Sat 9 Nov 2024
Crewkerne RFC v Weston-super-Mare RFC United
Saturday 9 November 2024, KO 14:30
All players have benefited from a weeks rest, or rather, if they’re any thing like me, a trip to Bath, 12 pints of Guinness and the disappoint of England v New Zealand before a night out on the lash and a proper look at, I know, I know, I am an athlete.
With a weeks rest we would hope to see the consistency in the team that we had against Cheddar and Hornets but it’s not to be, particularly with regard to the backs availability with all teams across the club having unforced changes. Great for Jacob Simpson and Sam Garrett back with the 1st Team and good to welcome Tom Blyth back into the United with Rhys Williamson and Aarik Workman. Will wonders never cease, there’s Dylan “Ventouse Head” Way on the bench who seems to have found his boots for the first time since covid, looking forward to seeing his wheels in motion.
Saturday on ground and some last minute changes that we’ve become use to, no Rhys Williamson, suffering awfully from travel sickness but but Dylan coming in to breach the gap. Josh Cooke who badly needs to rest his ankle steps in to the full back position and we also welcome back Ethan Horn who had returned to unit but got a final day away from the King’s service.
We lose the master of the tall storey Adam “I drank 20 cans on my way to Twickers” Lee, putting the club forward and putting a shift in for the Athletic, top man. Best not mention the final nightmare result for the Athletes.
Congratulations to Aarik Workman, this being his United debut. Aarik of German Norse origin sports a Viking like upside down head but is definitely of WsM origin, lets hope he goes well into battle today and does float off as a burning wreck to Valhalla.
It’s dark and gloomy at Crewkerne and the flood lights are lit before kick off as both teams line up for 2mins silence observed by all at the ground.
United elect to play down the hill and kick off to Crewkerne. There is terrific early pressure and the United push hard with both debutant Aarik and Ethan Horn in the centres tackling well. Crewkerne’s defence holds fast and the United meet Crewkerne’s attacks with the same grit.
The stale mate is ended on 17 mins with Crewkerne crossing the white wash first.
Crewkerne 7-0 United
The rustiness in the United is apparent with the referee penalising the United for silly mistakes. Finally a penalty awarded to the United. Excellent forward pressure provides the platform, Darren Burns sees the gap, steps and puts Horn into space. There’s still work to do and Blyth’s supporting run is perfectly timed for the pass and the PPA sponsored wing is in under the posts, great effort on his return but a team try well worked. 30 mins played.
Crewkerne 7-7 United, Ethan Horn collects the extras.
Crewkerne are on the attack and a rare sight as Hawken bounced by the Crewkerne 12, where were his arms? Penalty to Crewkerne who kick to touch for an attacking line-out. United do not contest the line-out, step back and do not form a maul, but Crewkerne form up roll over the line uncontested and still drop the ball. Despite Mark Walker’s appeals to the ref his arm is up and the try is awarded, even the Crewkerne players are speechless as they also felt they dropped the ball over the line. Tough result boys but gotta play to the refs ability sometimes.
Crewkerne 14-7 United and its half time.
The re-start sees Ryan Donegan and Ethan Westlake replaced by Jake Whatley and Rich Frost. The fresh legs have an immediate impact and the United are dominant in the scrum with this part of the set play working well. The first half saw a series of disappointing line-outs with the back ball really not working this week when it had been a surety in previous games. This gain in field position, which is then lost has taken it’s toll with opportunities not taken.
The pressure from the United earns Crewkerne a yellow card and the United have the man advantage with great attacking field position. The forwards are over with Mudiwa scoring only to be disallowed after given for being held up. The frustration was mounting but Mudiwa wasn't going to be denied a second time and on 50 mins cleared the line with Horn again collecting the extras.
Crewkerne 14-14 United
With parity restored the United took the initiative with forwards Rhys Matthews and Tom Burge carrying well and Rhodri Williams troubling Crewkerne in defence. The pressure was telling and United received a stream of penalties with the referee indicating the next would be a yellow card. A further two more penalties for offside and no sign of the yellow card, referee did appear to have short arms and long pockets, surely something was coming.
70 mins Donegan Jr is back on for Frost and Simon Hudson relieves skipper Mark Walker. Crewkerne break against the run of play and the big centre screams in under the posts.
Crewkerne 21-14 United
5mins to go and the United aren’t shying from the task and throw everything at the home team. Is there time? Yes for Crewkerne with the United stretched there’s a final break on the wing and Crewkerne secure the glory. All the players get their handbags out and have a really good look at them which was mildly entertaining for the home crowd.
Crewkerne RFC 26-14 United
A great close game that could have easily gone the United’s way as Kung Fu Panda enthusiastically explained to the referee after the game. Congratulations to Crewkerne our hosts we look forward to seeing you at the Rec 15 February 2025.
In the United, there’s a feeling of disappointment and that we left something on the pitch, some poor set pieces, lack of coms between ourselves and the referee at times were the difference this week. It was positive to see Dylan back, some a little high, some a little low. Well done to Aarik in the centre and big heart from Josh, rest now mate. There’s also leadership coming through, Darren and Nick bringing experience in the backs, Rhodri abrasive in the forwards and younger players like Blythe secure under high balls. Forwards competed well, but we need some dog in our attitude across the pack.
I’m sure there will be more changes ahead of next Saturday, but we have a fine dry week so lets get to training and develop the one game so the changes have less impact.
Backs Dylan Way, Darren Burns, Tom Blyth, Aarik Workman, Ethan Horn, Nick Hawken, Josh Cooke
Forwards Ryan Donegan, Tom Burge, Rhys Matthews, Ethan Westlake, Vinnie Jones, Mudiwa Hakunava, Rhodri Williams, Mark Walker
Reps (all used) Jake Whatley, Simon Hudson, Rich Frost
Mark Mongo Matthews
