Match Reports 2009 - 2010
Saturday 03rd April 10
Woking 34– Northolt 14
Friendly
Woking hosted Northolt on Saturday, resurrecting a traditional Easter fixture that had fallen away in recent years. The club match gave Woking an opportunity to mix and match and experiment a little. The bright sunny conditions with soft to firm ground underfoot despite the deluge overnight made for good playing conditions. Northolt kicked off and really took the game to Woking with some aggressive rucking, however the wind was taken out of the sails when Woking No. 10 Dan Edwards intercepted and sped through to score an un converted try. Woking’s forwards woke up and began to exert real pressure at the scrum, culminating in a push over try scored by Phil Robertson. Then as Northolt regained some degree of possession, Dan Edwards raced through for a second interception try that was converted by wing Gary Raife. Northolt struck back just before half time with a well worked try from their speedy centre who was too fleet of foot for Woking’s giant centre Matt Peberdy. Growing weary of Edwards’ attempted interceptions Northolt exposed the Woking rush defence as they dummied and headed for space, through Woking’s back row were sufficient in their defence.
The second half saw Woking up their efforts which were rewarded with a brace of tries from back row Adam Smith who took the pitch at half time making an immediate impact. Both tries culminating from powerful scrum work and clever pick and drives off the back of the scrum. Northolt were not entirely out of the game as they scored a try at close quarters through the forwards having kicked themselves deep into the Woking twenty two, and Woking then failed to clear their lines effectively. Woking brothers Dan and Matt Edwards were both extremely effective and having watched brother Dan hit a brace of tries Matt delivered too with a typically deceptive darting run for the line to seal the victory for Woking.
Saturday 06th February 10
Woking 11– Wandsworthians 15
Surrey League 4
The game on Saturday was greatly anticipated by the Woking team as they sought to over turn the disappointment of the previous week’s defeat in their second league game of the New Year. The early kick did not diminish the focus of Woking who took to the field with confidence with the return of a handful of players to the starting line-up.
Woking received the kick off and were off to a good start with the forwards showing much domination in the break downs and open play. Piercing runs from Nick Franchino and Jim McGiven pushed the opposition defence back time and time again. An early switch between Sean Beavis and Neil Murphy saw a movement 20m up the field towards the opposite try line only for the forward momentum to break down.
Woking dominated most of the early play but being unable to execute their chances and were getting frustrated and in a lapse of concentration allowed Wandsworthians to hoof the ball up field after intercepting a dolly pass from in front of the Wandsworthian posts. Wing Evan Marchant was left exposed and full back James Bannister was wrong footed. Last ditch defence from Dan Edwards was not sufficient to prevent the opposition winger diving on the ball to get the benefit of the doubt from the referee.
To add to this lead Wandsworthians converted a penalty, following some argy bargy at the scrum in front of the Woking posts a fact which spurred Woking to react. With pounding runs from Dale Lovell and Phil Robertson Woking were able to punch up the field and the pressure told as Wandsworthians were forced to concede a penalty which Dan Edwards, after missing his first attempt, was able to slot the harder kick right between the posts.
With the Woking forwards winning good ball Woking’s backs were supplied with possession that they used to varying effect. After some good play and long periods of defence by Woking, Wandsworthians did not really threaten again until the right wing slithered his way past Marchant again who was left clutching at air and having made the break with his pace the winger was unstoppable. The conversion was successful.
More chances came Woking’s way as the game progressed as an overlap on the left handside saw Evan Marchant with space but unfortunately James Bannister’s pass was executed poorly whistling forward preventing what should have been a certain try. Sean Beavis almost got his way through the Wandsworthian backline through a looping move with Neil Murphy but the pass was lacking the necessary accuracy and Sean was tackled short of the line. It was then that halftime was called.
The second half saw Woking produce a period of pressure in their game and eventually it was the out and out pace and power of Woking’s right wing Steve Rhodes who sped through to score his first try and put Woking back in contention. Unfortunately, the kick was unsuccessful.
After good possession Woking received another penalty that Edwards slotted over to bring the gap of 4 points with the score being 15-11.
After struggling for sometime with painful blisters Neil ‘soft skin’ Murphy was replaced by Paddy Goodburn who was itching to get at the Wandsworthian defence and flew at them almost the instant that he got the ball. After charging down the right handside of the defence Paddy threw the ball back to Dan Edwards who was tackled early before he had the ball but this was un-noticed by the referee.
Wandsworthians were struggling to keep the Woking driving attacks out, as Woking’s forwards increased their efforts to try to drive for victory setting up another good chance which saw Dan Edwards release Steve Rhodes scrambling for the line to be stopped just short.
A final salvo from Woking through the backs saw the ball pass between Beavis and Goodburn on to Edwards and then to Evan Marchant who would have had some work to do but was likely to score a sure try however he fluffed the catch to the dismay of Woking players and supporters alike.
The game ended on the Wandsworthian line with Woking pressing relentlessly but their eagerness turned into a slip of discipline and a penalty to Wandsworthians which ended the game. Unfortunately two break away tries gave Wandsworthian the points needed for this win and Woking were left with the disappointment of losing a game they should have won had they could have executed their chances.
Saturday 30th January 10
Woking 3 – Reigate 25
Surrey League 4
Woking’s returning league game from the Christmas break was a cold brisk afternoon with a low sun shining onto the pitch. With ample time for warm up and preparation Woking were in high spirits for winning this game after their 50-0 victory the week before.
From kick off it was easy to see that the forwards of both teams were going to have a great battle in the middle of the pitch. For the first 15 minutes though Reigate were able to dominate through a diminished backline stretching the Woking side from one end to the other until they managed to get an overlap on the right hand side allowing there number 15 to make his way over the line. With a converted penalty minutes before this try Reigate took the lead 8-0 leaving Woking more determined to show what they were capable of.
From the kick off Wokings forwards, with powerful runs from Nick Franchino and Adam Smith, forced Reigate on the back eventually being pulled up for a penalty of being off-side. Gareth Philips with his massive boot was able to slot the penalty through the posts to gain three points for the Woking side.
Disaster struck as Woking’s number 10, Gareth Williams, was taken off for treatment on his ankle leaving Woking with 14 players and one less back in the ranks. Even though Woking were at a disadvantage Reigates relentless attacks were repulsed by the Woking defence but the punishment was taking its toll. Reigate were able to get another try on the left hand side with some clever footwork from the Reigate fullback and minutes late the number thirteen managed a running line that scythed through the Woking centres.
With Gareth Williams able to return to the field however no more tries were scored against Woking as the even numbers again seemed to give them a boost. A few good chances in the first half gave Woking hope but Woking never seemed to be able to quite finish anything off before an error in some way was made. The first half ended 17-3 in the visitors favour.
With the second half on Woking were ready to prove themselves as Gareth Williams had to go off through injury James Bannister came onto the field. Woking had decided to put on the pressure this half and that’s exactly what they did. From kick off the Woking forwards were relentlessly pushing forward directed by skipper Pete D’Cruz and Matt Childs and Jim McGiven showing good strength in there runs. Phil Robertson was making quick penetrating runs through around the sides of rucks gaining Woking valuable ground in the Reigate half.
Woking kept up this relentless pace for almost half an hour always looking on the verge of scoring a try or to put more points on the board. With a good interchange of play between Paddy and Adam almost leading to a try a score and comeback in the game seemed inevitable. However, even though there was good play from the forwards, with Colin and Paul Green working off the rucks, and some excellent crash balls from Paddy ‘the gut’ Goodburn Woking were never able to penetrate over the Reigate line who had put up a stout defense.
After the half an hour of dominating play from Woking the play got more even as the effort from the Woking side took its toll and more and more penalties started to be given away towards the end of the game. With good play from both teams Reigate were able to get another three points from a penalty and even though there was a hard defence from the Woking team on there own line Nick Franchino was pushed back for a small forward to score yet another try for Reigate leaving the end score 25-3 to Reigate.
Saturday 23rd January 10
Woking 55 – Kingston III 0
Surrey League 4
After a combination of the Christmas holidays and the recent poor weather, Woking travelled to Kingston having not played a match for over a month. Eager to shake off the rust and gain match fitness Woking started off the match aggressively; keeping the ball tight and in the forwards Woking gained good territory off powerful runs by Nick Francino, Paul Green and Adam Smith. The Kingston defence held strong in the early phases but soon gaps in the fringes appeared, exploited by Phil Robertson who made a searing run into the 22. Woking recycled the ball and from this strong position on the field was able to spin it out to the patiently waiting backs for Winger Gary to score. Dan Edwards who had a good day with the boot, kicked the conversion, his first of five.
From the restart Woking kept up the pressure, the whole forward pack working well in pods with great carries from Dale Lovell, Jim McGiven and Matt Edwards. As play moved down into the Kingston's 22 a good pass from fly half Sean Beavis saw winger Evan Marchant in space with just the full back to beat deciding to draw his man and pass to full back James Banister on the loop. Unfortunately for James the pass was adjudged forward, the possession passing to Kingston. Soon after, better play from James Banister and Evan Marchant nearly resulted in a try in the left corner for Gary <NAME>, the final pass from Dan Edwards being intercepted by the Kingston right winger. Woking were able to bundle the winger into touch and quickly take the throw, moving the play to the opposite corner where Sean Beavis used his pace to score. Further tries from James Banister and Dan Edwards put Woking into a strong position at the end of the first half.
Woking had nearly all the ball in the first half and started the second half much like the first with strong runs producing a try for Sean Beavis. However Kingston never let their spirits drop and started to claw back possession and territory only good tight defence from Woking denied Kingston a score with Alistair Hamilton-Wilkes turning over the play on the 5 metre line. This was the wake up call Woking needed and soon strong running from Paddy Goodburn put Paul Green in for a certain try the pass was adjudged forward and Paul was denied his first try for 2 years. Sean Beavis had more luck after receiving a pass from Dale Lovell to complete his hat-trick and Nick Franchino grabbed a try for the forwards from a charged down Kingston kick. Woking finished off the game in confusion as after a good run on the left hand side Gary <Name> looked to have knocked on when scoring however the referee who had a good view awarded the try to round off a good performance for Woking.
Saturday 05th December 09
Woking 35 – Lightwater 5
Surrey League 4
After the victory against top of the table Economicals Woking spirits were high and a new determination gripped the side.
Although the forecast was for wet and windy conditions the weather turned out to be relatively calm. Both Woking and Lightwater turned up in plenty of time and had ample preparation before the game began. Kick off was for Lightwater and the Woking forwards received and trundled off into battle. With immense determination at the beginning of the game from Woking punched holes through their oppositions defence. It was apparent that Woking were in control of the game in the forwards and an unlucky slip up meant that a scrum was awarded to Lightwater.
However, a few moments later the ten was given the ball and Jim McGiven shot out and put in a crunching tackle which led to the forwards scrambling forwards attaching for the try line. This saw Dale Lovell run through a gap to put the ball down between the posts. Dan Edwards kicked for the extra points and Woking were off to a promising start. With good punching runs from the forwards, Adam Smith and Nick Franchino making big impacts Woking made their way up the pitch. As more Lightwater players were drawn in overlaps loomed and Woking were quick to get passes out through the back line and Jim McGiven scored in the right hand corner.
The pressure of Woking’s attack had it's toll on the Lightwater defence and Woking received many penalties which Dan mostly missed unfortunately. The end of the first half saw Woking being in front of the guests and were ready to hit hard in the second half.
Woking hit hard again in the second half from kick off with good handling between Gareth Philips and Dan Edwards gaining many yards in the process. Sean Beavis was constantly showing his deadly ability to find gaps in any defence by scything through the Lightwater defence again. Good movement and play from the forwards with good runs from Alistair Hamilton-Wilkes, Jason Williams and good ball retention from Matt Edwards showed Woking a gap on the right hand side of the pitch with Evan Marchant almost linking up with Neil Murphy, the ball just going behind. With a good recovery from the repair, Pete D’Cruz saw an opportunity open and darted through to score over on the right. Dan missed his kick again.
With Lightwater in possession they tried winging the ball but Dan Edwards cunning timing saw him intercept a pass and breeze to the try line for another score between the posts, which he managed to convert.
The last try saw the Lightwater defence being dragged to and fro across the field with yet again a large overlap engulfing the right hand side of the pitch. Good passing from Sean and Gareth saw Jim dive over the line for the last try of the game.
The final score was 35-5 in Woking’s favour and were able to add another two points to the table.
Woking are currently recruiting for their senior sides. Please call Richard on 01932 347576.
Saturday 28th November 09
Woking 25 – Economicals 24
Surrey League 4
Coming Soon.......
Saturday 21st November 09
Woking 5 – Esher VI's 5
Friendly
Woking hosted Esher for an early kick-off friendly to accommodate the England v New Zealand test and ensure an even crowd between the two fixtures.
Esher showed early on that they wanted to run the ball. Woking’s defence was however up to the task and thwarted many Esher attacking runs. The Woking scrum was in command with Colin ‘Portly’ Pearce demonstrating his strength.
The big Esher backrow and centres kept running at the Woking line and came close a few times., however Wokings Gareth Williams also looked dangerous as he out thought his opposite number and made good ground.
After 30 minutes the first score finally came when the Woking press defence put enough pressure on the Esher backline. Sean Beavis took advantage of a fumbled ball by the Esher centre and ran in for a well finished try against the run of play. The conversion was missed.
Esher responded immediately with a great run down the left and were looking to score but a great try saving tackle by fullback Dan Edwards halted the attack. Dan then turned defence into a Woking attack as he grabbed the ball and sprinted 50 meters before kicking ahead for the Esher line. Desperate Esher defence scrambled well however and kept Woking out. The first half ending with Woking 5-0 ahead.
The second half saw Esher making some changes resulting in a stronger scrum which was able to deal with Woking on more equal terms. One of the changes included the immense frame of the Esher 1st team coach, Mike Shmidt who had an immediate impact from the back of the scrum. Esher kept running as they did in the 1st half and the pressure eventually took its toll on Wokings’ defence as Esher registered their first first points in the form of a try. The conversion was missed making the scores level at 5-5. Woking were awarded a last minute penalty and decided to go for poles and the win. Unfortunately the kick went wide and the match ended in a draw.
Captain Pete D’Cruz commented,”Our finishing ultimately let us down today but it was great to see our forwards dominate with great work in the scrums and some skillful lineout work from Matt Childs and Matt Edwards securing ample clean possession. I look forward to some better results as our hard work pays off”
Woking are recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV. All new players are welcome. Please contact Richard on 01932 347576.
Saturday 14th November 09
Woking 7 – Egham Hollowegians 12
Surrey League 4
Torrential rain and gale force winds were to be the welcome for both sides in Woking’s game this week. In the first half Woking faced into the wind effectively cutting out any chance of a kicking game and making going forward a more difficult task. Egham were to kick off toward the Woking side and good control was shown in the Woking forwards as they played upfield phase by phase, slowly creating the gaps needed by the backs to make some progress.
The first major break of the game came from a Woking back line play involving Paddy Goodburn however in an attempt to get the ball out to the Woking wing the ball was spilt and the Egham No. 13 seized the opportunity to sprint through and kick the ball toward the Woking line to ease in for an easy try despite Dan Edward’s best efforts to get within tackling distance.
Woking concentrated their efforts on returning with a score of their own as powerful runs from Adam Smith and Jim McGiven with great support play from all forwards allowed Woking to get within striking distance of the try line and saw Adam Smith break through a gap in the Egham defence to score next to the posts and Woking getting the conversion allowed them to get into the lead 7-5.
In the first half everything seemed to be going right for the Woking forwards with a dominant scrum and good lineout despite the strong winds. Woking were able to pile on pressure through the backs and the forwards with darting runs from Sean Beavis and crazy dummies from Matt Edwards slicing open the Egham defence allowing a forward momentum to develop in Woking’s play. So with the help of Gareth Williams organisational skills as ten Woking should have added to their score but poor final execution prevented this.
This massive amount of pressure from Woking resulted in Egham giving away 4 penalties within kicking distance of the post but unfortunately Dan Edwards was not able to convert with the strong winds carrying the ball away leaving the score at half time at 7-5 in Woking’s favour.
The fact that the first half was dominated by the Woking force seemed to have an effect on Egham and within the opening five minutes of the second half Egham had forced a few penalties against Woking and barged their way over the try line which they were able to convert this time.
At this point the wind had started to die down to Woking’s disadvantage. Woking started using the backs more and the wings Neil Murphy and Evan Marchant brought more variation to Woking’s play.
Despite the forwards best efforts, with more darting runs from Adam Smith and Matt Childs running at the Egham defence, Woking slowly lost their way and conceded penalties as they got frustrated. A round of substitutions bringing Pete D’Cruz, Dale Lovell and Phil Robertson brought more fire to the side but was insufficient to turn the points tide.
Several efforts from Woking saw Dan Edwards, Phil Robertson and winger Neil Murphy go close however, Woking were unable to utilise the overlap.
A break right at the end saw Woking with a massive overlap but unfortunately a miscommunication between outside Centre Sean Beavis and wing Evan Marchant saw the ball being held for too long Marchant overshot the passing opportunity and Woking wasted their best chance of the second half.
The final score was 12-7 to Egham in the end and Woking came away feeling that a win had slipped through their fingers – because that is what had happened. ‘With superior pace power and possession we should have nailed this game’ pouted Woking skipper Pete D’Cruz after the game.
Woking are recruiting players of all levels. If you are interested in joining them please call Richard on 01932 347576.
Saturday 07th November 09
Woking 33 – Weybridge Vandals III 17
Friendly
An early start was scheduled for Woking’s non league game against WeybridgeVandals ahead of the International matches in the afternoon.
With little time for a warm up Woking kicked off with the sun in their faces. Within the first few minutes Woking took the ascendancy as good play from backs Gareth Williams, Dan Edwards and Sean Beavis put winger Neil Murphy into space who thundered towards the try line only to slip over yards from scoring, squealing with disappointment.
Minutes later Murphy made another good run darting through 5 or 6 of the opposition players only to be crunched by a tackle as he crossed over the line and drop the ball to the disappointment of his team mates.
Within a few minutes though the other winger Evan Marchant, from good play from the backs, was having better luck and ran through to score a good try in the left hand corner. Dan Edwards, in a rare moment of excellence, kicked to earn the extra two points.
All the strong work from the dedicated forwards allowed the backs the freedom to move in the outfield with another line of passes seeing Marchant go over for his second. Woking flankers Adam Smith and Jim McGiven seemed to appear at every ruck adding their force and stability to the team’s play. Late in the first half Sean Beavis scythed through the backline defence, weaving seamlessly through for a try between the posts.
More points were added through the conversion and the half time score was 19-0.
Woking’s focus in defence was slack early in the second half and Vandals managed to break through the forwards to score a try and convert the points to make the score 19-7.
Was this to initiate a comeback for Vandals - not on Woking’s watch. The try was a wake up call and focused on dominating all areas of the game. Each scrum was dominated by the forwards and Woking were starting to make their way up the pitch through more controlled phases with exceptional efforts from Paul Green, Adam Smith, Jim McGiven, Matthew Childs and Matthew Edwards.
In the backs Paddy Goodburn continued to test the centres defence by constantly bombarding them with crash balls followed up by great support play from the forwards. Sean Beavis once again dazzled the Vandals defence by squirming his way through to score another well-deserved try.
Dan Edward's efforts throughout the game as full back were greatly appreciated no more so than when a Woking backs move went wrong and saw Vandals with the possibility of scoring another breakaway try only to be thwarted by Sean and Dan’s efforts.
Late in the second half after a few good phases from the forwards an overlap for Woking saw Gareth Williams take advantage of the many gaps and dive over the line to score the final Woking try. Dan Edwards managed to convert from near in front of the posts making the final score 33-7.
Captain Dan Edwards comments, ‘We had sufficient possession today and room and time to try out new moves and get a feel for how we can play as a team. It was a better performance than we have had in the last few weeks.”
Woking are recruiting new players and members. Please contact Richard on 01932 347576
Saturday 31st October 09
Woking 12 – Merton 17
Friendly
Woking travelled to Merton on a gloriously sunny Saturday afternoon for a hastily arranged game following a cancellation by Mitcham. The game started well for Woking, with dominant rucking by the forwards a clear signal of intent. Shortly into the game, Woking found themselves in Merton’s 22. After a series of staggered attacks floundered short of the opposition line, Woking's fly half, Gareth Williams, slotted a drop-kick through the centre of the uprights to convert Woking's pressure into points; the game still in it’s infancy, Woking in the lead.
Woking then set up to receive the Merton kick-off, determined not to concede yards through unforced errors. However an error from the restart left Woking on the back foot however powerful work from the forwards dispossessed the opposition scrum and the ball was cleared down the other end of the field; the pressure released.
Woking seemed to be dominant in many areas of play, only losing the edge in the crucial lineouts and mauls. Throughout the first half, however and due to interminable errors seeping into the very essence of the Woking attack, the phases were cut short – usually to one – and were often followed by a series of kicks intent on pinning the opposition back in their own half, forcing them to play from deep and hoping to capitalize on this endemic feature of the game.
Through hard graft, Woking managed to get into another points scoring position at which point Merton conceded a penalty. Dan Edwards, nonetheless, slotted the penalty with ease, increasing Woking’s lead. The first half ended with Woking in the territorial ascendancy.
Now at the start of the second half playing with the breeze, playing down the hill and with a 6-0 lead, Woking were in a strong position to convert the win. Unfortunately, Merton had other ideas and seemed intent on forcing the Woking team to play a more unstructured game. To the horror of coach Geoff D’Cruz, the first aspect of the game to disintegrate was the press defence. Used to great effect at times in the first half, it all but disappeared in the second and this gave Merton the opening they desired. Slowly but surely, the chink in the armour manifested itself into the crevice and the chasm through which the opposition ran rampant. Merton managed to get two quick penalty conversions and they levelled the game at 6-6.
The game moved back and forth like a metronome; neither side taking the upper hand, both waiting for the optimal moment to strike. With less possession with which to attack Woking were forced to kick for safety. The confidence that had born such fruit in the first half slowly ebbed. The lack of possession and the inability to close out the game caused a ripple of frustration to palpitate through the side and Merton were rewarded with another kickable penalty as a result. Merton took the kick which ricocheted off the post and, through an incident so bizarre as to baffle even the most obtuse, the ball was swatted by Woking into the open and disbelieving arms of the only Merton player to have chased the kick. This was the only try of the game.
A spectacularly brave effort late in the half from Adam Smith saw him power nearly the length of the pitch but then bundled into touch – this was not enough to claw back the win from the talons of the Merton.
Captain Dan Edwards’ comments said it all: “We needed to kill this game off – though lost it through penalties conceded and a freakish try. That said Merton are doing well in the league above us and we were short a few influential players so we did do well do come so close’.
Woking are recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV. All new players are welcome. Please contact Richard on 01932 347576
Saturday 24th October 09
Woking 14 – Reigate 22
Surrey League 4
Coming soon!.......
Saturday 10th October 09
Woking 17 – Wandsworthians 24
Surrey League 4
Woking travelled up the A3 for this away league fixture with Wandsworthians (The “Dubs”), with whom Woking have had a few recent close games. This fixture proved to be no different.
The initial moments of the game saw Woking awarded a scrum in the middle of the field after Dubs fluffed the kick off. This scrum was untidy, as it remained for the rest of the match and from the disruption, Dubs used their effective back row to drive up field and earned a penalty within striking distance. They missed the penalty. Woking then woke up to the task in hand drove into their opponents half and were awarded a penalty of their own within striking distance. Woking flyhalf Beavis surprised all, including himself by slotting the 3 pointer.
Woking continued to play some good rugby and centre Gareth Phillips made a great break down the middle. Some fine interplay between Phillips and wing on the day Matt Brennan eventually saw massive centre Paddy Goodburn go under the posts for a try. The try was converted putting Woking 10 points to nil up.
Dubs then responded and were able to use their driving forward play to score 2 unconverted tries before the break. The half time score was deadlock at 10-10.
Woking started the second half strongly and after a break by Beavis running down the centre, flank forward Adam Smith showed great awareness able to take the final pass and use his power to smash over for Woking’s second try. The try was converted making the score 17-10 to Woking.
This is where the Dubs showed greater heart and made Woking defend for the last 30 minutes of the game. Dubs ran in a further 2 tries to secure a 24-17 win despite some resolute defense and solid play by fullback Evan Marchant.
Stand in Captain Sean Beavis commented after the game: “I can see the frustration in the guys eyes. We had the ability to win today but were flat and our opponents took advantage. We can and will play better.”
Woking are recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV. All new players are welcome. Please contact Richard on 01932 347576
Saturday 03rd October 09
Woking 0 – Old Williamsonians 42
Cup Game - Prem Round
Woking had a 2 hour trip to there next cup game against Old Williamsonians who are based in Rochester Kent.
Woking had good preparation for this game getting to the ground with plenty of time and after the organized warm up were raring to start the match in overcast and windy conditions. The first fifteen minutes of play were even Stevens. Then the Williamsonians number 10, snatched the ball with a well timed interception of a long pass from Woking captain Pete D’Cruz to score a try that was converted.
Woking made some headway from the restart with crash balls from Nick Franchino and Paddy Goodburn in the centre creating good ruck ball and some excellently controlled phases. Several times Woking looked like scoring with overlaps on either wing but handling errors always seemed to strike at just the wrong time and several scoring opportunities went begging.
Woking up against a fit and strong side were dogged by injuries, though on balance had the superior possession in the first half, but Williamsonians were better able to convert the pressure into points scoring two more converted tries leaving the half time score at 21-0.
In the second half Woking were facing into a strong wind and clearing their lines was like throwing a boomerang. Further physicality from Williamsonians left Woking number 10, Gareth Philips flattened and requiring to be substituted, captain Pete D’Cruz left the field injured shortly after - leaving Woking with a completely new line up in the backs. This disarray was seized on by Williamsonians who launched an onslaught. Three further converted tries made for a miserable end to the game for Woking.
On the day Woking came up against an organized and determined side at full strength, whilst Womking were absent a number of regulars and were disrupted by injury on the day.
Captain Pete D’Cruz commented,’Obviously a very disappointing result for us today but we were up against a team who were organized and had played with each other for a while. We were again going into a game with a new team through injury and lost our focus through the second half which ultimately led to our defeat.’
Woking are recruiting for their 1XV and 2XV. All new players are welcome. Please contact Richard on 01932 347576
Saturday 26th September 09
Woking 22 – Old Glynonians 26
Surrey League 4
Woking were at home for their first league match against Old Glynonians. Spirits were high as Woking had been performing well in the first matches of the season. Again, it was another hot day as both teams literally warmed up for the game ahead.
Glynonians kicked off toward Woking who were facing the Sun. An intial good passage of play from Woking was snuffed out by the Old Boys – it was clear it was going to be a close game.
The break through try came from the Glynonians fullback who carved through the left hand side of Woking’s defence with 4 missed tackles contributing towards the softest try of the game. After missing the kick Glynonians were there to receive the kick off and after a few phases of play the Woking forwards were able to turn the ball over and produce quick ball to the backs. Incisive running from Dan Edwards left a big gap for Faron Griffiths-More to easily speed past his opposite number for a try between the posts. Unfortunately Woking were unable to convert the kick for the extra 2 points and the game was 5-5.
Glynonians were straight back on the attack and with a few phases of pressure on the Woking 5 metre line, they broke left and had a huge overlap going over for an easy try.
From hereon the first half was dominated by Glynonians with another try scored by a kick over that was gathered and finished by Glynonians. At half time the score was 18-5 against Woking and things were not looking good.
The second half saw Sean Beavis go in at number 10 and with a good pep talk from Captain Dan Edwards and pack leader Dale Lovell the team were raring to go again after the break. Instantly Woking were more focused and determined to win the ball with good control of the phases and looked like scoring at every opportunity.
Beavis had an immediate effect slicing through the defence and offloading to incoming support to gain many yards during the second half and with a great team effort Woking were back in with a shout as they dominated the game. There were some good tries in the second half, one from a quick lineout on the Woking 22 meter line which saw a good passage of interplay between several players until Sean Beavis scored between the posts.
A last minute try from Woking arose from a kick which saw a flurry of mistakes from the Glynonian defence with Beavis following up to get his hands on the ball and flop over the line for Woking’s final try. It was a great second half for Woking who came back into the game with great strength and skill but unfortunately there was just too much to do and the final score was 26-22 to Glynonians.
Captain Dan Edwards commented after the game, ‘Today we showed great determination but in the end we paid for our lack of concentration in the first half‘.
Woking face Old Williamsonians RFC form Rochester in Kent in the Cup on Saturday.
New players are always welcome. Please call Richard on 01932 347576
Saturday 19th September 09
Woking 0 – Sutton and Epsom Martins 8
Friendly
Woking travelled to Sutton and Epsom Martins on a hot day and were able to prepare well for the game with a good warm up session. The game began with Sutton winning the toss and kicking into the sun towards the Woking forwards. The ball was setup nicely and Woking began there attack from the off leaving Sutton and Epsom looking vulnerable in the backs.
Incisive runs from Dan Edwards and Paddy Goodburn opened up the Epsom defensive line early on but with no results. Woking got the first chance with a penalty in front of the posts which Dan Edwards skewed wide. Dedicated rucking from the forwards meant controlling the phases in open play came easy for Woking and Epsom found themselves continually on the back foot. After the initial push from Woking eventually Epsom got into their rhythm though their efforts were met with excellent tackling from the back row with some hard hits from Joe Bennett and Colin Harriot forcing the gain line backwards inducing many mistakes from the opposition.
Later on in the first half a good chance for Woking came off the back of the scrum with Joe Bennett picking the ball up and slicing through the defence, good link up play with Adam Smith saw Woking come short of the try line by twenty metres. The game continued with attacks from both teams making it a very even game. The Woking forwards dominated the rucks but the Sutton and Epsom forwards pressed Woking in the scrums leaving the backs with poor quality.
A well executed penalty move between Gareth Phillips and Dan Edwards saw the ball come out to Matthew Edwards who, with two players in support for a sure try, kicked for touch letting Woking’s best chance go to waste disappointingly. After a blistering first half the whistle was blown for an even 0-0 draw at this stage.
The second half saw more attacking play from Epsom and the scrums and organised mauls gave the Woking forwards a hard time continually being pressed on the back foot. Courageous defence from the whole Woking team was the story for most of the second half. Still breaks came from both sides but there was a growing frustration from the Woking backs as they were not getting enough balls to run at the Sutton and Epsom defence and the option to kick from a defensive position was needed to relieve pressure from the relentless Epsom attacks.
Eventually after a few phases of play Epsom found themselves with an overlap on the left side and passed along the line to score in the corner despite Gareth Philips coming across to tackle. Another break late on found Jim McGiven pulling on an Epsom player’s shirt and getting yellow carded. Another penalty added to Epsom’s lead and although Woking had some more chances in the second half though they could not capitalise on these and the final score was 8-0 to Epsom.
Acting captain Dan Edwards commented, ‘We are obviously disappointed with losing today but the team made a real game of it against a good opposing side.
Woking
Green, Franchino, Edwards, Lovell, Williams, Seppings, Bennett, Harriott, Smith Bannister, Phillips, McGiven, Marchant, Edwards, Goodburn.
Woking are looking for new players and if you are interested call Richard on 01932 347576
Saturday 12th September 09
Woking 26 – Worth Old Boys 24
Surrey Junior Cup
Woking grind out victory against Worth OBs
Woking were hosted at Whitley Village, Hersham, Old Reedonians ground on Saturday for the preliminary round of the Surrey Junior Cup by Worth Old Boys (one RFU league above Woking) under a cloudless sky and hot sun.
Hoping to build on last week’s the match was slow to start with Woking holding the ball but not using it with much imagination. This spell was broken when the ball was spun out to the right wing, finding Evan Marchant who opened the day’s account with a well taken try.
WOBs fought back strongly, particularly in the tight making the Woking forwards look far from at ease in the tight. As WOBs approached Woking’s lines the aggression and standard of their play improved culminating in a brace of tries, penalty and conversion. WOBs then retained the upper hand until half time with a score of WOBs 15, Woking 8 after Woking converted a penalty kick late in the half.
The second half started similarly with the ebb and flow to WOBs advantage until Woking wing Faron Griffiths-Moore snatched an interception and raced to score between the posts. Determined not to loose momentum Woking’s play picked up, though remained erratic. A string of injuries and water breaks slowed the game with both sides feeling the heat. WOBs managed another try but this was quickly countered by a drop goal in the Woking centres, another converted try and penalty to round off Wokings’ score at 26 and against WOBs’ 24.
A late penalty awarded to WOBs in front of the posts was missed and Woking cleared their lines for a furious final few minutes of the match, in which Woking held their defensive line. Team skipper, Pete D’Cruz said “Our performance was lacking; we made it hard for ourselves but we kept our heads up to grind out a victory”.
Anyone interested in taking up or restarting Rugby should call Richard on 01932 347576