Match Reports 2008 - 2009

Saturday 04th April 09
Woking 14 – CL London 24
Surrey League 4

Woking hosted this week’s game against top of the league team, CL London – the so called Cheeky Ladies. Woking won the toss and chose to kick, playing with the sun to their backs. Putting the thumping handed out by second-placed Radlians the previous week behind them; Woking started the game with force, playing on the front foot. A concerted period of good, attacking play had the opposition dazed, scrambling in defence and barely able to hold back the onslaught. After a few quick phases, the ball expertly recycled by the forwards, Woking had CL London on the back foot and in their own 22. Pete D’Cruz rummaged for the ball from the back of a ruck only metres from the try line and flung it out to the rampaging backs. The ball ended up with Dan Edwards who drew the defenders and gave a flat pass out to wing, Jack Gogarty. The ball was knocked-on and a certain try went begging. Soon afterwards, the pressure told and Woking were awarded a penalty opportunity in front of the posts, which Dan Edwards converted, giving Woking the early lead; 3-0.

Woking were now full of confidence and the game was no longer about keeping the loss respectable. Instead, a communal belief emerged that victory was the only possible outcome and there was now something more to play for.

CL London however had other plans and came back at Woking with powerful determination and after good ball retention, they drew in enough defenders to go out wide, finding an overlap. The CL London wing then barrelled up the line and burst through the defence to score a soft try in the corner - 5 – 3.

The next score came soon afterwards with CL London retaining the ball well in the Woking half and their outside centre breaking through the midfield to score under the posts to extend CL London’s lead to 12 – 3.

Woking, determined not to allow the flood-gates to open with a flurry of tries from the opposition, retaliated with more vigour and determination. They had the upper hand in the scrums and put serious pressure on to CL London’s first-phase ball, their scrum buckling and being driven backwards time after time. The forwards drove up the field with powerful runs and Woking received another penalty. They opted for a kick to touch and took a line-out close to the CL London line. Woking continued the rampant attack and secured the lineout ball, the forwards sensing the try line and its imminent breach. Several phases started to build up as Woking worked doggedly closer to the line, CL fighting for every inch. The final drive was by Nick Franchino who powered over the line to score Woking’s opening try. The conversion was unsuccessful, hitting the upright and falling away, leaving the score at 12 – 8

The play continued end to end, with both teams trying to break the others defence. Woking seemed to have more possession but less territory than CL London and eventually CL London were rewarded with a penalty which was slotted through the uprights, extending CL London’s lead to 15-8

Just before half-time, Woking drove back up the field and the tit-for-tat kicking continued with Woking opting for a difficult penalty kick opportunity. Dan Edwards converted another kick to close the gap to 15-11

Unfortunately, towards the end of the first half and for the majority of the second half, Woking’s discipline faltered as they continued giving away unnecessary penalties and free kicks, allowing CL London to pin them back in their own half repeatedly. Eventually, CL London was awarded with another penalty and they were successful, extending their lead to 18-11.

Woking, drained of possession for the middle period of the game, came back and rumbled up the middle of the park. After several phases and continued ball retention, they found themselves in position for another penalty kick, which was again converted, closing the gap again to 18-14.

Woking had a few more good attacking opportunities with Faron Griffiths-Moore getting the ball in plenty of space. He was able to circum-navigate his opposite wing, but was eventually brought down by the fullback and the move petered-out.

Woking continued to give away possession due to penalties and the game ended with CL London converting two more penalty kicks to win them the game 24-14.

A few stand out performances on the Saturday’s game with Jim McGiven having a storming game as openside flanker; Neil Murphy for his defensive game at inside centre, Dan Edwards for his kicking performance and the forwards who worked as a unit to obliterate the CL London scrums.

Captain Sean Beavis commented after the game “Woking really stepped up today. CL London, who are 1st in the league, were forced to play conservative rugby and take their kicks at post whenever the opportunity presented itself. The improvements we have made in the last couple of weeks were visible in today’s tough game”

Woking: Green Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes Lovell Goodman Franchino Mcgiven Bennett, J D’Cruz Beavis Griffiths-Moore Murphy Edwards, Gogarty Bannister Odgers

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576. They are particularly in need of front row forwards, large strong men who enjoy a physical challenge.

Top Of Page

Saturday 28th March 09
Woking 7 – Radleians 55
Surrey League 4

Woking travelled away to face Radleians for a one sided performance in a difficult game. They were facing the Old Boys of one of the England’s strongest rugby playing public schools – Radley College.

Radleians spent most of the game passing the ball around as if they had 15 backs on the field. Although they defended well off the set piece and first phase ball, Woking simply could not spread out enough to cover the sheer volume of numbers running at their back line. The endless supply of quick-ball from the rucks getting the home team over the gain line every time left Woking unable to thwart the constant attacks. Radleans numbers were complimented by their willingness to pass selflessly to the numerous support runners eagerly chasing. As a consequence of this exemplary play from the Radleans they ran in a hatful of tries, largely in a 20 minute spell in the second half as Woking tired and lost shape.

Woking had a few positive moments in the game as skipper Sean Beavis broke the Radlean line at will to gain good yards, but would soon be swamped by cover defenders and was unable to link with supporting runners.

The only Woking try came through the forwards, hammering close to the rucks and building up the phases but unable to suck in enough defenders to actually aid the Woking backs. Close to the line the ball went through the hands and centre Dave Baigrie cut back inside on a well timed move; a half tackle was just enough to bring him to the ground, but he was not held in the tackle and scrambled back to his feet, plunging over the line for a try near the uprights.

The main positive Woking was able to take from the game were the periods of continuity previously unreached. Woking managed to build up a huge number of phases, attacking close to the ruck and retaining the ball as the forwards drove up the field. In the last attacking move of the game, just before the final whistle, Woking were able to get the ball near their own 22 and slowly work their way up the pitch one phase at a time, often just making one or two hard metres before getting the ball back. By this simple hardworking process, Woking managed to get up to the Radlean line, but unfortunately, after driving the length of the field, the inevitable happened and Woking knocked the ball on at the line, sounding the final whistle of the game.

Skipper Sean Beavis commented after the game “Today we were beaten by a better side. We have a lot of work to do for when we face CL London, who are currently top of the League, next week” – wise words from a wise man…

Saturday 21st March 09
Woking 7 – Teddington 26
Friendly

There was all round frustration last week at Woking RFC as they were let down by the opposition for both of their carded fixtures, the 1XV league game against Pelhamians and also their 2XV game. In a hastily rearranged game Woking travelled to Teddington for a heated game of rugby. Woking won the toss and chose to receive the kick with the blazing sun to their backs. Woking competed well in the lineouts with James Goodman safely securing all Woking’s ball. In the scrums, it was haphazard as on their own ball Woking were twisted constantly, while on Teddington’s put in, the Woking pack drove Teddington backwards leading to scrappy ball for their backs.

Woking spent the majority of the 1st half defending, with Teddington getting a high percentage of the territory and possession and Woking found themselves inside their own 22 over and over again. Paul Odgers putting in a keen performance was able to turnover possession whenever the Teddington provided loose ball in the tackle situation.

Solid 15 man defence prevented the hosts from scoring any points until just before half time, when the pressure finally led to a gap. At the half way line a slick back move and a cut back inside saw the Teddington player hit the Woking defensive line at full speed and using a good line of running burst through, good support was just able to beat the cover tacklers and Teddington took the lead.

Woking came out for the second half and was immediately on the attack. Woking rumbled up the pitch and was soon in the Teddington 22, the forwards took a few short rumbles and got inside the 5 metre line when Jack Gogarty picked up from the base of the ruck and powered over the line for Woking’s only try.

Teddington continued getting good possession and territory and even with a few crushing tackles from Dave Baigre and Neil “No Guns” Murphy hunting for tackles at every opportunity, Woking were unable to contain the hosting side who ran in a further 4 tries in quick succession.

Captain Matt Edwards commented after the game “A great first half defensively but you can’t win the game if the opposition controls the ball”.

Woking: Paul Green Matt Edwards Alistair Hamilton-Wilkes James Goodman Phil Bennett Matt Brennan Paul Odgers Joe Bennett Pete D’Cruz Steve Workman Jack Gogarty Dave Baigre Neil Murphy Evan Marchant James Bannister
Subs Ben Jones Ross Dave Hamre Jamie Owens Collin Harriot Simon Power

Saturday 07th March 09
Woking 19 Egham 3
Surrey League 4

Woking travelled to Egham for an excellent game in glorious conditions.
Woking dominated up front early on, having the edge in the scrums and keeping good ball retention through effective rucks. Egham were knocked back in the tackle area and although they tried putting 8 men into each ruck in order to secure the ball, found they were unable to competently recycle the ball cleanly; early counter-rucking from Woking turning over possession on numerous occasions.

Through consistent possession, Woking found themselves within striking distance of the Egham line, attacking close to the rucks and edging their way inch-by-inch. Wing, Jack Gogharty, hungry for the ball, picked up from the back of the ruck and powered himself over the line for Woking’s opening score near the posts. Hit-and-miss kicker, Dan Edwards, kicked and missed for Woking’s 5 – 0 lead.

Woking, now on the defensive in their own 22, were holding solid when the Egham backs called a miss move. The ball was fed back and the Egham fly half threw a beautiful pass straight to Woking outside centre Dan Edwards, who then galloped up the pitch to be confronted by the Egham full back. Edwards stepped and accelerated past the bemused fullback and was off. As his pace quickly died down, he looked desperately for a pass to a vocal James Bannister. Unfortunately, the Egham fullback had enough pace to get back and make the tackle deep inside his own 22 and the effort was unrewarded.

Woking’s attack continued with fly-half Sean Beavis choosing to pop the ball back inside to the forwards who crashed up field for big gains in territory; Big Phil Bennett pummelling the defensive line and flanker Nick Franchino powering towards, and through, the nearest visible player as often as possible.

The backs then called a move that worked beautifully; the ball came out to fly half Sean Beavis who, dummying the pass to the two centres on decoy runs, slithered through a gap in the defence and accelerated toward the line. Drawing the remaining 3 defenders, Beavis rode their tackle and passed the ball to Dan Edwards who walked over the line to score. Hit-and-miss kicker Dan Edwards kicked and hit this time for Woking’s 12 – 0 lead.

Egham on the attack managed to get within the Woking 22 as Woking lost their discipline. The short term indiscipline was punished by the ref as Woking’s prop was sin-binned for slowing play down. Egham converted and clawed back to a 3-12 difference at half time.

Woking’s troubles continued as they started the second half down to 14 men. Egham fought for every yard as they reached the Woking 22, but the defence of all 14 Woking players was resolute, not a crack in sight. Woking, opting for 7 men in the scrum and 7 in the backs withstood a prolonged period of attack, Egham unable to breach the line and eventually losing possession.

Woking captain Sean Beavis, deep inside his own try area, opted to pass the ball out instead of punting. The ball ended up with fullback James Bannister who ran passed the flailing defence, breaking tackles and looking for support. That support resided with inside centre Dave Baigrie, who had been breaching the line all game. A good pass from Bannister, saw Dave off, sprinting down the touch-line, a try seemingly certaint. That pesky Egham fullback had other ideas, however, and finally brought Dave down just short of the try line.

Woking then took control of the game and attacked the line, good ball retention allowing the forwards to attack close to the ruck, recycle the ball and attack close to the ruck again. Once the Egham players had been drawn-in, the ball was spun wide to winger Evan Marchant. A good cut back inside and a good angle was enough for him to score. 19 – 3.

Egham rebounded onto the attack and got within the Woking 22 again. This time through ill discipline Woking lost another player to a yellow card and only moments later lost yet another. Woking now down to 13 players and within their own 22 defended the line against a storm of attacks. Woking managed to clear their lines but were back in the 22 moments later. Woking spent most of the rest of the game defending the line with attacking defence, driving the Egham runners backwards.

Skipper Sean Beavis commented after the game: “A tremendous display of resilience, superb defence and patience in attack is what won the day for Woking…”

Woking: P Green, Matt Edwards, Osborn, Nick Franchino, Matt Brennan, Phil Bennett, Bennett, Lovell, Pete D’Cruz, Sean Beavis, Dave Baigrie, Jack Gogarty, Neil Murphy, Bannister, Evan Marchant, Dan Edwards.

Top Of Page

Saturday 21st February 09
Woking 30 Farnham 3
Friendly

Woking ventured south to Farnham to play their 2XV in perfect conditions and put on a clinical performance against a well-drilled team.

Woking took the lead early on, getting within kicking distance and being awarded a penalty which was converted to give them 3 point lead.

Farnham returned the kick off with some sharp runs through their forwards, inching their way up the pitch securing their own penalty which was converted to open their score to 3-3.

Woking’s pack began to dominate and rumble up the park, with strong runs from new centre Mike Boshier, who enjoyed his crash balls into the opposition centres. The Woking pack retained possession well and it wasn’t long before they found themselves near the Farnham try line. Second row Dale Lovell then powered through a large gap in the defence to score Woking’s first try 8-3.

Farnham hit back with a series of good attacking plays and Woking, down a man due to a blood injury for 15mins, defended their line valiantly. Farnham persisted with scrums on the Woking 5 metre line (with Woking still down a man in the 2nd row), but the Woking pack didn’t give an inch. The attacking phase continued for nigh on 10 minutes, Woking unable to turn over possession and the Farnham team unable to penetrate the Woking defensive line. Eventually, a Farnham knock-on ended the pressure and Woking cleared their lines.

Woking continued attacking around the fringes with the inside ball from fly-half and Captain Sean Beavis given to galloping forwards surging at the heart of the Farnham defence. Woking, in the Farnham twenty two metre area were able to turnover another scrum and No. 8 Joe Bennett picked the ball up and ran to the open side, busting through the back line and powering over the line to score under the posts. 15-3.

The second half was in many ways a repeat of the first half, with Woking getting a quick penalty opportunity and slotting over the kick. 18-3. As in the first half, Woking spent the next 20mins defending their line and a few desperate tackles were enough to keep Farnham at bay. After more back-and-forth, Farnham put in a long kick over the Woking defence, hooker Matt Edwards managed to be the first to the ball as it bobbled over the try line to touch down. This gave Farnham the opportunity to exert more pressure and after a spree of penalties on the 5 metre line and a flurry of scrums – all for nought, Woking, somehow holding off the onslaught, managed to stave off the inevitable. Farnham conceded possession, the scrum half scragged by Pete D’Cruz, causing a loose pass which was picked off by Joe Bennett who intercepted the ball and lead the charge down the middle of the field, the play ending at the Farham 22. Woking got quick ball and went down the line with multiple passes to get to Dan Edwards who picked up a bobbling ball only to get clothes-lined.

Matt Edwards took a quick tap and charged for the line, eventually brought down inches from his try, but clear calling from Sean Beavis, was enough for Edwards to then pop the ball into Sean’s gut and result in an unstoppable try. 25-3.

Later when Woking were just outside their 22, they launched another attack. Fly - half Sean Beavis dummied an inside pass and then accelerated through the gap. Sean, on his 10 metre line, straightened, drew the defender and passed to outside centre Dan Edwards who completed a long sprint to the try line. 30-3.

Skipper Sean Beavis commented after the game: “A tremendous display of resilience, superb defence and patience in attack is what won the day for Woking…”

Woking: P Green, Matt Edwards, Hamilton - Wilkes, Nick Franchino, Matt Brennan, Phil Bennett, Lovell, Pete D’Cruz, Sean Beavis, Joe Bennett, Jack Gogarty, Neil Murphy, Bannister, Mike Boshier, Dan Edwards.

Top Of Page

Saturday 14th February 09
Woking 15 Horley 24
Friendly

Woking's league fixture against Pelhamians was postponed on Saturday due to waterlogged pitches at the Pelhamians ground. The 2XV lost their merit table game too as Reigate were unable to field a team. So a hastily arranged fixture saw Woking host Horley in a friendly.

Woking started the game with their 2XV line up who found the going tough against the Horley side - 'the newest rugby club in the South' is their boast. So Horley out paced Woking to race to a 17 nil lead at half time. Woking re-jigged at half time and then took some control with tries from Matt Brennan, James Bannister and Colin Harriott to bring them to within two points of the visitors.

It was end to end stuff and as Woking forced the pace to drive for the victory they delivered an interception opportunity to Horley which they gratefully took racing between the posts to seal the victory.

Top Of Page

Saturday 24th January 09
Woking 2XV 5 Old Haileyburians 2XV 44
Surrey League 4

Woking ventured away to face a very strong Old Haileyburian 2XV in Ewell on Saturday, who despite having a bench load of substitutes could not field a front row – so it was uncontested scrums.

This put Woking at an immediate disadvantage as the Old H’s back row was both youthful and speedy charging up field. The problem Woking had was that as soon as the first line of defence was breached there was insufficient pace to get back and help Bannister at full back who was faced with a series of 3 and 2 on 1s which he gamely attempted to thwart but his efforts were not sufficient to prevent a sequence of tries.

Woking made some forays and breaks into the Old H’s territory however when the ball was spilt or lost in the contact, they found themselves chasing back to try and make the last ditch tackle.

Having taken a whacking by half time Woking bolstered the side with a bit more youth and beef which meant the second half was a more even affair. In fact the sides traded just one try each after the break – Woking’s coming from a powerful run from Ben Jones who seized the ball on the Old H’s 22 metre line from a poor clearance kick and beat three defenders to score.

Woking Captain Richard Grady commented after the game “These merit table fixtures are tough – and we didn’t have the youth or pace in the first half to really compete. Tom Eker at scrum half put a huge effort into the game - one bright point and at least the weather was bright too”

Woking: Ty Playford, Matt Edwards, Portly-Pearce, Bennett, Lovell, Power, Jerry, Eker, Edwards, Pete D’Cruz, Fisher, Grady, Holmes, Conigliaro, Marsden, Harriott

Top Of Page

Saturday 17th January 09
Woking 14 Lightwater 19
Surrey League 4

Woking ventured away to face Lightwater in a slow game dominated by the forwards.

Woking received the kick-off with Lightwater recovering the ball quickly and one minute into the game going for a good cross-field chip to Woking’s right flank. A difficult bounce skewering away from the Woking fullback into the arms of the Lightwater midfield and an offload in the tackle led to Woking being 5-0 down in the opening phases of the game.

Woking recovered well and the game continued with Lightwater playing an excellent kicking game but offering little else in their attack. For the 1st half both teams retained their own lineout possession effectively with only the rare ball being stolen against the head. Scrums were in the favour of Lightwater but reliable scrum half Pete D’Cruz was able to turn disruptive ball from the back of the Woking scrum into safe(ish) ball for the backs.

Woking then took control of the game and spent long periods of time in Lightwater’s 22 but were rarely able to convert the pressure to points. Woking again found themselves on Lightwater’s 22 with a secured line-out going into a ruck and a quick pass from Pete D’Cruz found Fly Half Sean Beavis. The Lightwater defence drifted to mark the Woking centres and captain Sean Beavis sidestepped passed his opposite number and galloped his way to the 5 metre line. A desperate cover defence came close to stopping the move, but a powerful dive through the tackle, had Woking scoring over the try line to take the lead 7-5

Woking continued dominating open play by powerful runs by the forwards with Nick Franchino and Paul Green both taking the ball on at pace and making good ground and then recycling the ball well.

Woking, controlling the ball on their own 10 metre line sent the ball out wide to find fullback Dan Edwards with a two on two. Dan went to pass the ball and the Lightwater wing followed to cover Woking’s winger and Dan saw the gap, dancing through the line, gracefully beating the cover defence with a balletic sidestep and scoring under the posts, extending Woking’s lead to 14-5.

After half time, Woking’s game suffered, conceding one penalty after another in the midfield area. This, coupled with an increasingly strong wind against them saw Woking’s lineout suffer heavily as long balls were swept up by the wind with Lightwater competing well.

Lightwater arrived on the Woking 5 metre line with an attacking scrum. A co-ordinated and effective drive led Lightwater to a 5-metre push over the line for a simple touchdown, closing the gap to 14-12.

Woking lacked composure and continued to give away penalties in all areas of the field, any good attacking drives up the field nullified by penalties and turnovers. Lightwater’s already highly effective kicking game now going with the wind compounded Woking’s problems. A long kick from the Lightwater wing forced fullback Dan Edwards to chase the ball back to the Woking line. Good work by Edwards to prevent the try saw him waiting for support in the dead-ball area; unfortunately this led to a Lightwater scrum on the 5-metre line. Lightwater’s now dominant scrum found themselves in good field position and two scrum collapses led to a penalty-try under the posts, Lightwater now taking the lead, 14-19.

The game continued in a stop start manner with both sides dropping the ball and knocking-on, the clock winding down, minutes from fulltime. A last desperate attempt found a quick change of direction by fly-half Sean Beavis, passing a long, flat ball to fullback Dan Edwards who ran the ball from deep inside the Woking 22, breaking through the first attempted tackle by the opposition wing and then racing up the touchline closely supported by Woking wing Collin Harriot. With the initial cover defence beaten Dan Edwards now sped towards the opposition 22. With one last cover defender to beat and wing Collin Harriot still in support, the space was cut-off, trapped against the sideline by good positioning from the defender. Edwards threw a loose pass just before the tackle, only metres from the try line, which was not taken by Harriot. Quick recovery from the Lightwater defence saw the ball cleared ending Woking’s final attacking chance in a gut-wrenching defeat.

Woking Captain Sean Beavis commented after the game “This loss hurts. We didn’t adapt to counter our opponents tactics and therefore played into their hands. It is a step back for the team but we will learn from this.”

Woking: Paul Green, Matt Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes, Paul Odgers, Joe Bennett, Phil Bennett, Lovell, Franchino, Pete D’Cruz, Sean Beavis, Jim McGiven, Jack Gogarty, Neil Murphy, Bannister, Dan Edwards.

Top Of Page

Saturday 20th December 08
Woking 36 Dorking 7
Friendly

Woking hosted Dorking 3's for a friendly in ideal conditions and an enthralling game of rugby.

From the kick-off, Woking dominated in the scrums and secured good ball in the lineout and after a period of sustained pressure, found themselves just short of the opposition try line, with a Dorking scrum. Woking hooked the ball against the head and good work from the forwards set up a ruck just shy of the line, when a short pass out saw Jack Gogarty punch through the out-spread defence for a well taken opening score.

Woking's forwards continued to dominate in the tight and in the loose, the more youthful Dorking side unable to cope with the on-going barrage. A good wide pass from Captain Sean Beavis to the outside backs on the Woking 22 found its way to into the delicate hands of "Delorian" Faron Griffiths-Moore. With his afterburners on and boots aflame, Faron scorched past their pacey wing and around the cover defence of the full back to score a blistering try under the posts.

Dorking, now desperate for a score to keep within shouting distance of the running-rampant rabbit home team, applied good attacking pressure on Woking, but the Trojan defence put in by Jim McGiven thwarted any would-be attacks.

The second half led to more of the same with Tom “The Salmon” Bennett winning quality ball off the line-out for Woking and pilfering opposition ball. The defence from the Woking forwards was again on display on Saturday with cousins Tom & Joe putting in punishing tackles and powerfully clearing rucks.

After a period of concerted pressure, the ball came out to Jack Gogarty who, with his trademark lateral run, hand-delivered the ball out to Dan Edwards, running a straight line from full back. Drawing the last defender, Dan spun the ball out to Neil Murphy who ran back towards the defenders. Good support from Jim McGiven gave Neil the opportunity to pass and Jim scored an excellent try in the right-hand corner, despite the desperate attempts from the defence to bombard him into touch.

Woking’s attacking game finally showed a brief crack as the ball was passed down the line in another attempt to get the ball to Faron, when it was intercepted by the tight-wearing opposition wing, who cantered under the posts for Dorking's only try.

Not to be out-done by Faron, and making up for not scoring a 'gimme' in the first half, right-wing Neil Murphy received the ball in open space from some good passing from the inside backs and he managed to get his name on the score sheet.

Woking continued to attack, again led by Captain Sean Beavis who side-stepped his way through the defence and powered through a gap to run half the pitch, only to be caught just before the line. A good pass out of the tackle to Dan Edwards, drew the last defender and shipped the on to Jack Gogarty, standing just short of the line and no defender in sight, for his second try of the match.

Woking’s final try of the game came through the forwards who powered up the field to find themselves with a Dorking scrum 5 metres from the line. Woking’s dominating pack turned another scrum over and now, with the ball for their scrum on Dorking's line, a pick-and-go from the base by Joe Bennett showed his power as he blasted through the defence, cannoning his own team mate Alistair Hamilton-Wilkes into next week in the process, to score his first try for Woking.

Captain Sean Beavis commented after the game “ After the crushing defeat last week, this was a good morale-booster for the team as they put that loss behind them and came back in style for a tremendous victory."

Woking: Paul Green, Matt Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes ,Tom Bennett, Paul Odgers, Joe Bennett, Phil Bennett, Franchino, Pete D’Cruz, Sean Beavis, Jim McGiven, Jack Gogarty, Neil Murphy, Griffiths-Moore, Dan Edwards.

Top Of Page

Saturday 13th December 08
Woking 0 CL London 64
Surrey League 4

Woking travelled to CL London in a torrential downpour for a game set in freezing, blustery conditions.

Woking came out and put early pressure on the CL line-outs and scrums, with both teams struggling to control possession at the set-piece. Despite the wet and gusty conditions, Tom Bennet competed well for the opposition ball at the front of the lineouts whilst Joe Bennet secured good ball at the back .

Scrums were also hotly contested with each team putting huge pressure on the opposing team and the majority of the scrums being won against the head.

Throughout the first half, breakdowns and 50/50 balls were won by the far more committed CL team and their well organised rush defence closed down Woking’s centres before any good attacks could develop.

The wet weather caused a mountain of errors from Woking, the entire first half plagued by knock-ons. CL's capitalised well off these, fly-hacking the ball behind Woking and scoring a brace of tries as a result.

Woking, heavily trailing at the end of the 1st half came out into the second pumped-up for a more determined effort. Firing on previously choked cylinders, immediately putting pressure on the C L London's scrum and now competing well at the breakdown, Woking powered the ball up the field with the forwards and made good ground, a period of continuity and winning recycled ball spurring them on. 20 minutes left in the game and the final substitutions being made saw Woking prop Ben Jones enter the fray as he came out and put on his best performance in a Woking shirt to date, making an immediate impact in the scrums and showing good, controlled aggression and determination in the loose.

Finding themselves camped in the opposition 22, Woking forced their way towards the try line for the last 20minutes. Powerful runs from both forwards and backs were continually stopped over the line and it seemed Woking lacked the finishing touch needed to register a score. Bruising runs from Big Phil Bennet and stealth attacks from fly half Pete "The Sneak" d’Cruz were both quashed on the try line. Quick recycled ball offered more attempts for Woking, but an excellent defensive display from CL managed to thwart every attempt in the constant onslaught, eventually clearing their lines, relieving the pressure. Devoid of any ideas, Woking spilled the ball in the backs off a lineout on CLs 22, the ball once again being hacked down-field for yet another try to the opposition.

Captain of the day Matt Edwards commented after the game “We were out-played in the first half by a much better side on the day that had us chasing what turned out to be an insurmountable score. Although it's a terribly disappointing loss I'm proud of the guys for not quitting and fighting until the bitter end”.

Top Of Page

Saturday 06th December 08
Woking 10 Old Glynonians 15
Surrey League 4

Woking hosted Old Glynonians for a well-contested match that came down to the last few seconds of the game - edge of your seat stuff... It was a close game that had both packs competing at the set-piece and hotly contesting the rucks and mauls. The Woking defence held up well, the backs deflecting any attempts from Glyns to outskirt them and the forwards making their first-up tackles count. After a long period of concerted pressure and having stretched the Woking defence out wide, the Old Gyno 's were finally able to break the deadlock with a surge down the blind-side to put Woking down by 5 points.

Woking came back with powerful, angular running by the centres and a session of good support and continuity by the forwards won a penalty for Woking on the 22 near the touchline. Captain Sean Beavers opted for the kick at posts which was miraculously converted by Dan Edwards in front of a stunned crowd, closing the gap to 2 points. The first half was split very much in two, with Old Glynonians controlling the first 20 minutes and Woking dominating the next 20 minutes.

The second half started much like the first half with Old Glynonians picking up their game and driving the rather lethargic Woking pack backwards and closing the backs down quickly, preventing the ball from getting past the centres. A poor kick by the Glynos into Woking territory was returned by a worse kick back. Despite a good chase and strong defence, there was no stopping the off-load from the tackle and a good individual effort from the Old Glynos wing allowed a good break away try under the posts, stretching Old Glynonians lead to 12-3.

More good pressure and focused aggression from the Woking forwards saw them working up the field to the opponents 22, Tom Bennett and Paul Odgers taking crash-balls close into the rucks, drawing-in the defence.
Finally, the pressure resulted in a penalty to Woking. A fast mind and quicker feet from Pete D’Cruz saw him running his quick-tap ball at the defence. A picture of perfect poise, he pulled his man and popped the ball to Dan Edwards who ran straight, into the gap and scored a fine try which he converted himself.

After more tit-for-tat play centre JP Laurent, in an effort to revitalise the Woking attack dummied his way through the Old Glynos defence. A determined chase saw him get to the ball first, in time to hack it again towards the try line and was mighty unlucky not to ground the ball over the try line.

The last 15 minutes of the game was played with Woking camped on the Old Glyno's 5 metre line. Despite conceding a flurry of penalties but knowing that a kick for posts would not suffice, the Glyno's were able to hold on, victors on the day.

Altogether it was a game that could have gone either way the entire game. Woking finished both halves comfortably the dominant side, but gifting the opposition two soft tries made the task, at the end of the day, insurmountable.

Captain, Sean Beavis, said after the game: "It's incredibly disappointing to have lost today. It shows how far we've come this season - two months ago the Glyno's would have run rampant, but today we are the disappointed ones and they are relieved."

Woking: Paul Green, Matt Edwards, George Osborne, Tom Bennett, Paul Odgers, Joe Bennett, Phil Bennett, Pete D’Cruz, Sean Beavis, Jim Wheatley, Jack Gogarty, Neil Murphy, James Bannister, Dan Edwards, Adam Smith, Faron Griffiths-Moore Replacements: Matt Brennan, Alisdair H’Wilkes, Neil Murphy.

Top Of Page

Saturday 29th November 08
Woking 39 Guildfordian Bison 0
Friendly

Woking hosted League rivals Guildfordian Bisons at the Recreation Ground for a non-league friendly match. Both teams featured large squads of 1st and 2nd team players.

Bisons won the toss and chose to kick off. Woking started strongly with the forwards producing ample solid ball in open play as well as the lineouts with the welcome return of Matt Edwards at hooker. After a less than smooth start by the Woking backs, left wing Jim Wheatley was finally able to round his opposite number for the first score in the corner. This served to boost the confidence as Woking were able to score a further two tries before half time. First Jack Gogarty smashed his way through the Bisons defence to score on the left followed by a great try by birthday boy Neil Murphy under the posts. Fly half Beavis was only able to convert one of the three tries to take the half time score to 17-0.

Woking rang the changes at half time with no less than 8 replacements which included returning strong man Adam Smith and the majestic Dan Edwards. The superior Woking fitness began to show as Bisons struggled to match the pace. Dan Edwards made his presence felt with a brace of tries soon after the break. His first came on the right when he beat two cover defenders to score after some neat work by centres Gogarty and Murphy. Edwards second try was a solo effort as he used his silky skills to breach the defensive line and then straight line speed to finish the movement. Replacement fly half Jamie Owens duly converted. The last quarter was much the same as Woking speed merchant Faron Griffiths-Moore sprinted 60 yards for a great try and wing Jim Wheatley claimed his second. Final score 39-0 to Woking.

Captain Sean Beavis commented after the game: "Woking support play was magnificent and fitness levels impressive. Bisons simply had no answer."

Woking: Paul Green, Matt Edwards, Alisdair H’Wilkes,Tom Bennett, Jason Williams, Paul Odgers, Joe Bennett, Phil Bennett, Pete D’Cruz, Sean Beavis, Jim Wheatley, Jack Gogarty, Neil Murphy, Evan Marchant, James Bannister
Replacements Ty, Griff, Matt Brennan, Jerry Critien, Adam Smith, Jamie Owens, Faron Griffiths-Moore, Dan Edwards

Top Of Page

Saturday 22th November 08
Woking 12 Merton
Friendly

Merton hosted Woking on a freezing cold Saturday. The scene was set for a low scoring game of attrition rugby with the more fancied opponents from a league above. Woking won the toss and chose to play downhill with the wind at their backs.

Woking started strongly despite being down to 14 men due to late arrivals. The forwards secured good solid possession with Paul Green putting in a powerful display in the front row despite suffering from with a streaming cold. After numerous solid attacking runs by centres JP Laurent and Jack Gogarty, the Merton defence was penetrated culminating in a try under the posts by No. 10 Sean Beavis as he pounced on a loose ball in the Merton in-goal area. Beavis promptly converted his own try.

Looking to build on their lead Woking punched down field once more and, after some solid runs from Nick Franchino, who produced a super offload ball to Beavis who scythed through the Merton defence for Woking’s second try on the right. The unsuccessful conversion shaved the left upright. Woking was feeling confident with a 12-0 lead. Merton then showed some good composure to stay in the game with some solid defence and attacking play. The pressure started to show as Woking’s defence then broke down and Merton were able to score two tries in a short space of time. The first half ended with the teams deadlocked at 12 a piece.

The 2nd half was characterised by solid defence from both sides although Merton enjoyed a territorial advantage using the wind to send the Woking pack backwards time after time. Merton’s more organised lineout secured ample possession. Despite this, Woking was able to limit Merton to a solitary penalty which proved vital on the day with Merton edging Woking 15-12.

After the game Woking captain Beavis commented: “Despite the loss, I am pleased to see the guys playing team rugby and the skill / fitness levels are improving all the time under coaches Nick Franchino and JP Laurent.”

Woking: Green, Hamilton-Lateboy, Lee, Bennett, Bennett, Goodman, D’Cruz, Beavis, JP, Bannister, Wheatley, Gogarty, Murphy, Franchino, Odgers. Subs
Bennett.

Top Of Page

Saturday 15th November 08
Woking 24 Weybridge Vandals 20
Friendly

Woking travelled to Walton on Saturday to face a Weybridge Vandals xv. The bright and dry conditions were conducive to fifteen man rugby. Early play was all in favour of Woking as they pinned the Vandals deep in their twenty two for long periods. The Woking forwards were winning the ball in scrum ruck and maul and at the line and the backs varied their play first crashing up the centre using the bulk of Jack Gogarty and then spinning wide trough JP Laurent and wide wing Neil Murphy.

In the forwards Phil Bennett was magnificent, the lone Bennett while nephews Joe and Tom were absent watching England at Twickenham. In the loose Nick Franchino was regularly to the tackle first and the ruck to secure good ball for Woking at the breakdown.

The bright powerful play from Woking culminated in a try from Jim Wheatley wide on the right wing. Captain Beavis’ conversion was unsuccessful as he slipped onto his back in the Vandals mire.

Further tries came for Woking in the first half from direct running and good handling interplay with outside centre JP Laurent latching onto the final pass to touch down after one flowing move and just before half time stand off Sean Beavis popped up on the wing to scamper home for the try.

As the half time whistle approached Vandals produced a power play that led to a try through the forwards to provide them with a positive end to the first half.

It was all change in second half as Woking brought on an assortment of reserves and the second string introduced put in a great effort to control a strengthened Vandals side. Tom Eher was all over the pitch in attack and in support of the forwards when he was introduced at scrum half and Pete D’Cruz moved to stand-off martialling the forwards and backs throughout the second half.

Despite these efforts, Woking conceded two tries and a penalty to go 20-19 down however as the final whistle approached the ball made its way wide to Woking wing Colin Harriott who charged for the line like a man possessed. Despite a desperate tackle that pole axed Harriott he managed to score the try wide out to whoops of delight from players and fans alike.

Captain Sean Beavis commented after the game “ All in all a good run out for the club “ said Beavis

Woking: Ty, Key, Osborn, Bennett, Slippery-Steers, Goodman, D’Cruz, Beavis, JP, Bannister, Wheatley, Gogarty, Murphy, Franchino, Odgers. Subs
Lee, Walters, Harriott, Hitchen, Rossario, Eher, Brennan, Marchant, Rickard.

Top Of Page

Saturday 08th November 08
Woking 33 Esher VI 17
Friendly

Woking travelled to Esher, the home of the National Division One side to take on the Esher amateurs on what was an extremely wet and windy Saturday.

With the kick off delayed inexplicably Woking were drenched before the kick off even, however a vigorous warm up session meant they were in good shape for the start of the game. Returning captain Sean Beavis was inspirational as he set out attacking the Esher back line – culminating in a neat switch with full back Dan Edwards who scooted in between the posts to score and then convert his own try.

From the restart Beavis again set the backs alight and a piece of great individual skill from center JP Lauren saw him chip and chase past the Esher defence to score a fine individual try.

While Dan Edwards was active in the Woking back line brother Matt was having a romp in the scrum taking much opposition ball ably supported by props Paul Green and George Osborn in his efforts. From good scrummage ball scrum half Pete D’Cruz broke blind cut back in and off loaded to Beavis on the inside line. Beavis out paced the defence to score a good try.

Esher were trying hard through their beefy front five and their pacey back row however things broke down in the backs and Woking wing tall Jim Wheatley seized the ball and produced a long kick and chase. He was hauled down metres from the line but was able to pop the ball to captain Beavis who scored.

Woking brought their point scoring to an end in the first half when Jack Gogarty smashed and side stepped his way to a fine try following good work from Joe Bennett side stepping the defence and a cracking offload from Tom Bennett. Edwards completed his 4 from 5 conversion tally.

Captain Beavis rang the changes at half time making 7 substitutions. This inevitably disrupted the side but there were some positives. Colin Harriott on the wing was strong in defence and Jamie Owens distributed well in the centre. Rosario Conigliaro was kept busy on the wing exhibiting his unorthodox crouch-sprint technique in attack and defence.

Woking were under a huge amount of pressure in the scrum from the Esher beefcake but the voracious tackling of Joe Bennett in the loose really kept Woking in the game. Despite Bennett’s efforts the Esher forwards were able to rumble over for a three tries in the second half as they wore the Woking pack down.

Despite conceding these tries in the second half Woking held on for a well deserved victory.

Captain Sean Beavis commented after the game "A good team win today for our mix and match side. All the boys did well in extremely difficult playing conditions."

Woking: Green, M Edwards, Osborn, Bennett, Bennett, Slippery-Steers, Childs, D’Cruz, Edwards, JP, Power-Puff, Bannister, Conigliaro, Gogarty, Edwards, Hamre, Playford, Williams, Wheatley, Harriott.

Woking are currently recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV squads so if you are interested in joining them contact Richard on 01932 347576 or visit them at www.wokingrugby.com. They are particularly in need of front row forwards, large strong men who enjoy a physical challenge.

Top Of Page

Saturday 01st November 08
Woking 14 Lightwater 0
Surrey League 4

Woking hosted Lightwater in true rugby conditions: with freezing temperatures, blustering winds and constant drizzle. Interim skipper Matt Edwards began well by losing the toss and Woking kicked-off to Lightwater. Confidence soaring, Woking galloped off the mark, with punishing runs through the centres and once again, powerful, direct running from the forwards. Lightwater were blown off the rucks and New Zealand inside centre Laeton Packer sliced through the defence with ease. Good continuity and ball retention led to Woking attacking deep inside the Lightwater twenty two. Quick ball by scrum half Pete D’Cruz from a well controlled pick and drive through the forwards saw the ball fed wide in the backs to create a big overlap. Despite the testing and wet conditions, Jack Gogarty caught an over-the head pass by JP Lauren and he raced in unopposed for the score to keep his try tally rolling. The try was converted and Woking were up 7-0.

Lightwater 's kick-off provide the opportunity for more of the same from Woking, with forwards ploughing through the short game and recycling the ball back quickly to be spun out for more battering runs from Laeton Packer and good distribution from JP Lauren. Meanwhile, Woking's solid defence around the breakdown forced Lightwater to go wide, but the Lightwater centres were stopped in their tracks by more powerful defence in the midfield.

With Lightwater running out of attacking options, a wayward pass was thrown wide looking for their wing when Woking wing Faron Griffiths-Moore fizzled into action, fleet-footedly scooping up the loose ball off the ground for another 65 metre try. Woking stretched their lead to 14-0.

More good work from Woking led to Laeton Packer making a quick break. Unfortunately, a desperate tap-tackle from the defense felled the Fudge Packer, resulting in a partial tear of the medial cruciate ligament, a splint and an old-man's crutch.

Following half-time Lightwater's game improved as Woking were guilty of rested on their laurels. Both teams moved up and down the park, but each was unable to get into scoring positions. Despite more pulverising runs from Jack Gogarty and straight running from JP Lauren, Woking were unable to cross the line again. Instead, Woking's game revolved around solid, attacking defence – epitomised by the strong tackling of Nick Franchino and young Joe Bennett who both had a very high tackle count. This platform of teamwork and good defence gave Woking their first clean sheet of the season.

Captain Matt Edwards commented after the game "Although we are happy to have another win, we aren't satisfied with our peformance in the second half. We need to keep the pressure on until the final whistle. Having said that, we are still going to celebrate this one."

Woking: Green, M Edwards, Osborn, Bennett, Bennett, Lovell, D’Cruz, Edwards, JP, Odgers, Bannister, Faron, Gogarty, Packer.

Top Of Page

Saturday 25th October 08
Woking 25 Economicals 39
Surrey League 4

Woking played hosts to an unbeaten Economicals team on yet another gloriously sunny day.

On the back of their first league win in the previous week’s encounter, Woking started the game with a flair and panache not yet witnessed by loyal supporters. The forwards retained possession well and the Woking backs punched through Economicals defensive line early on, with both Sean Beavis and Laeton Packer, breaking the line and running up the field. Within moments of the kick-off Woking found themselves with a penalty in front of the posts which Dan Edwards converted, 3-0.

The game restarted and again the Economicals defence was heavily tested and soon the backs were running riot through their lines with the forwards crashing up slow ball into the Economicals pack. This constant pressure led to skipper Sean Beavis breaking the line, going straight through the defence and finding himself in open space. Looking for support, Sean linked up with fullback Dan Edwards running straight who called for a switch. The offload from Sean allowed Dan to stroll over the line only needing to beat one or two defenders. Within the first 7 minutes Woking found themselves 10-0 up and with a desire and a belief of winning.

Economicals, however, had other plans. They came back with strong attacks and found themselves positioned for a penalty kick at posts, closing the gap to 10-3. Soon afterwards Economicals defence was tested again when Laeton Packer, who only moments before put in a crunching tackle to help turn the ball over, chipped over the back line from his 22 for Dan and Faron Griffiths-More to chase. Dan scooped up the loose bobbling ball and, drawing the defender, flicked it up into Faron’s chest. Faron, after collecting the pass, then had a quick sprint to the line for another well-worked Woking score, 15-3.

Woking then dropped their pace a little and Economicals were able to show why they are unbeaten with continued structured attack from the backs and Woking's defence was soon spread too thin and the Economicals struck home with their opening try, 15-10.

Woking, looking to come back, found themselves winning loose ball around the opposition 10metre line when skipper Sean Beavis went blind with devastating acceleration and ran 40metres to score again putting Woking back in the lead 20-10.

Half-time had Woking looking tired but confident of the win. However, after half time Economicals blew through the gates with renewed vigour and the pressure started building with Woking being pushed back and not being able to get their hands on the ball. Woking’s scrums began to suffer badly after the replacement of Goodman and Hamilton-Wilkes in the pack. With Economicals dominating the possession and their backs putting in good moves and strong straight runs, they began punishing the Woking defence. Woking found their lead slipping away from them, with, after a flurry of tries by Economicals, the score becoming 20-32 to the opposition.

A stirring speech from skipper Sean Beavis led to a boost in Woking’s game with rucks again being contested and Economicals being driven back in open play. A good attack from Economicals put Woking once again in their own 22, when scrum-half Pete D’Cruz snaffled up a loose ball spurting from the back of a ruck and sprinted towards the try line with Dan Edwards in hot pursuit. The covering defence didn’t have the pace to keep up and Pete scored a great individual try bringing the score to 25-32.

Pete’s try again boosted Woking’s game, just one converted try down with only minutes to go. The home team drew from their reserves and Economicals again found themselves blown backwards with strong runs from Jack Gogharty in the Centre and the forwards also crashing up with the ball. Economicals, fighting for rucks, started getting penalized for slowing the ball down and Woking started looking stronger and stronger. Woking soon found themselves with the ball just outside the opposition 22, when an all or nothing attack in the dying seconds led to an intercept, beautifully read by the opposition fullback, as he ran un-opposed to put the ball under the posts, dashing Woking’s hopes for the draw 25-39.

Skipper Sean Beavis commented after the game: "This was an excellent effort by the team against an unbeaten Economicals side. We are beginning to gel, forwards and backs, as a unit and I have high hopes for the rest of the season.”

Woking: Green, M Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes, Bennett, Bennett, Lovell, D’Cruz, Edwards, JP, Odgers, Bannister, Faron, Gogarty, Packer.

Top Of Page

Saturday 18th October 08
Woking 29 Wandsworthians 26
Surrey League 4

Woking ventured to Wandsworthians for another bright and sunny day of rugby.
The match started with a Woking kick-off. The ball went high and was chased well by Woking, the pressure of the chase and the start-of-the-game jitters was enough for Wandsworthians to miss the catch and a subsequent scramble for the ball led to the opening lineout.

Although Woking struggled in the line-outs, the new-found urgency in the forwards gave them superiority in the scrums. Rucks and mauls were also hotly contested and the scene was set for an enthralling game of rugby. Meanwhile, with a new-look back-line, the backs had an effective start with line breaks and some good inter-play. The opening try came from good Woking ball on the opposition 10 metre line. With good passing down the back line, JP Laurent then straightened his run and off-loaded the ball to Faron Griffiths-More who scorched an outside line round the defence. Stopped short of the line he gave a wonderful pass out of the tackle to Dan Edwards who had looped around to support and took a good ball to run over the line. He then converted and Woking were in the lead 7 – 0.

Soon after, a lapse of concentration gifted a quick try to the opposition to draw level. Woking tightened their game and focused on retaining possession with bullocking runs close in to the rucks, softening the defence. After a long stretch a hole in the Wandsworthians armour finally appeared when lightning Jack Gogarty broke through the line, drew the defenders and off-loaded to Captain Sean Beavis into space. Those old wrinkly legs blazed straight and true through a gap in the defence and he sped 40 metres down the field to score and Woking were back in front 14 – 7.
Wandsworthians continued to apply pressure with Woking again camped on their own 22, the defence barely holding until, against the run of play, Dan Edwards got the ball and ran out of the 22. Breaking through multiple tackles with his lazy, loping run, to his horror discovered the entire field open up in front of him. Faced with the trauma of having to run all that way, he was brought down 5 meters from the Wandsworthians line.
Woking continued their barrage on the opposition with a strong attack down the left wing, into Wandsworthians' 22. The ball was quickly recycled and spread wide to ‘Lightning Jack’ who, with a large overlap, barged his way through the only remaining defenders, launching over the line to extend Woking’s lead 17 – 7

Again, euphoria and lack of concentration allowed Wandsworthians to strike back with another try and close the gap to 3 points.

New winger, Faron Griffiths-More, having suffered a drought of tries since being promoted to the 1st XV, showed his blistering pace when he received the ball on halfway line and seared through the opposition line, blasted round the cover defenders and surged over the try line to extend their lead to 24 – 14. Sometimes an adjective just isn’t enough…

Wandsworthians began attacking again and were able to exert more concerted pressure on the Woking defence. Woking found themselves on their 22, and were unable to relieve the pressure, until finally Wandsworthians were able to break through, reducing the gap to 24 – 19.

Camped in their own half and with the feed into the scrum, Captain Sean Beavis, ran at his opposite number, drawing him and their flanker before giving a sumptuous ball back inside to Dan Edwards, who surged through the gap. A surprisingly good long pass out to James Bannister on the wing saw him sprint towards the line. Having taken a tackle around the neck a metre before the Wandsworthian try-line, but not held, he scurried over to score in the corner, taking their lead to 29-19.

After continued pressure by Wandsworthians, a good set-piece move saw their full-back break the line and score under the posts, bringing the game to 29-26.

Woking spent the rest of the game camped back in their 22, while Wandsworthians, running short on time, threw everything they had left at the Woking defense, getting within metres, but never quite converting that pressure into points. Eventually the ref called last play of the game and Wandsworthians attacked down Woking’s right flank; a solid run stopped just short of the line, they panicked and put in a desperate kick over the top towards the goal line, which was ferreted into touch by Faron.

Woking received their first Victory of the season showing segments of great defence and bursts of brilliance in attack.

Captain Sean Beavis Commented after the game: “It feels great to get our first win as a team and mine as captain. The forwards put in a tremendous performance this week, full of heart and a desire to win. This gave the new back line formation plenty of opportunity to experiment with confidence. All round it was a good team performance, backed up by great defence at the end.”

Woking: Green, M Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes, Bennett, Bennett, Franchino, D’Cruz, Edwards, JP, Bennett, Bannister, Faron, Gogarty, Packer.

Top Of Page

Saturday 11th October 08
Woking 8 Pelhamians 36
Surrey League 4

Woking hosted Pelhamians on another warm and sunny day for rugby, losing the toss and receiving the kick. Woking soon found their forwards were dominant in the scrums, putting huge pressure on the Pelhamians pack driving them off their own ball. Line-outs started evenly with both teams retaining their own throws, whilst rucks and mauls were closely contested and this continued throughout the game.

Woking started brightly by dominating in all aspects of the eatly play and soon found themselves in the Pelhamians 22 on several occasions but were simply not able to convert pressure into points. Against the run of play, Pelhamians found themselves near the halfway line and put a long kick down the wing. A good bounce for the Pels put the ball straight into the arms of the left wing, leading to the opening try of the game. This set back did not dent the early confidence of Woking who were confident of delivering in this game. What was believed to just be a lucky bounce was soon proved to be a sign of things to come. An excellent kicking and chasing game by Pelhamians was rewarded with a second try.

Pels exerted more influence at the line-outs, and with the Woking backs showing indecision whether to defend the kick or push up in defence, Pelhamians were allowed to demonstrate strong straight running and punch through gaps in the Woking defence, contributing three more tries. Woking, on the other hand, with quality ball drying up, looked very one-dimensional. There were good moments with the forwards going on some of their better rolling mauls up the park and the backs penetrating the defence, but the story of the season prevailed and panic would ensue just short of the line.

Woking were within kicking distance a couple of times but it appeared it was not a day for the boot with only 1 out of 3 penalty converted. Jack Gogarty was placed on the wing for the second half and his substitution provided raw youthful pace in the backs. Good aggressive tackling in the Pels 22 saw Woking win back possession, leading to quick ball to Jack with an outside run to the try. Like a natural-born wing, a good step inside followed by an outside line threw off the defender and let Jack scramble over the line.

Captain Sean Beavis commented after the game: “we can already see the difference our new Tuesday night training regime has had on the game – we are ready to play; but mentally, we need to be ready to win.”

Woking: Green, M Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes, Bennett, Bennett, D’Cruz, Edwards, Turner, Bennett, Bannister, Faron, Axe, Gogarty, Packer.

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

Top Of Page

Saturday 04th October 08
Woking 0 – Guildford Vets 24
Friendly

After a rainy start to the day, Saturday saw decent conditions for rugby. Woking started the first half up a slight hill with a strong wind to their backs. A high, well-chased kick-off saw Woking put immediate pressure on Guildford Vets who were unable to secure the ball and finished with fly-hacking it into touch just inside their own 22.

Despite having possession at the line-out in good attacking field position, Woking were unable to use this advantage and lost their own throw. Guildford asserted their authority throughout the game in set play and this was further exacerbated by Woking struggling in the rucks and mauls, being outnumbered at the break-down by the opposition.

Woking, lacking quality ball for most of the game, could only get erratic ball to the backs who, with few opportunities to capitalise on, were often forced to run laterally in search of a break. There was the occasional line-break which lead to Woking advancing into the opposition 22, but with possession rarely being retained, Guildford Vets were able to relieve the pressure through clearance kicks. Woking’s game showed good, sustained defence, but it would breakdown with infringements due to lack of possession and a frustrated pack was often too slow to react to quick penalties. As the game progressed, Woking’s pack started to turn things around and win lineout ball and contest the scrums. The ball to the backs, however, was still scrappy and under pressure to score and a little desperate to improve handling errors mounted.

Woking’s game was split into occasional individual brilliance and mediocre team play. Fullback James Bannister, who had managed to arrive before kick-off, had a sublime second-half – a quick tap from Guildford Vets on Woking’s 5 metre line saw the opposing scrum-half run past idle Woking players to head under the posts. The determination of James Bannister in chasing back resulted in his tackle dislodging the ball over the dead-ball line. This surge in adrenaline from putting his tackle in the face of the opposition had him scurrying around the field looking for balls. Hooker Matt Edwards found himself covering at fullback, he received a long clearing kick. In his traditional lope, he managed to throw one outrageously successful dummy after another, sending the defence in all directions before passing the ball into the safe hands of Tom Bennett. About 2 seconds after the pass Matt then got a crashing tackle from the side, with the opposition player telling him afterwards “I am sorry, I saw you pass the ball, I saw him catch the ball but… I just couldn’t let you get away with that run unscathed!”

Captain Sean Beavis commented after the game “We seem to have forgotten how to win games. We have the players, we have the skill set and we have the fitness. We are not gelling as a team though and we need our first win to turn things around. It will be down to determination and desire. That said these Guildford boys have all played rugby at a high league level in recent years so the game was always going to be a big challenge for our developing squad.”

Woking: Green, Gilbert, M Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes, Odgers, Williams, Bennett, D’Cruz, Edwards, Turner, Bennett, Bannister, Faron, McGiven, Gogarty.

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

Top Of Page

Saturday 27th September 08
Woking 3 – Egham 13
Surrey League 4

On another warm and sunny day for rugby, Woking won the toss and chose to play with the sun to their backs. The game started well for the home team; Woking immediately finding they were dominant in the set-piece, putting immense pressure on Egham’s scrum, with winger Paul Green moved to prop for the entire game and doing more than just holding his own. Woking’s lineouts were also dominant securing their own lineout ball with Tom Bennett leaping like a salmon and competing effectively against the Egham throw. But when Egham won a lineout they were quick to set-up a dominant maul, though rucks were very competitive with neither side able to gain the advantage early on.

Woking were first on the front foot and found themselves near the 22 with a penalty and captain Matt Edwards chose to go for the lineout option. A fine kick from Dan Edwards led Woking to a lineout 5 metres from the opposition line. The safe hands of Tom Bennett brought the ball down and the forwards began a good drive toward the try-line, but after a couple of phases with the backs shouting for the ball it was knocked on and a good clearance from Egham was enough to relieve the pressure.
A lapse in Woking’s play and a quick surge up the field found Woking now defending their line against the run of play. With consistent attacks on Woking’s right flank, Egham eventually broke through to put Woking down by 5 points.

Good concerted pressure by Woking from the kick-off led to Egham conceding a penalty just outside their 22. This time Woking took the points on offer, closing the gap to 5 – 3.

Woking’s dominant first display finished with them behind by two points but still looking the better side.

The 2nd half continued with Woking still dominant in scrums, winning ball against the head. The lineout was more evenly contested, but Woking still taking the advantage while the ball was in the air. However, Woking severely suffered in open play with Egham forwards being first to most breakdowns and driving the Woking pack backwards in the rucks and mauls. This pressure led to Woking conceding successive penalties, allowing Egham to get more and more territory and possession of the ball. Whilst Woking’s backs still looked dangerous with the ball, one-dimensional side-ways rugby wasn’t good enough to break the defensive line. Passes started getting dropped as players got tired and frustrated and eventually Egham were awarded a penalty within kicking distance, which they converted to stretch the gap to 8-3.

Egham’s better control of open play then led to a break down their left wing on the half way line and with a considerable overlap they took Woking aback with a second try in the corner. Egham 13 Woking 3.

With 10 minutes left of play and 10 points down, Woking found themselves back in Egham’s 22 for the rest of the game, but with isolated players getting poor support and lethargic, sideways, rugby leading to unforced errors in strong attacking positions they were unable to convert the pressure into points.

Captain of the day, Matt Edwards, commented after the game, “It was a disappointing loss but there were many good points to come from the game. Paul Green was the stand-out player for the day and although we are yet to win a game, things are starting to come together.”

Woking: Green, Jones, M Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes, Lovell, Williams, Bennett, D’Cruz, Edwards, Turner, Laurent, Bannister,Faron, McGiven.

Woking 2XV were victorious against Bec Old Boys 3XV on Saturday going down 19 points to 15 thanks to a hat-trick from young Jack Gogarty.

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

Top Of Page

Saturday 20th September 09
Guildfordians 20 – Woking 19
Surrey League 4

Woking arrived in Guildford ready for their next league game. The weather was bright, sunny and hot. Woking won the coin toss and chose to play down the steep hill with the sun to their backs.

The game started well with Guildfordians’ opening kick going short and Woking was awarded a scrum in centre-field. From the start the Woking pack was put under enormous pressure by a large well drilled Sscrum who got low and controlled their drive well, putting Woking on the back foot. The first couple of phases in the game led to Guildfordians passing the ball down their back line, which was openly telegraphed and read well by JP Laurent who stormed through with a clean intercept on the halfway line and an unchallenged run to the try line. The try was comfortably converted making the score 7-0.

Loose play and line-outs were constantly challenged for by both Guildfordians and by Woking. Guildfordians had the advantage in the rucks early in the game and lineouts remained equal. However, Guildfordians dominated all the scrums going up the steep hill driving Woking back metres at a time. The dominant Guildfordians pack then got a scrum on the Woking 5 metre line and was able to drive the ball over for a well worked try, closing the gap to 7-5.

Defensive lines held steady for both teams until, rather majestically, Dan Edwards broke down the left wing and ran half the field, sending a wonderful pass just before the tackle, over the defence to ‘Spaghetti Fingers’ Kev Turner – the ball bobbling to the ground. Good support led to Woking picking up the ball and setting up a ruck, winning a penalty on the five metre line. Quick thinking captaincy from Matt Edwards, who opted for a quick tap, led to the ball being passed down the back line. Well worked team play finished with Dan Edwards drawing the defence and gracefully passing out of the tackle for Evan Marchant to score Woking’s next try on the far right wing.

The half ended with consistent pressure on the Woking 5 metre line, with scrums and penalties leading to a try just before the half-time whistle. Closing the gap in the score to 10-12 to Woking.

The second half started badly for Woking who now had to work up the steep hill. Guildfordians worked the inside ball from the backs to the forwards, pounding the Woking pack close to the rucks and mauls. Efficient ball retention by the home team led to Woking again defending on their try line; a line-out to Guildfordians going to the front man who drew the tackler and offloaded to a player coming on at pace for a good set-piece try. Guildfordians took the lead at 14-15.

At this point Woking attempted to keep the ball alive as much as possible, the Woking forwards held better in the scrums and won more rucks, but the game soon became too scrappy as tempers flared with the referee sin binning Woking player Jim McGiven and a Guildfordians player. This had the desired effect as both teams calmed down and got back to more structured rugby. Scrum-half Pete D’Cruz then put a well placed kick behind the Guildfordians line and a turnover at the line-out led to a Woking ruck just inside the Guildfordians half. Another great run had Dan Edwards scything through the Guildfordians defence, breaking multiple tackles for a comfortable try under the posts. He converted to put Woking ahead 19-15.

The Guildfordians forwards then picked up the tempo and powered up the park pinning Woking back on their try line, with the home team again retaining the ball long enough to get a penalty just off the Woking line on the far left of the field. A quick tap led to a ruck followed by a blindside move to a large Guildfordians second row who barrelled over the Woking Line to put Guildfordians ahead 19-20.

With only 6 minutes left on the clock Woking threw everything in, and were rewarded with Dan Edwards running up the right of the field, drawing the defenders and passing to hairsuit fullback Kevin Turner who scorched up the wing and looked headed for a great try, when the Guildfordians outside centre ran through with a tremendous try saving tackle, stopping the run dead. Woking then worked the ball to the left of the field and received a penalty. Woking opted for a kick at posts to scrape a 2 point victory. However, the penalty on the half-way line and on the left of the field was anything but an easy kick. The kick sailed high and straight, but just didn’t quite have the legs and missed by millimetres.

More great flowing rugby from the Woking team was a little too late and time was up.

Captain for the day Matt Edwards commented: “It was a close game today. After a slow start, the Woking forwards, in particular, held their own and had a great flourish to the finish. Man of the match JP Laurent also put in a solid performance. Despite the loss, these are good signs for the season ahead.”

Woking: Jones, M Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes, Lovell, Williams, Bennett, Franchino, Packer, D’Cruz, Edwards, Green, Turner, Laurent, Bannister, Marchant, McGiven.

Woking 2XV were unlucky and narrow losers against Egham 2XV on Saturday going down 15 points to 12.

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

Top Of Page

Saturday 13th September 08
Woking 5 – Old Radleians 37
Surrey League 4

Woking arrived at the Recreation Ground with time enough for a lengthy controlled warm up in bright conditions. Woking’s captain Sean Beavis won the toss and chose to play down the slight slope with the sun to Woking’s backs.

The game started with promise for Woking. Right from the start Woking had an advantage in structured play, with improved line-outs, compared to last week, and they were able to secure their own line-out ball and either steal opposition ball or prevent the Old Radleian’s from getting clean ball. Woking had a definite advantage in the scrum but somehow didn’t take full advantage of this dominant position.

However, when it came to open play Woking could just not stand up to the Radleian structured play with the Old Radleian backs constantly having significant numbers on the overlap. Woking’s Paul Green found himself often out numbered on the wing three to one. Old Radleians at times seemed to have 13 backs on the field, with forwards fanning out and spotting and using the overlaps.

Despite much pre-season preparation, Woking’s players flagged badly as their energy was sapped by the late summer heat and the forwards slowed down dramatically. In the backs captain Sean Beavis played with his normal flare and command, however in the middle of the first half he received a heavy knock and left the pitch for 20 minutes to regain his bearings, leaving Woking a player down for that period. Woking centre and new recruit JP Laurent put in some solid defence and some good attacking plays but again was not able to deal with the sheer number of bodies constantly streaming through in the Radleian backs in both attack and defence.

Woking looked good for short periods when the ball was retained with purposeful runs from the forwards and good plays from the backs. Woking however seemed destined to get to the Radleian line but not over it and were unable to convert the pressure into points. On the contrary Woking were unable to prevent a hatful of tries, three in each half from the well-drilled ex-public schoolboys side.

Woking's only try of the day, a consolation, was scored in the second half and was set up by the forwards, who powered up from almost the halfway line with strong running from Nick Franchino and finished through the great support from scrum half Pete D'Cruz who picked up and battered over the line on the blindside.

After the game skipper Sean Beavis commented:
"A big improvement in the forwards from last week, but the display still failed to realise Woking’s true potential"

Woking: Gilbert, M Edwards, Hamilton-Wilkes, Giles, Williams, Odgers, Franchino, Bennett, D’Cruz, Beavis, Green, Turner, Laurent, and Bannister. Subs: Marchant, Jones, Packer

Woking 2XV were unlucky and narrow losers against Haslemere 2XV on Saturday going down 24 points to 22.

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

Top Of Page

Saturday 06th September 08
Woking 08 – Barnes Green 24
EDF cup

Woking started the season with an EDF cup game against Barnes Green, in West Sussex.

In common with the summer long trend conditions were lots of rain and high winds. After a brief and rushed warm up, Woking won the coin toss and chose to play up the steep hill against the wind in order to utilise these advantages in the second half. Woking’s forwards started the match with little structure and a strong Barnes Green pack dominated the forwards in open and structured play. Woking’s backs however when given the ball produced surging runs through the centre with Dan Edwards, Sean Beavis and fullback Chris Axe.

The first 20 minutes saw Woking put under a lot of pressure, and with injured Woking players leaving the field, they soon found themselves 12-0 down. The Woking forwards picked up their game and began to compete in rucks with Paul Odgers stealing opposition ball whenever possible. Woking were able to pin Barnes Green in their 22 for the rest of the half but only managed to put 3 points on the board with a penalty kick from Dan Edwards.
The Second half started with good promise of entertainment as both teams moved up and down the pitch in search of points. Woking were now playing good running rugby with moves from the backs creating gaps that allowed some scything breaks through the Barnes Green backs. Woking then turned the ball over just behind the halfway line and scrum half Pete D’Cruz surged down the left side of the pitch with a chip over the top; he then recovered the chip and good interplay led to No. 8 Big Phil Bennett powering over the line to close the gap to 8-12.

Confusion struck when Woking received the Barnes Green kick-off, a loose ball was fly hacked ahead by a Barnes Green forward who followed up by diving on the ball to score a try. Woking were then put under pressure for the rest of the game constantly pushed back into their own 22. The backs continued with effective runs and moves down the middle however after initial breaks, play would lose structure with unnecessary kicks from the wings and plenty of dropped balls throughout the backs put Woking under more pressure.

The final try was due to fatigue with a penalty near the Woking line, Barnes Green simply ran through a stationary defensive line.

After the game, new captain Sean Beavis commented:
"A disappointing start to the season but a good wake-up call for Woking with plenty to work on at training. "

Woking: Gilbert, M Edwards, Jones, Goodman, Williams, Odgers, Jones, Bennett, D’Cruz, D Edwards, Green, Baigrie, Axe, Turner, Beavis, Bannister, Marchant.

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

Top Of Page

Match Content

Latest Results

Match Reports 2008 - 2009