Gilbert and fly half Richard Grady went unconverted and three tries from the Old Sutts in response made for an exciting game. Play rolled from end to end, with Woking’s forwards dominating in the maul and ruck but this superiority was not converted into more points. Woking veterans in the backs, Richard Grady (No.10), Stanley Fisher (No.12) and Gareth Edwards (No.13) calculated their combined age at 152 years. Alas such experience could not cope with the pace of the wide backs of Old Sutts!
Richard Grady puffed after the final whistle ‘We were a little unlucky not to secure victory, but we tried to give everyone a run out which affected our team cohesion i.e. we sprang a few leaks now and then’. He commented ‘Woking like many clubs are recruiting actively at present as part of the nationwide initiative to get players back into the game who have fallen away from rugby and attract new players into the game. If you would like to join Woking contact me on 07960 103841 – we welcome players of all ages, shapes and sizes and non-playing members too who want to put something back into the community GO FOR IT.’

 

Strong Cranleighians too powerful for Woking

Woking RFC 6 Old Cranleighians RFC 37

Woking started their league campaign this season at Old Cranleighians facing one of the stronger sides in the league from last season. The game was played in bright sun and energy sapping heat more suited to cricket, but a few drinks breaks meant that certain de-hydration was avoided.

Woking started brightly as their forwards assumed a tight game and drove deep into the Old C’s twenty two, but the ball was lost in the contact and Old C’s were able to clear their lines. Regaining possession the sprightly not so ‘Old Boys’ demonstrated how dangerous they could be stretching the Woking defence first this way and then than and finally getting over in the corner.

Woking hit back with a penalty from Dan Edwards as their efforts were thwarted by a series of infringements by Old C’s at the periphery of the ruck and maul. Old C’s struck back again through their dangerous backs and landed a penalty when Woking were adjudged to have flopped over the top.

Dan Edwards presented with another kickable opportunity slotted a second penalty, just before half time so the scores stood at 13-6 at half time.

The third quarter of the game saw strong running from both sides, but Woking were unable to let loose wing Cormac Lewis in space and the swift Old C’s defence stifled all Woking’s attacking moves. The early season lack of fitness and cohesiveness in the Woking side then let them down, despite a high work and effort rate, notably from flanker Nick Franchino as Old C’s were able to run in 24 unanswered points. Woking’s cause was not helped when fly half Dan Edwards left the field with a dead leg.

Woking skipper Jamie Giles commented ‘I can’t fault the team for effort, it’s just we were not well enough conditioned for the game – lot’s to work on as we enter this challenging season’.

Woking: Hamilton, Edwards, Osborn, Goodman, Lovell, Franchino, Packer, Giles, Bannister, Edwards, Marchant, Grady, McGiven, Lewis, Turner. Subs: Hamilton-Wilkes, Thomas, Childs.

Woking are recruiting players of all standards to bolster the 1XV and 2XV please contact Richard on 019232 347576 if you are interested.